District 57 School Board Meeting Highlights Dec. 19, 2019
*School Board Meeting Highlights are a summary/overview of interesting and important decisions, presentations and/or discussions that take place at Board meetings. They are different from the Meeting Minutes, which give a more detailed report of Board members present, vote tallies, etc. These Meeting Highlights are shared via email, social media and the website shortly after the Board meeting. Meeting Minutes are included in the Public Packet for the next Board Meeting.
Student Recognition
Lions Park Peer Mediators: Principal Katie Kelly recognized this group of students and their leaders, Gail Valentini and Julie Gayle. The peer mediators are selected from many applicants, using a rigorous application process. They attend a two-day training session in the summer, along with the Fairview peer mediators. These students serve as leaders and role models and mediate playground conflicts. Dr. Aumiller and Board president Eileen Kowalczyk presented the students with certificates of recognition.
Presentation of the 2019 Satisfaction Survey Results
Bill Foster from School Perceptions reported on results of the community survey that was given this fall. Here are some highlights:
Participation: 1,257 respondents, which is a very good rate from a statistical standpoint (111 staff members, 656 parents participated)
Participation: 1,257 respondents, which is a very good rate from a statistical standpoint (111 staff members, 656 parents participated)
District communications: 84% of parents say the frequency of communication is just right, 86% of parents rate the content of communication as very effective or somewhat effective
Lincoln Middle School: 41% of parents support the District exploring the option of building a new middle school, 16% support addressing maintenance and renovating the existing school, 21% support either option, and 22% are not sure/need more information
Overall satisfaction: when asked whether they would recommend the District to a friend moving into the area, staff agreement was at 4.33, parent agreement was at 4.44 and non-parent/non-staff agreement was at 4.26 (with ratings ranging from 5 for strongly agree to 1 for strongly disagree)
67% of parents rate District 57 much better or a little better than neighboring districts
Overall, 91% of parents are very satisfied or satisfied with District 57
The report also includes feedback on staff performance and on each school
2020-21 Student Fees Presentation
Adam Parisi, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, presented a proposed schedule for student fees for the next school year. This includes curriculum, supplies and other fees, transportation, extracurricular, lunch program, summer school, preschool and childcare. This is the Board’s first discussion of fees for next school year; no vote was taken.
Curriculum fees and Kids’ Corner have remained the same since 2011-12, transportation fees have remained the same since 2012-13.
Adam Parisi reviewed Kids’ Corner enrollment, which has risen this past year and had to be capped for the first time
The District is recommending that fees stay the same for the 2020-21 school year.
Board members discussed whether additional TIF funds could be used to reduce fees, which would result in a discount of approximately $10 per student. They also discussed the possibility of reducing Kids Corner fees, perhaps by implementing a discount for multiple kids. They discussed the challenges of finding staff for Kids’ Corner.
***A COMPLETE REPORT OF SURVEY RESULTS AND RECOMMENDED FEES FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR CAN BE FOUND IN THE PUBLIC PACKET FOR THE BOARD MEETING, AT THIS LINK