Highlights of the SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 BOARD meeting:
- DGN’s “Direct Action” Club presentation: North High students from the “Direct Action” club gave an overview of their mission and the types of volunteer projects it participates in throughout the year. Christine Ahn, a senior, said that as a transfer student she joined the club to meet new friends, and gained that and much more through volunteering. Junior Marie Boulos said that the club supports shoe drives, gift collections during the holidays, the Feed My Starving Children organization and Carson’s coupons, which benefits Easter Seals. Sophomore Troy McDonald-Shumaker said that by participating in the club, he’s more aware of the problems around us both locally and globally, and how by working together we can ease those problems. “It makes us feel like we’re fulfilling our lives,” said McDonald-Shumaker. “That’s all due to the fact that one of the most gratifying things you can possibly do in life is to put a smile on someone’s face, and that’s what we try to do every day at Direct Action.”
- Superintendent Search Update: Consultants from School Exec Connect presented their findings from 16 focus groups (attended by 125 people) and a survey (219 responses) of what the community is seeking in a new superintendent. Based on the research, consultants created a “New Superintendent Profile,” which outlines the characteristics District 99 is seeking in its next leader. In addition to an experienced leader with a well-rounded educational background, the ideal person will be someone who is adept at building collaborative teams and relationships and is a strategic, visionary leader. See the full report and profile here.
- New way to identify students needing support: Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Scott Wuggazer led the effort to develop a new tool for counselors, deans and psychologists, which allows them to more efficiently identify those students who are in need of social and behavioral interventions. Wuggazer explained how the “Early Warning System” provides a quantitative snapshot of critical data, such as absences, hospitalizations, discipline issues and academic progress, which allows staff to prioritize needs and better support students. See the full report here.
- South High Sign – Board members discussed the next steps in constructing a new outdoor sign at South High. The district is currently pursuing a change with the Village of Downers Grove in the zoning of both schools from residential to a “campus scale institution and public district,” which is necessary for building the sign and preparing for facility projects in the future. The Board discussed the aesthetics of a new sign and asked the district staff to investigate what options might be available.
TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE MEETING:
- To view the complete agenda and related materials, please go to http://www.boarddocs.com/il/csd99/Board.nsf/Public, select the meeting date to the left, and click “view the agenda” to the right.
- To see a video of this meeting, please go to this link or below.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS:
- September 21, 2015 – Business Meeting at the ASC, 7:30 p.m.
- October 5, 2015 – Board of Education Workshop at the ASC, 7 p.m.
This publication is for information purposes only;
minutes approved by the Board serve as the official meeting record.