Board Update 10/9/2023
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Board Recognition/Presentations
Agenda Item 5.0
Ridge Garden Club – 5.01
Members of the Garden Club from the Ridge Family Center for Learning presented to the board about how they learned about various plants and maintained care of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Students presented about different elements of plants they have learned about as well as a community project in which they create compost for the Living and Giving Garden of Elk Grove Village. The slides from the presentation can be viewed here.
Superintendent Reports
Agenda Item 7.0
2023.24 Fall Benchmark Presentation – 7.02
The board viewed a presentation on how the district is assessing student progress in math and reading as part of fall benchmarking. Data was shared and discussed from the assessments conducted through iReady, along with how a majority of schools, grade levels, and demographics, showed positive increases in math and reading through the data via key performance indicators. The slides from the presentation can be viewed here.
Committee of the Whole October 23, Brentwood Facilities – 7.03
The Committee of the Whole meeting on October 23, 2023, will be held at Brentwood Elementary School. The board will continue discussions regarding the educational alignment study performed by Wold Architects and possible actions to address physical conditions, capacity, and enrollment concerns at Brentwood.
ACTION ITEMS
Agenda Item 9.0
Prepare 2024-2025 Budget – 9.01
Section 5/17-1 of the Illinois School Code requires an annual tentative budget to be prepared by a representative designated by the board, which is available for public inspection for at least 30 days prior to final action.
The board approved to designate the superintendent to cause a tentative budget to be prepared for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Prepare 2023 Tax Levy And Set Date for Public Hearing – 9.02
Cook County taxing districts follow the Truth in Taxation Law (35 ILCS 200/18-55; Division 2). This law requires CCSD59 to estimate the necessary amount of its aggregate levy not fewer than 20 days before taking action to adopt the levy. The board voted to authorize the preparation of the 2023 tax levy and set the public hearing date of November 13, 2023.
Approval of Application of Illinois Board of Education School Maintenance Grant – 9.03
The School Maintenance Project Grant is a dollar-for-dollar state matching grant program allotted by Illinois providing funds up to $50,000. If awarded, grant money must exclusively be used for the maintenance or upkeep of buildings or structures for educational purposes.
The board approved CCSD59’s School Maintenance Project Grant application in the amount of $50,000 for submission. If awarded, the grant proceeds will be used to offset Health Life Safety Project costs.
Approval Authorizing Commencement of Social Media Litigation – 9.04
Over 300 school districts across the country have joined litigation efforts against Meta Platforms, Inc. Facebook Holdings LLC, Snap Inc, TikTok Inc., Alphabet Inc. and other parties responsible for social media platforms. Students’ widespread use of social media has led to significant risks of anxiety, depression, thoughts of self-harm, and suicidal ideation among students. It has also caused the district to incur costs in the form of staff time, disciplinary proceedings, emotional and social counseling, medical services, and other costs.
The board approved the filing of a lawsuit against these parties with Frantz Law Group, APLC (the “Contract”), with the law firm of Franczek P.C. acting as local co-counsel for the District.
Action Directing Administration to Develop SRO Agreements with Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, and Mt. Prospect for Board Approval – 9.05
Over the past several months, the district has been exploring options for establishing a School Resource Officer (SRO) program at the three junior high schools. The district’s Safety Committee established an SRO Task Force as one of the district’s four areas of focus. The task force conducted initial research and held discussions about how the district could create an SRO program that would support students, families, and staff. The task force presented their findings to the board of education in September.
The board approved the resolution to authorize the district to develop SRO agreements with Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, and Mount Prospect. Once the agreements are approved at a future meeting, the district will work with each municipality to implement the SRO program at each junior high school. The district will keep families updated on the details of the program and the timeline as the agreements are finalized.
Approval of District 59 Education Foundation Donation of $1,000 to the Empowerment Fund – 9.06
The board approved the donation of $1,000 by the District 59 Education Foundation to the Empowerment Fund intended for the Mi Casa a Su Casa program, which will help offset the cost of purchasing new mattresses for families.
DISCUSSion Items
Agenda Item 10.0
Prepare 2023 Tax Levy And Set Date – 8.01
CCSD59 plans to hold a public hearing on November 13, 2023, for the purpose of discussing the 2023 tax levy. The district will then send the final levy to the state before the last Tuesday of December as required by Illinois School Code.
Prepare 2024-2025 Budget – 8.02
With the 2023-2024 budget adopted, the district will now begin the process of preparing the 2024-2025 budget. Ongoing discussions will be held with the Finance and Facilities Committee and updates will be provided to the board as the process moves forward.
Mass Action Lawsuit – 8.03
The district has the opportunity to participate in a mass action lawsuit against large social media companies. There are currently 30 other districts in Illinois that have already joined this suit being represented by Franczek attorneys, nine of which are in the local area. There is no cost to the district if the lawsuit is unsuccessful. The district would dedicate a point person to coordinate with the attorneys on the lawsuit. The Board would need to approve the district’s participation in the lawsuit at the October meeting.
reports from the board of education
Agenda Item 11.0
IASB Annual Merit Recognition – 11.01
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) has honored board member Mardell Schumacher with the IASB Legacy Board Leader award. This is in recognition for her participation in a number of professional development and leadership activities during her service as a school board member.
IASB initiated the Board Leader Recognition Program both to honor the dedicated work of school board members and call public attention to the many responsibilities placed on local school boards.
Congratulations to board member Schumacher, and CCSD59 thanks her for her service to the district, which began in 1988.
