December 2002
Board Report
News from the December 2002 School Board Meetings

Board aims to head off deficit next year

The Board reviewed the District’s financial parameters to head off a deficit in the coming year and asked the administration to outline items to trim without hurting the quality of education.

Next year’s deficit is projected to be nearly $1 million. At the Board’s January meeting, the administration will come back with a list of items that can help the bottom line. These could include raising fees, postponing purchases and replacements and reviewing support services. The Board also asked the administration to look at traditional services to determine if there are ways to be more efficient. "We want to maintain our commitment to the current educational program," said Superintendent David Eblen. "We’re not in the stages of the cuts of ’93 and ’94. We’re doing this to avoid deep cuts," he said.

Discussion continues on Master Site Plan study

Curriculum proposals approved

The Board approved two curriculum proposals that were presented earlier at its Dec. 2 workshop meeting.

A revised English and Communication I course was adopted to include a stronger foundation in reading and the integration of critical components such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. The course follows a two-and-a half-year study and the revision of the 10th grade program.

Spanish for Native Speakers II was also approved and will provide a sequel to Spanish for Native Speakers I. The new course will give students who speak the language further reading and writing skills in order to be fluent as well as the study of the culture and literature of Spanish-speaking countries.

Board postpones calendar adoption

The Board postponed until its Jan. 27 meeting approval of the calendar for next year, after the Downers Grove Education Association asked for an extension to have more time to review the dates.

Students obtain skills in parenting, child psychology

In its "all About Learning" series, the Board heard how students gain valuable skills in parenting and child psychology in Child Development and Parenting classes at North and South. The classes include a lab component with babies and toddlers and a preschool for three and four-year-olds. Kay Horn and a student showed the board a computerized baby that has sensors to see if it is fed, how much it cried, if its head was supported, and if its diaper was changed. "It was very realistic; the first night it woke up at least five times crying," the student said. Nancy Holt and students discussed the value of Child Development classes. Former student and current South High teacher Anthony Nevrly testified to the impact the class had on his life. "I stand before you as an educator because of this class," he said.

Summer School 2003 approved

The Board approved plans for Summer School, 2003, which will be held June 17 to July 8 for first semester and July 9 to July 29 for second semester. The tuition for each semester will remain the same, $110 for an in-district student and $220 for out-of-district. Summer school is held at alternating campuses and this year will be located at North High.

Board recognizes athletes, coaches and teams

In a revised format at South High, the Board recognized students and staff for their accomplishments.

North

Sarah Economides, Medallist for Diving in the IHSA State Finals; Kayla Redig, Medallist in the 100-yard Butterfly in the IHSA State Swim Finals; and their coaches Anthony Ciezadlo, Diving Coach and Judy Busse, Swimming Coach.

Physical Education and Health Chair Emily Mollet was recognized for being named Illinois Coaches Association Softball Coach of the Year.

South

The State Champions Girls Volleyball Team was recognized. They include Jeannette Abbott, Kira Batura, Kelly Collins, Jessica Compton, Caitlin Daly, Michelle Grabowski, Meghan Macdonald, Anne Mastandrea, Claire McCormack, Faye McCormack, Jillian Mitchell, Krista Neumann, Jaclyn Simpson, Elizabeth Vrdsky, Jessica Wilkinson and their managers Stacey Stepek and Kara Werner and their coach Denise Lazzeroni-Kavanaugh.

Amy Forsberg was recognized as Medallist in the 500 Meter Freestyle in the IHSA state swim finals, and Head Girls’ Swimming Coach Paul Krick.