Board Update 7/10/23
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SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS
Agenda Item 5.0
2022.23 Spring Benchmark Update – 5.01
The board viewed a presentation on how students progressed in reading and math assessments during the 2022-23 school year. Data was shared from the assessments conducted, with areas of growth and improvement highlighted for the board to review and discuss. Highlights of the celebrations include:
- Of the 832 data points shared in the presentation, 701 showed improvement over the course of the school year.
- In math, CCSD59’s academic achievement and growth exceed the results of districts in Illinois and the nation who utilize the iReady benchmark assessment. In reading, the CCSD59’s results align to districts across the nation while lagging somewhat behind districts in Illinois.
- The overall percentage of students making typical growth surpassed the 50% target established by iReady, with 64% doing so in both reading and math. Students also surpassed the 25% target established for stretch growth, with 35% doing so in reading and 33% in math.
- Positive district-wide growth in reading and math over the course of the school year and a continuation of the similar growth from last school year.
The spring benchmark presentation can be viewed here.
Human Resources Staffing Update – 5.02
Ross Vittore, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, provided an overview on current staffing and hiring processes in CCSD59. The presentation included data on the district’s staff retention rate compared to nearby districts, additional positions added to the district for the 2023-24 school year, and some of the challenges facing staffing in school districts today.
You can view the full presentation here.
ACTION ITEMS
Agenda Item 7.0
Approval of E-Learning Plan Renewal – 7.01
Strategic Goal (SG) 4: Stewardship of Resources
As required by Illinois School Code, a public hearing was held to discuss the district’s e-learning plan on June 12, 2023. This plan authorizes the district to utilize an e-learning day in place of emergency school closing days, as an e-learning day option provides CCSD59 the chance to engage students in remote learning activities that will continue to advance learning during building closures. The e-learning plan includes plans for remote learning days, including up to five remote learning days in a given school year. It also features online and non-technology based activities that will continue to advance student learning.
The board approved the proposed plan.
Approval of Grades 6-8 World Language Program Curriculum – 7.02
SG 1: Student Growth and Achievement
Members of the CCSD59 Instruction Department have been partnering with World Language staff to pilot multiple resources as part of the ongoing Curriculum Review Process. The resources for grades 6-8 are ¡Qué chévere! for Spanish, T’es branché for French, and En voz alta: Español para hispanohablantes, a Spanish resource designed for Spanish speakers. World Language staff reviewed resources in the fall of 2022 and piloted in the winter of 2022 and 2023, and these resources were determined to be the ones suited for recommendation.
The board approved the adoption of these resources at a total cost for a six-year subscription and professional development of $167,411.20, a per-year investment of $27,901.86.
Amend to Begin Regular Meetings of the Board of Education with Closed Session – 7.03
SG 3: Family and Community Partnerships
The board approved an amendment for business meetings to begin at 6:30 p.m. when it is necessary for the board to meet in Closed Session. In those meetings, the board would convene and immediately go into Closed Session. Open session would then begin at 7:00 p.m. Meeting times will be listed on each agenda as they are posted.
DISCUSSion Items
Agenda Item 8.0
2023-2024 Tentative Budget And Long Term Financial Plan – 8.01
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The tentative budget for 2023-24 was presented to the board, with highlights as follows:
- $872,190 surplus in the operating funds.
- Adoption of World Language and Social Studies Curriculum
- District absorbing costs of school field trips
- Music Program Expansion
- Continuation of the 10-Year Facilities Plan
The public hearing concerning the 2023-24 budget is set for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Administration Center. Any changes to the tentative budget will be reflected in the final 2023-24 budget to be presented for approval at the board meeting on September 11, 2023.
You can view the full presentation here.
30 Passenger Bus Bid – 8.02
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
As part of the district’s long-term plan to minimize repair costs and maximize trade-in or resale value, the district called to bid to purchase a 2024 model 30-passenger school bus for use in the district transportation program. Bidders were asked to include trade-in value for a 2015 model 30-passenger school bus. It is recommended the bid be awarded to Central States Bus Sales Inc. for $104,500.00, minus the $15,500.00 trade-in allowance, for a total award of $89,000.00.
The board will vote on this bid at a future meeting.
