As part of Roosevelt School's welcome to the Board at its official annual on-site meeting, grade 5 "TechXperts" (PHOTO) brought their gear to demonstrate the tech lab resources students can enjoy during lunch recess. The TechXperts help guide younger students as they engage and explore new challenges. View the Roosevelt presentation here.
Other highlights of the meeting include:
- Updated estimates will be developed to provide secured entries at four remaining schools - The Board requested that construction estimates be updated on the specific work required at Carpenter, Field and Franklin schools, and the modifications needed at Emerson, to secure their entries and reconfigure adjacent office spaces for completion in summer 2019 as part of ongoing Health Life Safety and critical infrastructure plans. Entries and office areas at Washington and Lincoln have been completed thus far, with Roosevelt's scheduled for this summer. In addition, the District also will be looking at replacement of doors and lock sets to ensure quick and easy use.
- New District radio system proposed - As part of the District's ongoing safety and security upgrades, the Board reviewed a plan and proposal to create a radio communication system between all schools that also allows the ability to talk to all radios at the same time. The District will investigate the market for the needed equipment, and return to the Board for further discussion at an upcoming meeting.
- Bus contract extended - Based on service and equipment improvements in place this year, the Board extended the regular transportation services contract with current provider Lakeview Bus Lines Inc. for 2018-19 at a 3.75% increase, with an option to add an additional year. Lakeview also provides special education transportation services for D64 under a separate contract.
- Emerson soccer field lighting proposed by Park District - The Board discussed an updated impact study and proposal prepared by the Park Ridge Park District to install lighting on the athletic playing fields at Emerson, along with an updated Intergovernmental Agreement concerning their use. The Park District will revise the agreement to reflect changes requested by D64, and will return to D64 for further review following a Village of Niles public zoning meeting.
- Board approves slate of summer 2018 facilities projects - Guided by the District's comprehensive Health Life Safety/Master Facilities Plan, the Board took action on another set of proposed projects for summer 2018, based on robust bidding from contractors that resulted in a very competitive environment for the work. Bids were approved for: Carpenter School HVAC replacement in zones 2 and 3 (serving primarily grades 3-5 classrooms and the office), along with new flooring and energy efficient LED lighting in these zones; a previously authorized mechanical equipment purchase for this project; the creation of one classroom within Emerson Middle School's Learning Resource Center to accommodate increased enrollment, and additional lockers both in the hallways and locker rooms; seal coating of paved areas at multiple schools; paving projects at Emerson, Jefferson and Washington schools; and mechanical work at Lincoln Middle School.
- Review of D64 office use requested - The Board did not accept a construction bid to replace the entry stairs and also create a new ADA ramp for the D64 Educational Service Center (ESC) office. Before deciding to invest over $100,000 in the work, the District was directed to research both short and longer term needs for continued use of the ESC, and to investigate alternate options, such as selling the ESC building and leasing it back, leasing or purchasing other office space, or building a new ESC within the D64 community that would also include selling the ESC building . The D64 Maintenance Department will continue to maintain the stairs in safe condition on a short-term basis until the Board reviews the additional research.
- D64 earns perfect 4.0 financial ranking for 9th year - The Illinois State Board of Education awarded D64 a perfect 4.0 and the top "Financial Recognition" designation for 2018 (utilizing data from the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017). Read more about our Financial Profile here.
- SRO mission statement and agreements to be discussed May 21 - The proposed mission statement was presented, however Board discussion was deferred to the next regular meeting allowing time for public review. Updated drafts of the Intergovernmental Agreements incorporating the mission statement are available on the SRO webpage.
- March 20 Institute Day engaged all staff in professional development - The District reported on the activities specially planned for 38 different "teams" of staff members (grade levels, subject areas, etc.) aligned with the priorities of our 2020 Vision Strategic Plan. A major focus for many teachers this year was the new Reading Workshop model for grades K-8 reading.