May 2019

President’s Report

Board President Mike Borkowski welcomed Justin Engelland and Rich Chun to the Board. Mike reviewed the District Vision and mentioned how progress is being made toward achieving it. Mike outlined each District Milestone and highlighted initiatives in each area.

Achievement, Instruction, Assessment:

Talent:

Partnership:

Environment:

Mike stated that one of the Board’s Core Values is to be a Vision Centric Board, which means the Board continuously asks if the activities the District is doing are moving the District closer to achieving its Vision. Mike concluded his remarks by stating he looks forward to continuing to move closer and closer to the District Vision in the coming months and year.  View video for complete report 

Superintendent’s Report

Mike Simeck announced that District 67 has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. In 2017 and 2018 Deer Path Middle School received the Support Music Merit Award - a single school designation. This is the first year that the entire District received the designation of being a part of the 2019 Best Communities for Music Education.

Now in its 20th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational, cognitive, and social skills benefits for children who are involved in music. View video for complete report 

Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) Report

Executive Director of Student Services Ingrid Wiemer presented an overview of the CSCI survey that was administered to all students in grades 3-8 and staff across the District. Parents are surveyed every other year and were not included in this sampling. Ingrid presented local comparative student and staff data, as well as national norms across 13 dimensions. Overall the District ratings are high. The teams will further explore trends by school and District. The full report contains specific school and district data and analytics. View written report View video

Board Education Committee

Suzanne Sands reported that the Committee reviewed the current draft of the Strategic Plan update and provided feedback to the administration. The Committee also discussed the current outline of next year’s plan which is in the early stages of development. Susan Milsk, Director of Teaching and Learning, explained that the District has begun the process of establishing common practices across DPM with regard to grading and reporting. The administrators briefly shared some basic tenets of standards-based grading with the committee. Susan shared that this spring a small self-selected group of DPM teachers has been working under the leadership of Megan Eigenrauch, DPM Assistant Principal, studying this issue through reading and reflecting on their own practice. Next there will be an extension of the work toward looking at beliefs, practices and what is desired across the school. This work will also involve looking at best practices and research as well as looking to neighboring districts who have been doing similar work for insights and experiences. Suzanne announced that topics for next year include: Grading and Reporting Practices, Professional Development Satisfaction: How is it measured? and the Social Emotional Health of Girls Grades 5-8. Suzanne announced that the Education Committee is seeking community representatives and information is posted on the website. View written report View video

Board Finance and Operations Committee

Rob Lemke thanked community representative Tara Janos, Chris Bires and Justin Engelland for their service on the Finance and Operations Committee. The Finance and Operations Committee is seeking new community representatives and information is posted on the website. View video for complete report 

North Suburban Special Education District (NSSED)

Suzanne Sands reported that the NSSED proposed balanced budget is posted for review. She noted the Illinois Assistive Technology Program has put NSSED on their list of providers of AAC Assistive Technology evaluations. Suzanne commented that Madeleine Will, former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, spoke about the history of special education services and commended local efforts. Members of the NSSED administration team reported on continuous improvement goals established within the programs and services that support the NSSED Strategic Plan goals. View written report View video

Legislative Liaison

Alice LeVert reported that that the Illinois House of Revenue Committee sent the Constitutional Amendment to bring a graduated state income tax for Illinois to the full Chamber for a vote. It will need 71 votes to be approved and be placed on the November 2020 ballot for voters to consider. It has already passed the Senate. The goal behind it is to provide property tax relief and revenue in a different format. Another proposed revenue driver in Illinois is waiting for pieces of legislation to be filed related to gaming and recreational marijuana. If it passes it would provide funding for education Pre-K-12. Mrs. LeVert will give the Board a follow-up as soon as the vote is taken.  View video for complete report