Lyons Elementary District 103

Board Meeting Report

4/26/10

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.

Board Reorganization

Each year at this time the board selects its officers.  At this board meeting Mr. David DeLeshe was elected president, Mrs. Joanne Schaeffer was elected vice president, and Mrs. Sharon Anderson was elected board secretary.  Dr. Warner said he looks forward to working with Mr. DeLeshe as president.  Mr. DeLeshe lives in Stickney and has two children attend Home School.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Warner shared the following with the board:

PBS – During Monday’s teacher institute, each school spent time working to refine their plans to implement a Positive Behavioral System (PBS) next year.  Dr. Kathleen Lane, an expert from Vanderbilt University, has been working with teams from each building to develop a Positive Behavioral System.  The PBS plan will complete our Response to Intervention program.  Mrs. Suominen, director of Special Education, will brief the board about PBS at our next board meeting.

Race to the Top – Illinois’ Race to the Top application for more than $400 million was not accepted by the U.S. Department of Education for this year.  However, ISBE is already working on next year’s application and is again asking superintendents, board presidents, and union presidents to sign off on the application.  Dr. Warner will participate in a two-hour webinar on Tuesday to learn more about the application and what school districts who participate are required to do.

Get Involved! – Dr. Warner encouraged all parents to get involved in their schools.  Some upcoming events include:

April 27^th                                      GWMS-Boys Volley Ball                 Pleasantdale                 4:15 PM

April 27^th                                      GWMS-Co-Ed Soccer                    GWMS                        4:15 PM

April 27^th                                      GWMS-Girls Softball                      Pleasantdale                 4:15 PM

April 28^th                                       4^th & 5^th Concert                             Lincoln             7:00 PM

April 28^th                                      3^rd & 5^th Concert                              Robinson                      6:30 PM

April 28^th                                      GWMS-Boys Volleyball                   Freedom MS                4:15 PM

April 29^th                                      Wheel of Wisdom                             Costello                        9:00 AM

April 29^th                                      Art Show & Wax Museum               Home                           6:00 PM

April 29^th                                     Spring Concert                                  GWMS                        6:30 PM

April 29^th                                      GWMS-Boys Volleyball                  Gurrie MS                    4:15 PM

April 29^th                                      GWMS-Co-Ed Soccer                    McClure MS                4:15 PM

April 29^th                                      GWMS-Girls Softball                       GWMS                        4:15 PM                                       

Discussion Topics

Board Focus Groups – The Lyons Elementary School District 103 school board would like to hear directly from staff, parents, and community members as the board begins to set the district’s goals for the future.  Seven focus groups will meet with a facilitator to reflect on two important questions.  One focus group will be made up of just District 103 staff members.  Each school will also host a focus group for parents and community members.  The principal from each school will invite community representatives such as the mayor, village trustees, and the police and fire chiefs.  The principals will also invite parents and community members to attend, including current and past PTO/PTA/PTSA leaders.  A letter will also be sent home to parents inviting them to attend.  The tentative schedule is as follows:

May 3              Staff

May 6              George Washington Middle School

May 11            Edison School

May 18            Robinson School

May 19            Lincoln School

May 25            Home School

May 26            Costello School

All school meetings will begin at 7 PM.  The staff meeting will begin at 3:30 PM.

Action Items

Edison, Home and Robinson Boundary Changes - The board of education has been closely monitoring the class sizes at each of its schools.  It also looked at a variety of ways to reduce class size, including forming grade level centers, combining two different grade levels, and boundary changes. 

Recently the board received an enrollment projection report from Dr. John Kasarda, a nationally-known demographer.  His projections showed that, among other findings, that Edison’s enrollment continues to trend upward, Robinson’s enrollment trends downward, and Home School’s enrollment is significantly lower than the other two.  The board has been looking at ways to equalize the enrollment in these three schools.

In looking at the boundaries of these two schools, the board noted that a two-block section of Edison’s attendance area (Area #1) west of Harlem Ave., had actually been part of Robinson’s attendance area several years ago.  This three block area is bounded by Pershing Road to the north, Haas Avenue to the West and Harlem Avenue on the East.  The board agreed for Area #1:

• All new residents after June 30, 2010 shall attend Robinson School, and;
• All current students residing in this area shall be allowed to complete their education through fifth grade at Edison School, and;
• All current residents residing in this area shall be allowed to enroll a new student at Edison if that student would have a sibling at Edison during that same school year, and;
• All current residents residing in this area shall enroll a new student at Robinson School if they would not have a sibling at Edison during that same school year.

