D41 Board Highlights

Following is a summary of the Board of Education meeting held on January 23, 2012. An MP3 recording of the meeting is available on www.d41.org Minutes are posted once approved.

MODEL CLASSROOMS A CATALYST FOR LEARNING
The Board of Education (BOE) meeting was hosted by Benjamin Franklin, which took the opportunity to showcase its two model classrooms and the relationship between the classrooms and 21st Century learning. The model classrooms, which were open for tours before the meeting, "have been a catalyst for learning," said Principal Kirk Samples. Over Thanksgiving break, two classrooms at each elementary school were transformed into model classrooms to allow the district to try out a variety of flexible, adaptable furnishings and technology. In those rooms, seating styles are varied, ranging from cleverly designed desk chairs to ergonomic rocking stools that are meant to appeal to active children; furniture is designed to be easily grouped and regrouped; learning areas are defined by paint, lighting and flooring; and individual technology devices are more plentiful than in typical classrooms. (Pictured are BOE members trying out the various seating arrangements; BOE members are wearing T-shirts saying 21st Century Learning--Own It)

The two rooms at Franklin were assigned to fourth-grade teacher Sarah Rodriguez and fifth-grade teacher Suzie Smith; both teachers shared student work that demonstrated the spirit of 21st Century learning. Ms. Rodriguez's students presented a problem-based learning project, which is a real-world problem that needs a real solution. In this case, students are partnering with a local book store on a marketing campaign aimed at attracting young readers. The project started with a class discussion of the district's Learner Characteristics; further work centered on research and analysis, graphic design, writing and presentation skills, budget preparation and collaboration. Next month, students will present their business proposals to the book store. In another project, students used a free software to create a Web site on magnetism and electricity, which they were studying. The site featured videos, games, activities and more, created by the students. "We shared it with other fourth grades across the district," said Ms. Rodriguez. Ms. Smith's students demonstrated a variety of projects that challenged their math, creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills as well as their ability to work together. In one project, students researched and analyzed the reading habits of their peers; in another, they created memoirs, which they expressed through videos, game shows and commercials. "Being a 21st Century learner and teacher means involving the students in the development, creation and execution of the projects," said Ms. Smith. "In all of these, the students are the ones who have really driven what we have done in the classroom. I could not have come up with anything so creative on my own."

Both teachers emphasized that while the flexible furnishings and technology of the classrooms were a tremendous asset, it's important to remember that it's the learning that really makes a 21st Century environment. "The new furniture invigorated us and changed the way we thought about learning," said Ms. Smith. "The students had all the skills; in my opinion, District 41 and Benjamin Franklin have prepared them, but the model classroom allowed the class to delve in more deeply."

UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next regular BOE meeting will be Monday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. at Hadley Junior High. The Feb. 27 meeting will be at the Central Services Office, 7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

21st CENTURY LEARNING--OWN IT
Just as adults must do, kids must own their learning: they can't be passive receptacles of information, but learn best when they are involved in the development, creation and execution of their work. As the two projects highlighted above illustrate, when students are the drivers of their learning, they are more enthusiastic, and their work has more rigor and greater relevance to the real world. The Benjamin Franklin presentation concluded with a video the district created for its January Institute Day inspired by Good Morning America's "My Three Words" segment. Titled "21st Century Learning--Own It!" in which staff and students were shown with their own three words capturing attitudes about 21st century learning, which the district's Learner Characteristics embody (to read the Learner Characteristics and the district's definition of 21st Century Learning, click here).

SUPERINTENDENT AND BOE REPORTS
Superintendent Dr. Ann Riebock noted that enrollment continues stable (monthly enrollment reports going back to 2006 are posted online). BOE members reported on various committee and events they had attended, including the Learning Leadership Team, the Continuous Improvement Team, the Calendar Committee and Abraham Lincoln's International Night.

CLASS SIZE TARGETS REVIEWED
The following targets are guidelines which the district uses to help it develop staffing plans: grades K-2, 20-22; grade 3, 23-25; grades 4-5, 25-27; and grades 6-8, 26-28. The district also has a practice of considering smaller class sizes when academic performance of a grade level is significantly below the district norm, or when all sections at a school's grade level are significantly over target. Typically, the decision is made during the summer upon review of student assessment data. The BOE considered an administrative recommendation for an addition to that practice: in those cases where a school has not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years, the class sizes of grades 4 and 5 would be kept at the grade 3 target. Having BOE agreement in advance will allow the district to get out in the hiring market early.

REPLACEMENT SOUND SYSTEMS FOR HADLEY DISCUSSED
As part of its long-range capital improvement plan, the administration is proposing a phased project to improve the performance capacity of the Hadley auditorium (or pods) with up-to-date sound and lighting technology. The "pods" is a large space with a stage, part of which is subdivided into classrooms during the day. In recent years, theater arts has been a growing interest at the school, with both the PTA and Hadley sponsoring performances that include scores of students as performers and technicians, and draw capacity crowds. The space is also used for talent shows, musical performances, graduations and receptions. The sound and light equipment is obsolete and inadequate (the district has been renting equipment on a per-event basis) and the district has gone out to bid and received three proposals for up-to-date sound equipment (it will bid on lighting at a later date). It recommends the BOE approve the low bid from Muzak of $27,096 for purchase of the sound system, including microphones, speakers, amplifiers, processors-all the components necessary to install and operate the system. It also recommends installation of sound dampening devices for an additional $5,000. The matter was previously discussed at the BOE meetings of Sept. 12 and Oct. 11 and at Finance Committee on Aug. 22. The BOE will take action at a future meeting.

WRESTLING, CROSS COUNTRY SEE GROWTH
Both wrestling and cross country are no-cut sports open to grades 6-8 that have seen growing student participation. The BOE reviewed and approved a recommendation to add a wrestling coach (double season), and to adjust the cross country coaches' pay to align with the additional hours the coaches are putting in. The projected net increase of these two changes is $6,521 per year. These positions are part of the supplemental pay structure. The Supplemental Pay Committee is responsible for reviewing existing supplemental pay positions and new proposals. It also examines and removes from the supplemental pay structure any activities, clubs, or sports that have not been active for two school years.

BOE PREPARES FOR $2.7 MILLION TAX ABATEMENT
The December levy adoption was accompanied by a BOE commitment to abate $2.7 million from its Bond and Interest Fund to taxpayers. Previously, the BOE approved a transfer of funds from reserves into the Bond and Interest Fund; since there will not be a levy for this fund, the transfer will allow the district to make its bond and interest payments. At the Jan. 23 meeting, the BOE approved a resolution of abatement which will let the County Clerk know of its intentions. This will result in a reduction in how much the District 41 portion of property taxes will increase. For a house with a fair market value of $300,000 (assessed value of $100,000), the amount by which the district share of taxes will be reduced is approximately $190; for a house with a fair market value of $600,000 (assessed value of $300,000), the amount is approximately $380. Click here for FAQs about the process and rationale for the abatement.

About the Glen Ellyn School District Board of Education
Board members are unpaid volunteers, each representing the whole district. The board is accountable to the public and makes decisions as a unit based on what is best for the whole district. The board hires the superintendent, sets instructional policy, approves the budget and ongoing expenditures, and is ultimately responsible for the performance of the district. Board meetings are working sessions held in public during which the board conducts its business, and ample time is always set aside for public participation.

Please direct your questions or comments to our Communications Director, Julie Worthen at jworthen@d41.org.

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