Board Update 12/11/2023
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Board Recognition/Presentations
Agenda Item 3.0
Devonshire – Art Presentation – 3.01
Devonshire student representatives and art teacher Nichol Novoselsky shared a variety of art concepts students have been learning at Devonshire Elementary School. Members of the board of education were able to participate in exploring various techniques during the interactive presentation, and you can watch the presentation here.
Superintendent reports
Agenda Item 5.0
Early Childhood Expansion – 5.02
CCSD59 has been awarded additional Preschool for All (PFA) funds from Illinois this year. The PFA program is designed to ensure students who are considered at risk have the opportunity to participate in high-quality, research-based preschool programming.
The additional PFA funds will allow the opportunity to serve 30 additional students who meet the PFA criteria by adding one early childhood classroom to the district this school year. The additional class will be placed at Ridge Family Center for Learning based on classroom availability and location. Adding this early childhood class on the south side of the district will provide families the opportunity to access programming that may be more convenient for them.
Dual Language Task Force Update – 5.03
The district’s Dual Language Task Force has been discussing and examining the programming and structure of the district’s dual language program this year. Representatives from the task force will present to the board at the upcoming committee of the whole meeting on January 22. The discussion will explore the dual language audit findings from two years ago to consider potential improvements and structural changes to the program to create greater stability and outcomes for students.
Brentwood Facilities – Student Transition Planning – 5.04
In preparation for board action, the board reviewed the final updated recommendations from Wold Architects to address physical conditions, capacity, and enrollment concerns at Brentwood Elementary. After viewing multiple options at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on October 23, 2023, the board then continued discussions with Wold at the Board Meeting on November 13, 2023. The board has also considered family and staff feedback regarding potential options while factoring in how available space, disruption to instruction, and boundary or program shifts could play a factor.
You can view the presentation slides here and watch the discussion here. The board took action on Wold’s recommendations in the Action Items portion of the meeting.
Action Items
Agenda Item 7.0
Approval of Jr. High Social Science Curriculum Adoption – 7.01
As part of the ongoing Curriculum Review Process, the social science program has been under evaluation. Junior high teachers piloted and are recommending HMH Social Studies as the curricular resource for adoption. This adoption would include a soft implementation beginning January 2024 through the end of the school year, with full implementation coming at the start of next school year.
The total cost of digital and print materials access for six years is $357,549.70. The contract creates an annual savings of $30,941.85 by agreeing to the six year term instead of the yearly contract agreement. The six year agreement timeframe also aligns with the district’s curriculum review cycle for each content area. The cost of this curricular resource adoption was factored into the approval of the 2023-24 Budget in August.
The board approved the junior high social science curriculum adoption.
Adoption of 2023 Tax Levy – 7.02
At the board meeting on September 11, 2023, the board discussed and directed the administration to prepare the 2023 levy. A public hearing on the levy was held on November 13, 2023. Following approval, the Certificate of Tax Levy is to be submitted to the Clerk of Cook County prior to the last Tuesday in December. The total 2023 capped funds levy of $101,829,003 is 5.0% above the 2022 extended levy of $96,980,003.
The board approved the adoption of the 2023 tax levy.
Authorizing Reduction Of Certain Fund Levies – 7.03
The 5.0% levy increase approved in 7.02 assures the district can receive the maximum allowable tax rate in accordance with the Property Tax Extension Limitation Act. Resolution 7.03 provides direction to the County Clerk on how the individual fund extensions should be assigned based upon final determination of our allowable extension. As the County Clerk will automatically add on a 3% loss amount to the district’s levy, this resolution directs the County Clerk to first reduce the individual extension to no less than the original levy, and then to apply any further reduction to the Operations and Maintenance (Building) Fund.
The board approved the authorization to reduce certain fund levies.
Report and Authorization to File Annual Financial Report For FY 2023 with ISBE – 7.04
The Annual Financial Report (AFR) (ISBE Form SD50-35) is a standardized document that meets independent auditing and reporting requirements for Illinois public schools.
The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) will incorporate the District’s financial data as well as provide additional information in accordance with GASB reporting requirements. This information will be reported to the Association of School Business Officials International. Following Board approval of the AFR, the ACFR will be produced, provided to the board and posted on the District’s website.
The board approved the authorization to file the Annual Financial Report for FY 2023.
Approval of Communications Audit – 7.05
As the Communications Committee explores ways to identify strengths and areas for improvement in district communications, a third-party audit is being recommended. After researching potential audit partners the committee recommends the National School Public Relations Association to conduct the audit.
This audit would collect feedback from all patrons to create a data report that will help guide communications in the future. The proposed cost for the audit is $23,175, plus expenses for in-person focus groups.
The board approved the communications audit with the National School Public Relations Association.
Approval of District 59 Education Foundation Donation – 7.06
The District 59 Education Foundation would like to donate a total of $12,054.69, $10,000 to the Empowerment Fund and $2,054.69 to five CCSD59 schools. Below is the breakdown.
- Empowerment Fund will receive $10,000.
- Rupley Elementary School will receive $408.48. This donation will be used for PE equipment.
- Frost Elementary School will receive $427.27. This donation will be used for gel printing.
- John Jay Elementary School will receive $500. This donation will be used for the winter gala.
- The Early Learning Center will receive $498.94. This donation will be used for a sensory play table.
- Juliette Low Elementary School will receive $220. This donation will be used for podcast microphones.
The board approved the donation from the Education Foundation.
Approval of Wold Contract for Brentwood Project – 7.07
The district is entering into agreements with Wold Architects and Engineers for architectural and engineering services related to the design and construction of Brentwood and other projects. The District is entering into two separate agreements that will be utilized for specific projects dependent on whether a construction manager will be utilized for certain projects.
The board approved the contract with Wold Architects for the Brentwood project.
Discussion items
Agenda Item 8.0
2024/2025 Calendars/Holidays – 8.01
The Board annually votes on the school calendar, official holidays, and the final day of school. The board discussed the process and potential timeline for preparing and approving the 2024-25 school calendar. Important note: The board discussed sending a potential survey to families prior to winter break for input on how the calendar can best support district families. The board will plan to hold additional conversation regarding the process to collect family feedback at the next board meeting on January 9, 2024, prior to a survey being shared with families.
