Lyons Elementary District 103

Board Meeting Report   10/24/11

Below is a synopsis of Lyons Elementary District 103’s most recent board meeting.  These are not official minutes, but an overview of the work the board of education completed.

Superintendent’s Report

Open Enrollment Policy – As you recall, the district initiated a one-time only open enrollment policy this month.  The purpose of the open enrollment policy was to give parents the opportunity to transfer their child to a classroom with fewer students.  No one signed up for the open enrollment policy.

Passing of Judith B. Petrucci – It is with great sadness to report that Judith B. Petrucci, former board member and Board President, passed away this past weekend.  Mrs. Petrucci was a strong advocate for the rights of students and lobbied for nutritious student lunches and a strong fine arts program.  Our condolences go out to Mrs. Petrucci’s family.

Architect Report – Mrs. Carole Pugh from Green Associates architectural firm provided a cost estimate for the improvements at George Washington Middle School.  The estimates include all of the work previously agreed upon for the north and south end of the building and renovating the current auditorium into a cafeteria/multi-purpose room with larger kitchen and service areas.  The work being proposed is to accommodate more students entering the school and to improve safety on the campus.  The cost estimate was $6.3 million, which is more than Dr. Warner anticipated.  He will work with Mrs. Pugh to find ways to reduce the cost and bring it back to the board for further discussion at the November Committee of the Whole meeting.

Building Report

Seventh grade students from Mrs. Flood and Mrs. Pantazis’ math classes wowed the board of education with their ability to solve complex algebraic expressions.  The students are learning new ways of doing algebra because their teachers are involved in the West Cook Math Initiative (WCMI).  WCMI is a collaborative effort through the West 40 Intermediate Service Center and the University of Illinois Chicago and funded by the Chicago Trust.  Board members were invited to solve the same algebra problems as the students and found them to be very challenging.

Discussion Items

1. School Report Card – Dr. Warner shared the 2011 School Report Card data with the board.  He noted that even though the district has made steady progress on meeting state expectations, the state will be raising those expectations so high this year very few schools in Illinois will be able to pass.  He noted that the district is working on a district improvement plan, which will be presented to the board in January.
2. IASB Delegate Assembly – The board will discuss proposals to vote on during the Tri-Conference in November.  An alternate delegate needs to be selected.
3. Buildings and Grounds Report – Mr. Tom Sheehy, Director of Buildings and Grounds, gave a report listing all of the projects undertaken this past summer.  He noted that most of these projects have been completed and was not planning other major projects during the school year.

Action Items

a.       Estimated Amounts to be Levied – Mr. Jim Schiffer, Business Manager, presented the board with a resolution concerning the 2011 levy.  He noted that the resolution calls for an 8.9% increase in order to capture all available tax proceeds, but that the Cook County Clerk will apply the provisions of the Tax Cap to reduce the actual increase to 1.5-2.0%.  The board approved the resolution.

b.      Red Ribbon Week Proclamation – the board approved a proclamation citing their support of Red Ribbon Week during the week of October 24^th.  During this week students will be taught about the dangers of drugs and encouraged to live their lives drug free.

c.       American Education Week – the board approved a proclamation to recognize American Education Week during the week of November 14^th.  During this week all District 103 employees will be recognized for their contributions in the education of our children.

The next regular board meeting will be on Monday, November 28th at Home School at 7:00 PM.

The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be on Monday, November 14th at the Admin Building at 7:00 PM.