Public Hearing – 2024 Tax Levy
No one asked to speak.
General Public Comments
- In recognition of School Board Appreciation Day tomorrow, IEA UniServ Director Ben Grey thanked the School Board for all they do.
- An Addams parent thanked the School Board for hosting the fall sports award ceremony prior to the School Board meeting tonight.
Administrative Reports: K-2 Comprehensive Literacy Plan
District 54 convened a Literacy Review Focus Group last year to determine strengths and opportunities for literacy instruction as it related to the new Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. The District 54 K-2 comprehensive literacy plan was finalized over the summer and rolled out to staff in August.
Reading foundational standards were added to the district’s essential outcomes in kindergarten, first and second grade, including print concepts, phonological awareness, word recognition and fluency. The district provided staff with many resources including lesson plans, access to instructional resources, and support for multilingual learners.
Full-day sessions provided staff with training on how to assess grade-level standards through common assessments. Teachers plan these assessments collaboratively and reflect on student data regularly to maintain fluid and flexible small groups that meet the needs of all students. Professional development is also offered at school buildings and continuing education is offered both in person and virtually.
All kindergarten students participated in early screening using the PEARL assessment, which helps identify students who have reading difficulties or disabilities, including dyslexia. The screener also allows staff to identify what interventions are needed to support each student.
This fall, in addition to the MAP Growth assessment, District 54 implemented the MAP Fluency assessment for all kindergarten through second-grade students. This software requires students to read aloud for 30 minutes, and adapts based on their responses. These two MAP assessments give teachers access to data within 24 hours, allowing teachers to make adjustments in instruction to meet the needs of each child.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
District 54 received and replied to one Freedom of Information Act request since the last report to the Board related to portable toilet invoices.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- Resignations, employment and salary adjustment of personnel
- Checks dated October 4 and 18, 2024
- The treasurer’s report on cash and investments for September 2024
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for September 2024
- Workplace Solutions to continue as the provider of the district’s Employee Assistance Program
- District 54’s submittal of the application for the School Maintenance Project Grant for 2024-2025
- A resolution authorizing attorneys Franczek P.C. to intervene in proceedings for assessment year 2024 before the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board
- A resolution authorizing attorneys Franczek P.C. to intervene in Tax Objection Complaint (TOC) proceedings for the assessment year 2024 pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County
- The secure vestibule push button project, which is the final piece of the visitor management system in all District 54 elementary schools.
President’s Report
Board President Jim Pye thanked the schools for hosting meaningful Veterans Day celebrations and the park districts for the new parks at some of the district’s schools. District 54 and the Hoffman Estate Park District received a prestigious Intergovernmental Cooperation Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts for the revitalization of Sycamore Park by Lincoln Prairie School. He also thanked Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm, which donated pumpkins to students at two of our schools.
Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Report
With the IASB conference next week, Board Vice President Nick Scippione asked board members for feedback on the 13 resolutions being considered by the association.
D54 Foundation Report
Board Member Bob Kaplan thanked the numerous donors this fall, including
- The Lions Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates who donated $500 to commemorate the generosity of Katy Garcia (a Foundation trustee);
- An anonymous employee who donated $1,000;
- The Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Rotary for donating $10,000;
- The SEA and SEEO that raised more than $3,200 at their annual Craft and Vendor Fair;
- The sponsors, participants and volunteers that raised $6,800 at the Run to Read; and
- The Friends of Raja (Krishnamoorthi) campaign, which has donated more than $38,000 over the past few months.
PTA
The Schaumburg Township Council’s Reflections Showcase will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 in the District 54 Professional Learning Center. The PTA also thanked Superintendent DuRoss for speaking at the Northwest Region Fall Meeting last month.
New Business
- The Board approved the minutes of the regular meeting of October 17, 2024.
- The Board approved the 2024 Certificate of Tax Levy.
- The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Cook County Clerk to reduce the education levy by 100% for any amount in excess of the limiting rate.
- The Board approved new Board Policy 2:110 – Qualifications, Term and Duties of Board Officers.
- The Board approved revisions to Board Policy 2:120(b) – Board Conferences, Conventions, and Workshops.
- The Board approved new Board Policy 2:270 -– Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited.
- The Board approved revisions to Board Policy 4:280 – Use of District-Owned Vehicles.
- The Board approved revisions to Board Policy 4:30(b) – Investment of District Funds.
- The Board approved new Board Policy 4:40 – Outstanding Checks.
- The Board approved new Board policy 4:50 – Unclaimed Property.
- The Board approved a proclamation in recognition of American Education Week 2024 and International Education Week 2024, both being celebrated November 18-22, 2024.
Announcements
Board members offered their thanks to members of the Policy Committee and the Literacy Task Force. They also spoke about partnerships, such as the one with the PTAs at all 28 schools and the one with local organizations such as the Rotary Club.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
