District 15 Board of Education News
February 21, 2024
Pledge of Allegiance Led by Walter R. Sundling
Jason Dietz, Principal of Walter R. Sundling introduced the WRS Paladin Advisory Committee (PAC) which led the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Dietz shared that PAC is composed of nine students who represent the voice of the students at WRS.
This group meets once a month to discuss the positive things happening at WRS as well as ways Sundling can make improvements.
A special thanks to Chelsea Gieseke, School Counselor; and Bethea Lane, Instructional Coach; who co-lead the PAC as the staff representatives.
We are proud of the work of the Paladin Advisory Committee for not only leading the Pledge at our Board meeting, but for helping make their school the best it can be.
RECOGNITION
District 15 Spelling Bee Winners
Following Spelling Bee competitions at each of our elementary and junior high schools, the winner from each school was invited to participate in the annual District 15 Spelling Bee on February 5, 2024.
Dr. Heinz and the Board recognized our top three finishers at the February Board meeting. Congratulations to our 1st place winner, Yousef, a 6th grade student at Virginia Lake. As our top speller, he will compete in the 14th Annual North Cook ISC Scripps Spelling Bee on March 13, 2024. Good luck, Yousef!
Additional congratulations to Leandro, a 5th grader from Lincoln School for his 2nd place finish, and Avalyn, a 3rd grader from Marion Jordan, for placing 3rd.
We are so P-R-O-U-D of all of our students for their accomplishments! Congrats everyone and good luck, Yousef!
2024 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Governor JB Pritzker shared that our very own Mario Diaz Albarran, Head Custodian at Lincoln School, was one of just two individuals selected to represent Illinois in the 2024 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Awards, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
Congress enacted the RISE awards program in 2019 to honor classified school employees who provide exemplary service to their schools and communities.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will select a single classified school employee from the nominations made by states across the country to receive the national RISE Award in spring 2024.
We are beyond proud of Mario and very grateful to have such a dedicated staff member in District 15! Good luck, Mario!
To learn more about the annual RISE Award, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Above and Beyond Award
Jessica Ehlert, Lincoln’s Itinerant Teacher, was selected for the Above and Beyond recognition for the month of February following a nomination by Michael Coleman, Olivia Gentile, and Mary Hanson.
Ehlert’s nominators shared that Jessica Ehlert started the 2023-24 school year at Lincoln Elementary as their Itinerant teacher. Toward the end of October, there was a need for a long-term substitute in the STAR classroom and Jessica immediately stepped up and rose to the challenge of working in a new environment.
Jessica provides a consistent and safe environment for all students and their unique needs. She is also able to build strong connections with both students and staff. Jessica is dedicated to empowering and engaging students in all areas of their education.
Thank you, Jessica! We are honored to recognize such an amazing staff member for going Above and Beyond to meet the needs of her students.
PRESENTATIONS
5-Year Forecast Plan
Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official, and Elizabeth Hennessy, Managing Director Raymond James, presented an updated 5-year Financial Forecast using a data-based financial planning software tool for schools.
The district’s long-range financial projections are built on solid data and realistic assumptions. The projections show the long-term financial health of the district while forecasting trends, but are mostly accurate in the short term.
Considerations that could have an impact on the 5-Year Forecast include the addition of 40 teachers for full day kindergarten and middle school, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), American Rescue Plan (ARP)/Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER), the 2023-2024 budget, salary increases, teacher retirements, medical insurance costs, principal and interest for the alternate revenue bonds, $5M each year supporting the district funding for Moving 15 Forward, and new buses due to the aging of the current fleet.
The forecast shows the need to use some operating fund balance as the Moving 15 Forward plan comes to fruition. Dr. Heinz and Mrs. McClsukey anticipated that this would be a likely possibility. Over the next 5 years, operating fund balance could be closer to 30-32% of operating expenditures vs. 34-35% as they are now.
It is important to note that multi-year forecasts are mostly accurate for the first one to two years.
2024-2025 Board of Education Meeting Schedule
Dr. Heinz shared a draft of the 2024-25 Board of Education meeting calendar for discussion. The 2024-2025 schedule was approved as follows:
2024 Board of Education Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
2025 Board of Education Meeting Dates:
Wednesday, January 15, 2025* (date accommodates winter break)
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
2024-2025 Staffing Update
The 2024-2025 staffing update was moved to the March 13, 2024, Board of Education meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ED-RED Committee
Board Member Annerino shared that ED-RED was back in session and that they continue to discuss the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reform. Dr. Heinz will bring the ED-RED-backed TIF Resolution forward for the Board to discuss and consider at the March 13, 2024, Board meeting.
one-five Foundation
Board Member Taylor reminded everyone that the 50/50 raffle is now live and that this raffle benefits all schools in District 15. Don’t delay, get your ticket today at www.one-five.org. The pot is currently at $6,700 and growing as each new ticket is purchased!
Finance Committee
Board Members Wang and Annerino shared that the finance committee met with Dr. Heinz, Diana McCluskey, and Liz Hennessy on February 19 to preview the 5-year forecast presented during the meeting.
Equity Committee
Board Members Khan and Ader shared that they had to cancel their meeting with Dr. Heinz and were working to get it rescheduled, hopefully, before the March meeting.
Board Member Ader shared she attended the Latino Administrator Conference and had the opportunity to hear from State Superintendent, Tony Sanders.
ACTION ITEMS
- 9.1 Approval of Personnel Report: Recommendations for Administration, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff members - approved
- 9.2 Approval of 2024-25 Board of Education Meeting Schedule - approved
- 9.3 Approval of the Board Policy PRESS 113 Second Reading - approved
- 9.4 Approval of 2024-25 Staffing New Roles - moved to the March Board of Education meeting following the presentation next month