Across the Board in D303

Meetings are tentatively being held in the Thompson Middle School LRC, located at 705 West Main Street. A permanent meeting venue will become available later this year.

Meeting memos, presentations and other documents in BoardDocs

Joe Lackner, President

Thomas Lentz, Vice President

Matthew Kuschert, Secretary

Kate Bell

Heidi Fairgrieve

Becky McCabe

Ed McNally

Dr. Paul Gordon shares updates on District initiatives as well as school, staff and student activities.

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District 303 recognized The Recess Project and Kiwanis Club of St. Charles for their generous donations to District 303 for the installation of an accessible swing at Wasco Elementary School. Collectively, these two organizations raised $40,000 through their respective fundraisers for this project.

Principal Stephanie Brennan said the idea of the We-Go-Swing started one year ago when a group of second grade students submitted a letter asking for more inclusive play opportunities.

President and Founder of The Recess Project, Katrina Placzek, said "I can't wait to see more inclusive playgrounds on schools so that students with disabilities can know that they belong. And not just for them; it's a service for students without disabilities because they're being able to make friends with kids who are different from them, and we're normalizing disability. I've just got to say thank you to this school district that has been listening."

"We are thrilled to have opened the door for a new partnership with District 303," said Kiwanis Club Member Joel Mulder. "We look forward to working with you and The Recess Project. This is simply an issue of fairness and inclusivity for the children of St. Charles. We owe them that much."

Clint Hull, President of the District 303 Distinguished Alumni Committee, previewed recognition events for this year's honorees. The Committee recently selected the following individuals to represent this year's induction class:

• Cheryl Denz - 1991 graduate of St. Charles High School

• Rick Gibson - 1985 graduate of St. Charles High School

• Jeffrey LaDeur, 2004 graduate of St. Charles East High School

• Karen Schmidt - 1996 graduate of St. Charles High School.

The public is invited to attend a reception and ceremony on Thursday, November 14 at The Norris Cultural Arts Center. A meet and greet with honorees will take place at 4:30 p.m., followed by a ceremony from 5-6 p.m.

On Friday, November 15, these honorees will tour St. Charles East and North high schools and meet with students and staff.

The Illinois Art Education Association recognized St. Charles North as a 2024 School of Distinction. This is the fifth year of this award. This recognition celebrates schools with rigorous art, design, and media education programs. To earn the School of Distinction Award St. Charles North High School evidenced practices directly reflecting the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, the Illinois Fine Arts and Media Standards, and Social-Emotional Learning Priorities.

"On behalf of our entire Art Department, we are truly humbled to be recognized for all the the work and dedication we put into fostering creativity and expression within our school," stated Stephanie Dodd, North Art Department Chair. "This award is truly a testament of the collective efforts of our amazing students whose passion and talent never cease to inspire us."

The North High School Art Department also includes teachers Danielle Sheppard, Casey Macko and Laurie Wennamar.

Videos are produced by the Communications Department and the highlights are also shared in

various ways across the District's platforms, including social media and electronic newsletters.

The video shared on October 15 provided a snapshot of activities from September 2024.

At the September 30 Business Services meeting, Dr. Gordon shared information about the World Relief Organization and newcomers to District 303, who represent students who have been in the country three or less years.

Federal law requires that all students have the right to a free, public K-12 education, regardless of their immigration status or that of their parents. This includes access to services and programs such as free- and reduced-priced meals, English-language development classes, special education, and school activities.

During Tuesday's meeting, Gordon shared an update with additional statistical information.

Newcomer Enrollment

Since the 2021-2022 School Year, the pace of enrollment of newcomers in District 303 has steadily increased. Year-by-year totals below represent new newcomer students for that specific year, and are not a complete indication of the current total of newcomer students.

• FY 21-22: 25
• FY 22-23: 75
• FY 23-24: 111
• FY 24-25: 77 (As of 10/01/24)

Languages Spoken

There are 20 languages spoken amongst all newcomers. The most common include:

• Spanish: 57%
• Arabic: 9%
• Russian: 6%
• Ukrainian: 5%

World Relief Organization

The World Relief Organization (WRO) works directly with the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees and other immigrants in vulnerable situations rebuild their lives in a new country.

• 55 newcomer students received school placement assistance through the WRO.
• WRO students predominantly attend Richmond Elementary School and East High School.

Financial Impacts

Revenue: All community members living with the District 303 boundaries are contributing to the financial wellbeing of District 303.

• For homeowners - property taxes are paid directly to the counties.
• For renters - landlord is responsible for paying property taxes to the counties, regardless of whether those taxes are recouped in rental/lease payments.
• District receives same property tax revenue, regardless of composition of families in rental units.

Expenses: Similar to any unique group of students, there are additional costs necessary to provide appropriate education and support services.

• State and federal grants are very limited but administration is currently investigating available options.

The following summaries were provided by Board committee chairs on their most recent meetings. Additional information reports may be provided, as requested by the Board.

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In September the Business Services Committee received an economic development presentation from representatives with the City of St. Charles, updates on construction projects, a presentation on the World Relief Organization, and recommendations to update the Haines Intergovernmental Agreement with the St. Charles Park District, dispose of surplus equipment and remove an underground storage tank from Lincoln.

The next Business Services Committee meeting will take place on Monday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m.

In September the Learning and Teaching Committee received the annual Student Achievement Report presentation, which analyzes overall student achievement from the 2023-2024 school year.

The next Business Services Committee meeting will take place on Monday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m.

In September the Policy Committee reviewed policy manual revisions from the Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS), Issues 115 and 116.

The next Policy Committee meeting will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Grouped agenda items up for approval in one action.

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Motion Passed 7-0

The consent agenda included items such as:

• Minutes from Previous Meetings
• Personnel Reports
• List of Bills, Treasurer's Report, and Payroll
• Financial Reports
• Haines Intergovernmental Agreement with Park District
• Disposal of Surplus Equipment
• Lincoln Underground Storage Tank Removal
• Electricity Supplier Contract
• Policies from PRESS Issues 155 and 116
• Gifts and Donations

View the Consent Agenda section and details on BoardDocs

Informational reports are typically provided monthly to the Board. There is no action taken.

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Topics for information included:

• District 303 Financial Report

• Mid-Valley Financial Report

• FOIA Requests
  

• District Enrollment

• IASB Resolutions Committee Report

View the For Information section and details on BoardDocs

Board Members May Introduce New Business Items for Future Agendas

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• Updates regarding World Relief Organization, as necessary