A second area of Edison’s current boundaries (Area #5) was found to have been part of Home School in the past.  This two-block area is bounded by 41^st Street to the north, 42^nd Street to the south, Clinton Avenue to the west and Oak Park Avenue to the east.  The board agreed for Area #5:

• All new residents after June 30, 2010 shall attend Home School, and;
• All current students residing in this area shall be allowed to complete their education through fifth grade at Edison School, and;
• All current residents residing in this area shall be allowed to enroll a new student at Edison if that student would have a sibling at Edison during that same school year, and;
• All current residents residing in this area shall enroll a new student at Home School if they would not have a sibling at Edison during that same school year.

Staff Achieve Tenure – The board approved 15 certified staff members to attain tenure in District 103 at the end of this year.  These staff members have successfully completed 4 years here and have been formally evaluated eight times.  We congratulate these people for their achievement.

Release of Non-Certified Personnel – The administration has carefully studied its needs for instructional aides in the coming year.  Dr. Warner, superintendent, and Mrs. Suominen, director of special education, met with each principal and reviewed the needs of each student receiving special education services.  As a result of these meetings, it was determined that the district will require 13 fewer instructional aides next year.  In addition, the administration recommended releasing the library aide at George Washington Middle School because a full-time teacher is already assigned there.  The board expressed regret over this action, but did release the 14 staff members.  Dr. Warner reminded the board that should an opening occur the released aides will be called back in seniority order.  Last year all of the released aides were invited back.

Board Meeting Calendar – The board approved its calendar for the next year.  Of note: the board decided to move the starting time for its regular board meetings (usually the 4^th Monday of the month) from 7:30 PM to 7 PM.

Student Handbook Adoption – The board approved the K-5 and middle school handbooks as presented.

Student Fee Adoption – The board accepted the administration’s recommendations for student fees next year.  The registration, band/orchestra, PE uniform, and calculator fees will all remain the same.  The cost of all camps and the before/after care were increased so the district could recover all of its costs.  Those families who are eligible for Reduced Fee Meals according to the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program will only have to pay half of the registration, PE uniform, and calculator fees.

Recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week - Each year the first week of May is selected as Teacher Appreciation Week.  During this week we honor the teachers who work so hard on behalf of our students.  The board of education wants to recognize the teachers here in District 103 and passed a resolution honoring our teaching staff.  The board will also be providing each building a cake on May 3^rd as a small thank you for all they do.

The next regular board meeting will be on Monday, May 24^th at the Admin Building at 7:00 PM.

The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be on Monday, May 10^th at the Admin Building at 7 PM.

Lyons Elementary District 103

Board Meeting Report

4/19/10

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.

Board Member Resignation

Secretary of the Board Sharon Anderson read a letter from board member Judith Petrucci.  In her letter, Mrs. Petrucci cited personal and health reasons for resigning from the board immediately.  She was elected in April, 2005 and served as president during the 2008-09 school year.  Board members expressed concern for Mrs. Petrucci’s health and said that she will be missed.  The board will begin the process to find a replacement for Mrs. Petrucci immediately.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Warner shared the following with the board:

Economic interest form – All board members and administrators are encouraged to return their economic interest form to the Cook County Clerk’s office as soon as possible. 

Math Initiative – Dr. Warner announced that the West 40 partnership with the Chicago Community Trust is moving ahead after getting word that the grant was accepted.  District 103 is one of 11 districts in the project.  The goals of the project are to improve middle school math education.  This will be accomplished by providing world-class professional development to teachers and administrators.  District 103 will be working with Morton High School to improve articulation and communication.  District 103 is honored to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Space Foundation – On the other side of town, school districts feeding into Lyons Township High School have been working together with the Space Foundation to create a unique professional development opportunity with students and staff.  This summer Heidi Hiner, 5^th grade teacher at Robin son School, Julie Frankum, 6^th grade science teacher, and Beth Nicholson, 8^th grade science teacher will meet with other teachers in the area and focus on best practices in astronomy education.  Four sixth grade students will also be in the workshop.  Teachers and students will discuss what works and what doesn’t work.  This should be an exciting week for all involved.

Dr. Vladika – Dr. Warner congratulated Mary Jo Vladika for obtaining her doctoral degree from Aurora University.  Dr. Vladika successfully defended her dissertation over spring break.  We are very proud of Dr. Vladika!

District Recognition - The 2010 ISBE School District Financial Profile, based on the 2009 school year financial data, placed our District within the Financial Recognition range. This is the highest category obtainable for the School District Financial Profile. This represents a significant achievement for District 103 given the economic difficulties school districts are facing. ISBE recently presented the District with a Certificate of Recognition.

