BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SUMMARY
Reporting on the Regular Business Meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018
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Below is a summary of topics discussed at the meeting including: D181 Celebrations,
Student Assessments Update
, Board Vacancy Appointment,
HMS Update
, and Additional Notes & Upcoming Events.
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As part of the ongoing Board President Report and Celebrations, Principals will be attending Board meetings throughout the year to report on recent news and successes. At the Sept. 12 meeting, Principal Dr. Levi Brown presented on behalf of Clarendon Hills Middle School.
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Student Wins 2 Special Olympics Medals
This summer, eighth-grader Caroline O’Hara won two Special Olympics medals for her performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Sixth Grade Curriculum Night
Energy and enthusiasm was high surrounding the 6th Grade Curriculum Night. This is a critical transition period for students and parents as they graduate from elementary to middle school classes and schedules. Teachers did an exceptional job of alleviating stress and parents expressed their gratitude and excitement for the year ahead.
Cross Country Nearly Doubles Participation
This year marked one of the highest turnouts for cross country. Last year there were 76 runners, this year there are 145! This is positive for students as involvement not only promotes health and wellness but also time management, social skills, and building relationships with adults in the building.
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Two Staff Members Earn Doctorates
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CHMS Principal Dr. Levi Brown, Board President Jennifer Burns, CHMS Eighth Grade Science Teacher Dr. Milton Harris.
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Principal Dr. Levi Brown and Eighth Grade Science Teacher Dr. Milton Harris earned their Ph.D.s this summer. Drs. Brown and Harris add to the District's roster of highly qualified staff who are deeply passionate about providing students with the best education possible.
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Student Assessments Update
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Each year, the District administers district-level assessments to monitor student progress, inform instructional decisions, determine placement into advanced courses, evaluate program effectiveness, and identify and measure school improvement goals. Dr. Kathleen Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, provided an update to the Board regarding the 2018-19 Assessment Calendar and related communication to parents.
Also discussed was the effort made to minimize the number of standardized tests, and the difficulty in doing so without compromising the ability to ensure that students are learning and growing as expected. The District has developed a balanced assessment system in which students engage in varied assessments at strategic times of the year to maximize student learning results and minimize assessment time. A well-planned approach to balanced assessment provides our teachers, administrators, parents, and students with the different kinds of data they need to be well-informed decision makers.
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In terms of communication to parents, Dr. Robinson said that information regarding high-stakes assessments impacting student placement will be communicated prior to each assessment window. The results of all state and local assessments will be provided to parents in a timely fashion once available for distribution.
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"We know assessment is a key part of the educational system and imperative to the continuous improvement cycle of schools."
- Dr. Kathleen Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Learning
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Merchantz Appointed to Board of Education
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William Merchantz was approved and appointed as a Board member at the meeting. Merchantz is filling the vacant seat left by former Board member Leslie Gray, who resigned August 15 as a result of her family moving outside of District boundaries. Merchantz will serve in her seat until April 2019, when he will then have to run for re-election if he wishes to continue to serve.
Merchantz has been involved in District 181 and the community for years, including positions on the Finance Committee, the Digital Learning Environment Team and the Hinsdale Village Caucus. As a board member of the University of Illinois Foundation and founding chair of the University of Illinois Chicago Alumni Association, Merchantz also has governance experience.
"I have always been a proponent of a learning-driven school system, with the best teachers and facilities that our taxes can support, resulting in great outcomes from our students, all in support of their parents," Merchantz said.
Merchantz and his wife, Cathy, live in Hinsdale where they raised their two children. Both children attended Monroe School, then Clarendon Hills Middle School, and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School.
"With his years of involvement in the District and governance experience, Mr. Merchantz will be able to hit the ground running. We are looking forward to his contributions as a Board member," Board President Jennifer Burns said.
Merchantz was selected from a pool of 18 applicants who applied for the open seat. Interviews were conducted during a Special Board Meeting on Saturday, September 8. Merchantz will take the Oath of Office at the Monday, Sept. 24, Board of Education Regular Business Meeting.
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Kerry Leonard provided an update to the Board regarding the Hinsdale Middle School construction budget and schedule.
The project remains
on budget
- As of Sept. 12, 97% of the Referendum Budget amount has been awarded.
- After approval of the September bills, 70% of the Referendum Budget will have been expended.
- The current stress test on the Expected Expenditures report indicates the project will be under the Referendum Budget when completed.
The project remains
on schedule.
Below are key completion dates.
- Nov. 19: Substantial Completion
- By Dec. 21: Technology installed, furniture delivered, systems training, final cleaning
- Dec. 22 - Jan. 6: Moving days from current HMS to new HMS
- Jan. 7: First day of classes in new building
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"We remain confident we're on track for the scheduled completion dates." - Kerry Leonard
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Additional Information
The ceiling inspection and testing of the sprinkler system have been completed in the third floor of Building A. Ceiling tile, lockers, and casework are being installed. The HVAC system is being tested and doors, hardware, and flooring remain to be installed. In the Gymnasium, equipment is being installed and the wood floor work will be proceeding shortly.
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- Sept. 24 Board of Education Regular Business Meeting
- Sept. 25 Facilities Committee meeting
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COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 181
115 West 55th St. Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
© District 181. All rights reserved.
PH:
630.861.4900
FAX:
630.887.1079
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