Board Briefs is a newsletter-style summary of the highlights of the Board of Education's discussion and action. You can find the meeting agenda online here and look for minutes to be posted after they are approved at the next regular BOE meeting (March 11, 2024).

Dr. Delli and the Board honored Glen Grove Principal Dr. Kate Ellison, who earned her doctoral degree in December. Dr. Ellison shared that her dissertation research coved the partnership between families and school during COVID-19.

Community members are encouraged to attend Board of Education meetings and contribute during the community participation periods. In all regular Board of Education meetings, the Board follows a set agenda that include two opportunities for community participation. Board Briefs provides a summary of the topics addressed by those who speak; the meeting recording, above, provides a full recording of comments from the community.

Michael Tarkowski, a D34 parent, shared concerns about bullying at elementary schools and the District's inability to provide a list of recommended tutoring providers.

Community member Mike Weeks represented CFAC in presenting the five-year financial projections. The primary charge of CFAC is to present the financial forecast covering operating funds to the superintendent, based on key inputs and assumptions. Mr. Weeks shared the foundation of the committee's forecast:

• The Board's $34M operating fund balance contribution will drop the operating fund balance to 35% (of annual operating expenses) at the end of the 5-year forecast period
• At the end of the five-year period, the District is projected to have a “structural operating deficit” (which will complicate board efforts to improve the fund balance)

• Operating rate referendum
• Annual CPI increases for fees
• Reduce operating expenses

The presentation showed that D34's tax rate, property taxes per pupil and equalized assessed value are the lowest of the Northfield Township school districts that feed into District 225.

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included a personnel report, payroll and vendor warrants, the Pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy and the 2024-2025 school calendar.

The first day of school for students in the 2024-2025 school year is August 22.

The Board also approved:

• An asbestos abatement contract for Springman
• Student, transportation and building use fees, including the fee for kindergarten of $3,300 early bird and $3,600 after 6/1/2024 (the half-day kindergarten fee is $152 early bird and $252 after 6/1/2024)
• The new middle school schedule (see below)
• The reassignment of an employee
• Initiation of a school social work internship program

Dr. Delli presented an historical analysis of District 34's membership in the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative (formerly NSSED). He shared that over the past six years, D34 has focused on building capacity to support the majority of children within the District, adding an Instructional Life Skills program, student service coaches and related service staff. He outlined the costs associated with TrueNorth membership. Direct costs, which are for services for students, have decreased as the District has provided more and more services in house. Indirect costs are based on the number of students in district and is paid regardless of direct services used.

Dr. Delli shared that District 34 would begin the process of withdrawing from the Cooperative.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Eric Miller explained that District 34 is a member of the Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative (NIIPC), which allows the District to have access to favorable pricing for food and other supplies. The cooperative is changing its administrative structure.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Kevin Dorken shared that the District leadership team has been looking at the staffing needs for 2024-2025. The driving factors are enrollment, student needs and programs with an eye to financial stewardship. The allocations will be shared at the March Board meeting.

Eric Miller said that the proposed one-year contract extension with Safeway calls for a 3% increase.

Glenview District 34 is governed by a seven-person Board of Education, elected by the community, that consists of seven individuals. You can contact the Board at board@glenview34.org.

Front Row: Jim Baumstark, Julie Moon, Scott Nelson, Alex Kamilewicz

Second Row: Vasilios Soupos, Dr. James Dolan, Diane Stefani