Financial Strength – District 103 was recently informed that the Moody’s Investment Service has upgraded the district’s rating from A3 to A2. This rating is based on the district’s improved financial position.  Congratulations to the board and Jim Schiffer for carefully Managing the community’s resources.

Get Involved! – Dr. Warner encouraged all parents to get involved in their schools.  Some upcoming events include:

April 19^th                                  K & 3 Concert                                     Home               6:30 PM

April 20^th                                  Culvers Night                                       Costello            6:30 PM

April 21^st                                  2^nd & 3^rd Concert                                 Costello            6:30 PM

April 22^nd                                 Talent Show                                         Robinson          6:30 PM

April 28^th                                  4^th & 5^th Concert                                  Lincoln 7:00 PM

April 28^th                                  3^rd & 5^th Concert                                  Robinson          6:30 PM

April 29^th                                  Wheel of Wisdom                                 Costello            9:00 AM

April 29^th                                  Art Show & Wax Museum                   Home               6:00 PM

April 29^th                                Spring Concert                               GWMS  6:30 PM                              

Discussion Topics

NSBA Conference Report – Board members recently attended the National School Board Association’s annual conference in Chicago recently.  Each board member gave a report on some of the sessions they attended.

Board Goals – Mrs. Schaeffer and the  board decided that if there was time on the May 10^th Committee of the Whole meeting that they would begin setting their goals for the next school year.  If there isn’t enough time they will meet on May 11^th.

Board Role in Student Disciplinary Cases – The board decided that they did not want to meet with students who were having disciplinary problems.

Board Calendar FY11 – The board reviewed the proposed calendar.  They decided that they want all of the meetings to begin at 7 PM.

Summer School – Dr. Vladika presented an overview of the Jump Start summer school program.  The program will be held the first three weeks of August, and is designed to help students to get ready for the first day back in school in August.

Parent Survey Results – Dr. Warner shared the results of the parent survey that was recently given during Open House.  He said he was “blown away” by the positive responses from parents.  Over 90% of the 645 respondents marked “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” to every one of the questions, showing great support for our schools.  Written feedback from parents showed that they were pleased with the schools, but also expressed some concerns.  The board members noted several comments about staff members who were not helpful to the parents, or appeared to be disrespectful.  The administration and building staff will continue to analyze the data from the surveys.

Demographic Study – Dr. Warner shared the results of the demographic projections, as provided by Dr. Kasarda.  Dr. Warner said that Kasarda’s projections had been very accurate in the past.  The projections show that George Washington Middle School will increase by over 120 students in three years.  The administration will begin looking at ways to accommodate this growth.  The board also looked at the enrollments at Robinson, Edison, and Home schools.  They recommended to have all Edison students who reside west of Harlem Ave., would attend Robinson beginning next year.  They also recommended that current students in a two-block area bounded by Clinton, Oak Park, 41^st and 42^nd streets continue to attend Edison.  However, new residents to that area would attend Home School as well as current residents that don’t already have a student at Edison would attend Home School in the future.

Student Handbook Revisions – The board reviewed the administration’s recommendations for the elementary and middle school handbooks.  The board again voiced their desire that students come to school only wearing the prescribed student uniform, with no deviations.

Food Service Contract Extension – Mr. Schiffer, business manager, recommended to extend the food service contract with Preferred Meals for one more year because the increase is only 1.9%.  The contract will be placed out to bid next year.

FY11 Fees – Mr. Schiffer reviewed the administration’s recommendations for student fees next year.  The registration, band/orchestra, PE uniform, and calculator fees will all remain the same.  The cost of all camps and the before/after care were increased so the district could recover all of its costs.  Those families who are eligible for Reduced Fee Meals will only have to pay half of the registration, PE uniform, and calculator fees.

The next regular board meeting will be on Monday, April 26^th at the Admin Building at 7:30 PM.

The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be on Monday, May 10^th at the Admin Building at 7 PM.

Dear District 103 Staff,

On Wednesday, there was a system-wide error with our anti-virus updates. This caused each machine to restart by itself, and reported a virus on the machine.

We have identified the cause of the problem, but the damage is already done. In order to correct this issue, the tech staff will need to visit every workspace and work on each computer.

This is what we would like you to do:

• Wait for tech staff to visit and check your computer(s).

• Do not turn on your computer until you know we have visited and worked on the computer.

It is possible that some computers will need to be rebuilt. We will start that process as soon as we get through all of the buildings.

We expect the majority of this process to be completed by the end of the day on Friday. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Bryan Drozd

Director of Technology

Lyons Elementary District 103

Board Meeting Report

3/29/10

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

Dr. Warner shared the following with the board:

Parent Survey – All parents attending Open House last Thursday were asked to complete a parent survey.  We are currently compiling the data and will present the results at a future board meeting.

