Board Brief - Summary Report for 10/15/12

10/16/2012  

The Board of Education met on Monday, October 15, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. and discussed the following:

1. An update on student enrollment showed that projected numbers were, by and large, on target across the District. Projection numbers were developed as part of a yearly process that this year included the boundary review process. Shifts in neighborhood assignments were made to reduce enrollments in schools where capacity was at or near peak levels. Noted in the report were the following schools: Elmwood class sizes are within District standards (k-3 avg. 26; 4-5 avg. 28) but higher than projections. In grades 4 and 5, instructional assistants are assigned to each teacher. In addition, class sizes at those grade levels decrease when students break-out to participate in PI and Honors Math. The District is moving forward on reviewing plans for a Gymnasium addition and conversion of the current gym into a multi-purpose space. Beebe fifth grade class sizes are higher. Again, class sizes lower when students break-out to participate in PI and Honors Math and instructional assistants are assigned to this grade. Mill Street class sizes are at the moderate to low range. Each of these schools had a shift in student population resulting from neighbor reassignments, which is showing a positive outcome. Highlands enrollment is slightly higher than estimated.
2. Superintendent Bridges spoke to the Diversity Action Plan (presented 7/16) and the District’s involvement in the African American and Latino Parent Summit that was held at the College of DuPage on September 29. Bridges stressed the importance of creating a culture of inclusion, identifying and bridging gaps in learning, and supporting all student to achieve. This includes looking at the cultural climate within the schools and professional learning for our staff. The State recently announced plans to distribute a cultural climate survey which will be taken by all Districts and the results made available via the Illinois Interactive Report Card next year.  Plans to develop a separate survey have been tabled as a result. Updates to the plan timeline were made.
3. The Board approved the revised 2013 – 2014 School Calendar as presented by Superintendent Bridges. For a summary of the highlights and a copy of the calendar, click here.  In summary, the first day of student attendance is August 21, school will be in session on Columbus Day, first semester will end prior to the winter holidays and the last day of student attendance on May 30, 2014 will be a full day of school.
4. Tim Wierenga, Assistant Superintendent for Assessment and Analytics, reported on the School Improvement Plan process (SIP) and explained the State Rising Star Program. The Board approved the school plans and commended Wierenga and the schools on establishing measurable benchmarks and a method of accountability. Plans can be reviewed through the Board Meeting Agenda posted to BoardDocs.
5. Dr. Robert Hawkins, who will be filling the role of Interim Deputy Superintendent, was approved by the Board and introduced.  Dr. Hawkins has a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. He has been working as a technical assistance coordinator for the Illinois Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Network since his retirement in 2004. Dr. Hawkins spent 25 years working for the West Aurora district as associate superintendent, high school principal, and middle school principal, among other positions. The position was created to fill a need for the District and will replace the Chief Academic Officer position.

The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday, November 5, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administration Center, 203 W. Hillside Road, Naperville. This session will be recorded for rebroadcast.

Tentative topics include: 1) a presentation of the State Report Card results; 2) a presentation on the kindergarten program and adjustments that have taken place in the past year; 3) discussion about potential future directions for the kindergarten program including all day kindergarten and 4) IASB resolutions up for vote at the November meeting of the Illinois Association of School Boards.

To review the agenda and supporting documentation, please visit the District web site and select the "Meetings and Agenda" area under "Board of Education" or click here: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/naperville203/Board.nsf/Public

BOARD AGENDAS ARE POSTED FRIDAY AFTERNOON PRIOR TO A MONDAY BOARD MEETING.

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