Enhancements to the curriculum and expanded opportunities for children continue to dominate the planning of the Board of Education at Community Consolidated School District #180. At its September 25 meeting, the Board authorized the establishment of a full day kindergarten program to be implemented as soon as possible.

Teachers Kristen Drain and Maureen Wyncott and administrators Charles Accardi and Frank Rink cited the research that overwhelmingly supports the benefits of a full day program. Discussion also took place regarding the impact the new kindergarten program will have on current facilities and programs and regarding the need to keep parents fully informed about the implementation of the full-day arrangement.

To address the need for expanded kindergarten facilities and improved cafeteria/kitchen facilities, the Board, at the recommendation of its Facilities Committee, also authorized the construction of two additional kindergarten classrooms at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and the expansion of cafeteria and kitchen facilities at Burr Ridge Middle School. This project will be completed with existing funds and will not result in an increase to the tax rate of residents of Burr Ridge CCSD #180. Expected completion of the construction projects is early in the 2002-2003 school year.

In other action, the Board . . .

. . . observed a moment of silence in memory and honor of those victimized by the events of September 11, 2001.

. . . conducted a public hearing and adopted the fiscal year 2002 final budget reflecting $6,834,801 in revenues and $6,782,496 in expenditures. All school district fund accounts should end the 2001-02 school year with positive balances.

. . . directed the superintendent to continue research and planning for possible implementation of a breakfast program at CCSD #180.
. . . presented the Board of Education Award of Excellence to Parent Teacher Council leaders Jenifer Mihalkanin and Linda Gauthier.

. . . heard a presentation by P.E./health teacher and Athletic Director Luke Peterson regarding the use of a $31,000 fitness center recently installed at Burr Ridge Middle School.

. . . opted to maintain membership in the Legislative Education Network of DuPage (LEND).

. . . designated superintendent Frank Rink as SASED representative for the district.

. . . accepted the resignation of Rebecca Johnson as district office secretary and the resignation of Meredith Cockrell as reading aide with thanks to the individuals for their service to CCSD #180.

. . . employed Daisy Kocher (Aide) and Karen Harwell (Secretary/Technology) for the remainder of the 2001-02 school year, and re-assigned secretaries Lauren Thacker, Darlene Lavenhagen, and Debra Wilson.

. . . tabled action on a possible shift from a self-funded to a fully-funded health insurance program until specific premium rates are shared by potential insurance carriers

. . . increased salaries of the school district's nurse's aides.

. . . approved a request by Kathleen Dineen-Hendricks' for an unpaid leave of absence for childcare/maternity.

. . . approved the annual applications of recognition of schools.

. . . authorized the superintendent to develop a policy review plan.

. . . reviewed financial and administrative reports.

The Board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.