Kasarda Study – We have received the report from Dr. Kasarda on the projected attendance in each of our schools over the next 5-10 years.  The administration is currently studying the data and will bring it to the next Committee of the Whole meeting in April.

Pi Day – March 14^th was Pi Day, a day to honor the mathematical constant used to calculate the circumference of a circle. Why March 14^th? – because it is 3 14.  As you may recall, Pi itself has a non-repeating decimal – sophisticated computers have calculated Pi out to millions of decimal places.  Students in 8A had a contest to see how many decimal places of Pi they could memorize.  Eight students were able to recite Pi to over 100 decimal places.  The winner, Danny Ballesteros, was able to memorize 140 Digits!  Congratulations to all the math whizzes at GWMS.  

Thanks to Mrs. Vladika – Dr. Warner thanked Mrs. Vladika for covering for him during his absence last week.  He said Mrs. Vladika is always willing to step in and help out.

Change in Board Meeting Calendar – Dr. Warner reminded everyone that the next Committee of the Whole meeting has been moved from April 12 to April 19.  The meeting will still be held at the Admin Building at 7 PM.

Spring Break – District 103 will be closed this Friday and next week.   The district office will be open next week.  Dr. Warner wished everyone a great break.

Get Involved! – Dr. Warner encouraged all parents to get involved in their schools.  Some upcoming events include:

March 30^th                  Spring Concert                           Robinson                      6:30 PM

March 30, 31              Spring Play                               GWMS                        7:00 PM

SCOTY Awards

For the past Fourteen years the West 40 Educational Service Center has given outstanding students the SCOTY (School Citizen of The Year) Award.  The SCOTY Awards honor students in grades one through twelve who are good role models and set a positive example for their peers.  All winners have a positive and caring attitude.

On March 17, 2010 a student from each of District 103’s schools were awarded a SCOTY Award.  We are pleased that West 40 has recognized these wonderful students:

Alex Conoboy                          Costello School            5^th Grade

            Lesley Razon                            GWMS                        8^th Grade

            Anahi Castrejon                        Home School               5^th Grade

            Gabrielle Trimborn                    Lincoln School             5^th Grade

            Valeria Martinez                       Robinson School          3^rd Grade

            Taylor Gipson                           Edison School              5^th Grade

Discussion Items

District 103 Finances

At its last meeting, the board of education authorized the administration to reduce next year’s budget by $600,000.  In spite of this substantial reduction, there could be a budget deficit of $375,000 next year, and that could go higher if the state does not fulfill its financial obligations to the district.

Ten certified positions were eliminated last year to reduce the expected deficit.   This year, after careful study, the administration recommended that two more positions be reduced. 

These positions have had low student impact for the past several years.  The first position is one of the three Intervention positions at the middle school.  A relatively few number of students meet with the math Intervention teacher each day.  The second position the administration recommends to be reduced is Spanish.  All sixth grade students take Spanish, but in seventh and eighth grade it is an elective and very few students elect to take it.

The administration also recommended closing a Cross-Categorial classroom at Lincoln School and at George Washington Middle School.  The certified positions in these two classrooms will be reassigned to help reduce class size and special education workloads.

When other school districts around the state are laying off hundreds and thousands of teachers, District 103 is has put itself in a good position to weather the financial storm.

Code of Ethics

The board asked Dr. Warner to draft a Code of Ethics for athletes, parents, and coaches.

Action Items

2010-11 Calendar

The board approved the 2010-11 school calendar. The calendar is similar to the one recently adopted by Morton H.S.  Highlights of the calendar include:

August 23 – Teacher institute

August 24 – First day of school for students

December 18 – January 2 – Winter Break

March 26 – April 3 – Spring Break

April 4 & April 5 – Teacher Institute

June 2 – 8^th Grade Graduation

June 3 – last day of school

Release of Probationary Teachers

As previously discussed, in order to reduce its projected $900,000 deficit next year, the board has directed the administration to cut $600,000 from the budget.  Since then the administration has reviewed its budget and has made many recommendations on how to reduce expenditures.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to cut $600,000 without reducing the number of people hired by the district.  Two positions, one of the three Intervention positions and the Spanish position at George Washington Middle School, are being reduced to help reduce expenditures.

Additionally, the administration constantly evaluates its staff and has determined that several first, second and third year teachers should be released.  Those teachers are not working up to District 103’s high expectations.

The next regular board meeting will be on Monday, April 26^th at the Admin Building at 7:30 PM.

The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be on Monday, April 19th at the Admin Building at 7 PM. NOTE – this meeting was changed from April 12^th to April 19^th.