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News from the February Board Meeting
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Dr. Larry Hewitt provided an overview of the district in his annual “State of 28” presentation. Highlights include:
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Finances
The District is challenged by a low Consumer Price Index, which controls how much the District can collect in property tax revenue. Local revenue accounts for 95 percent of the District’s revenues. Other financial challenges include low investment income, and state legislature uncertainty: state revenue is 3 percent of the district’s revenues, and Springfield can impact the District by prorating aide and delaying payments. The District is seeing some growth in revenues from new developments.
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Overall enrollment has been fairly consistent over the past ten years. New development may impact Meadowbrook, where 791 housing units have been approved for construction.
The size of the student body has remained stable over the last ten years, but there is an increasing number of English Learners (see chart) and students qualifying for gifted and talented programming.
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Educational Initiatives
Among the accomplishments in 2016-17:
- Pilot of Standards-Based Reporting in elementary grades and junior high electives.
- Implementation of full-day kindergarten with an afternoon discovery learning component.
- Launch of Next Generation Science Standards, which focus on hands-on learning.
- Launch of New Literacy Studio curriculum, which emphasizes combining writing and reading.
- Adding student growth data to teachers’ evaluations as required by state law.
- Formed a new committee, the 21st Century Learning Committee, which is studying innovative teaching and learning, conducting a self-assessment, and making recommendations.
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New Assistant Superintendent Named
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Dr. Raitzer Comes on Board After Dr. Horvath Retires
Dr. Kristin Raitzer has been appointed Assistant Superintendent effective July 1, replacing retiring Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathy Horvath in Northbrook District 28.
Dr. Raitzer comes to Northbrook with a broad background in education, holding leadership positions in Minneapolis, MN; Louisville, KY; Zion and St. Charles.
Read more About Dr. Raitzer
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New Bus Contract Locks in Rates
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A new joint transportation agreement among all Northfield Township elementary school districts and District 225 will provide greater continuity of service for families.
First Student, the current bus company serving the District, was the only company to offer a bid. The company is facing increased costs in labor and fleet upkeep, resulting in a 17 percent rate increase for 2017-18, and three percent rate increases the following two years, said Jessica Donato, Chief School Business Official. The joint agreement will allow the bus company to pair routes between elementary and high school routes for the greatest savings.
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Gym Floor Update For Westmoor School
Architects have received the go-ahead to draft construction documents and specifications to replace the gym floor at Westmoor School with a wood floor this summer.
The work is part of the District’s long-range improvement plan. The upgrade was delayed until after the addition at Westmoor was complete because the gym had been used for storage during construction. The project should be ready for bids in about three weeks. If approved, construction would take place over the summer.
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Happenings Around the District
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Downing Named
Golden Apple Finalist
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Northbrook Junior High Drama teacher David Downing is one of 34 finalists for The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching in the state of Illinois.
A veteran educator, he has worked at Northbrook Junior High for 10 years. He is a teacher leader who has served on numerous school-wide and district-wide committees.
Read more about Mr. Downing
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Join in the family fun May 6 by participating or volunteering for the Homer O. Harvey 5K-Fun Run/Walk-Obstacle Course. Last year, the event raised over $7,000 for college scholarships to Northbrook Junior High alumni.
There’s something for everyone: Race for your personal best time or enjoy a run-walk with friends and family. Awards are given for overall male & female runners and for age groups ranging from first grade to 60 and over. Afterward, there is an obstacle course for children ages 11 and under.
Registration opens in April. Contact [email protected] for more information.
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Celebrate 28! RSVP Due April 7
Join your colleagues to celebrate our class of 2017 retirees and honor those being recognized for years of service at Celebrate 28! on April 27.
Paper invites were mailed to retirees. You can select a table of ten or submit partial table preference.
You must send your check by April 7 to secure your spot. Call Beth Gebhardt at 847-504-3414 for questions.
RSVP NOW!
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Register Today for Wellness Screening
The Wellness Screening program is a free, quick, convenient opportunity to get a health summary report based on blood pressure, lab work, and lifestyle risk factors.
If you haven’t signed up already, please do so today! You will need to schedule your appointment by the end of day on March 10 for the Wellness Screening at NBJH and by March 17 for Greenbriar. Go to: www.myinteractivehealth.com Sponsor code: MUG7J
If at least 50% of our staff members participate in the screening, everyone who participates will receive a $25 gift card. In addition, the District will receive a rebate from our insurance cooperative.
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ISBE Offers Subsidy For National Certification
The Illinois State Board of Education is pleased to announce the opening of the 2017 spring window for the Illinois $1,900 NBPTS Candidate Fee Subsidy. The National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University will process applications for eligible Illinois teachers and counselors. National Board Certification offers a way for accomplished teachers to be assessed and recognized and a way for parents to know their child’s teacher has met high and rigorous standards. For more information, please visit http://nbrc.illinoisstate.edu/
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Heather Fried Apr. 02
Susan Nordberg Apr. 02
Holly Osifalujo Apr. 07
Anne Riguzzi Apr. 07
Aaron Sato Apr. 07
Kate Garside Apr. 08
Meghan Henry Apr. 09
Meg Crockford Apr. 10
Mary Perkins Apr. 10
Jodi Siglin Apr. 14
Julie Meyers Apr. 15
Monica Benz Apr. 19
Maria N. Zambonino Apr. 19
Jennifer Arner Apr. 21
Jeremy Blair Apr. 21
Beth Gebhardt Apr. 22
William Borgerd Apr. 22
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Tim Zinanni Apr. 23
Kara Barus Apr. 24
Ann Casey Apr. 24
Christine Kim April 24
Casey Murman Apr. 24
Jill Silverman Apr. 24
Kathryn Colsen Apr. 24
Jason Piechowiak Apr. 26
Lindsay Andrukaitis Apr. 27
Lisa Tenuta Apr. 27
Maribel Jimenez Salinas Apr. 28
Brittany Farris Apr. 29
Christine Botten Apr. 29
Katharine Gerber Apr. 29
Sarah E. Mulhall Apr. 29
Elizabeth Weir Apr. 30
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Margaret I. Busch nee Collister, 82, of Northbrook, born and raised in Galva, IL, passed away February 4, 2017. Beloved wife for 59 ½ years of Dennis E. Busch. Mrs. Busch taught second grade for 17 years at Greenbriar Elementary School in Northbrook. Services were held at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Rd., Glenview. Memorials may be made to the Homer O. Harvey Scholarship Fund, C/O Northbrook School District 28, 1475 Maple Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062.
Arthur I. Hirsh, the father of Carol Hirsh(WM), passed away peacefully the weekend of March 4-5. Services and Interment were held March 8 at Shalom Memorial Park on 1700 Rand Road, Arlington Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans. For information or condolences please call (847) 255-3520 or visit the website www.shalom2.com
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Births
Jill Reigle (Retired French Teacher at NBJH) and husband George welcomed their first grandchild, Parker Laine Reigle, on Jan. 11. Parker is the son of Will and Jordan Reigle and resides in Chicago.
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Stephanie Linton (NBJH) and husband Josh welcomed Ira Leon into the world on Feb. 6. He weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz and was 21 inches long.
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Kara Barus (MB) and husband Grant welcomed their first child, Avery Lena Barus, into the world on Feb. 9. She weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and was 21 inches long.
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STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 28!
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District 28’s official hashtag! You can search the hashtag on Twitter or Facebook to monitor posts from teachers, administrators and the district accounts. This hashtag helps us tell the story of Teaching, Learning and Caring in District 28.
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