E-Learning in District 54
District 54 is shared a 3-year plan to utilize e-learning during select emergency school closure days. The current calendar year is set to end on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. In the event of emergency closings, the first two closures would be traditional cancellations. Additional days (up to three), would follow the e-learning structure. Students in kindergarten through eighth-grade would access asynchronous digital learning, while Early Learning Center students would complete non-digital activities. Pending Board of Education approval at the October Board meeting, the plan would be submitted to the North Cook Regional Office of Education.
Public Hearing on E-Learning in District 54
No one asked to speak.
General Public Comment
No one asked to speak.
Superintendent Report on Creating Connections
Superintendent Andy DuRoss shared information about three new opportunities designed to connect with students and staff. Next week the district will launch the 54 Insider to connect with staff through a newsletter geared specifically toward them. Next month, a staff Key Communicator Network will have its first meeting to further internal communication in District 54. The group will include two staff members from each school, central office administrators and two members of the Board of Education.
To better activate student voices, Superintendent DuRoss is also starting a Youth Advisory Committee, comprised of two eighth–grade ambassadors from each junior high school and Lincoln Prairie. This committee will meet throughout the school year creating opportunity to develop leadership skills, activate student voice, expand empathy through a service project and create deeper connections across the district.
Recognition
The Board of Education recognized the 12 eighth-grade students who were selected to participate on the new Youth Advisory Committee.
- Max Blocker and Natasha Zepcan from Addams Junior High School
- Adeenah Baqai and Oluwasemilore Ogunrinde from Eisenhower Junior High School
- Paige Johnson and Elena Nikolova from Frost Junior High School
- Violet Jensen and Vishakh Hegde from Keller Junior High School
- Belen Forgione and Julia Bogdanowicz from Lincoln Prairie School
- Cora Herman and Alex Markowski from Mead Junior High School
Enrollment and Classroom Usage Update
District 54’s sixth-day student enrollment for kindergarten through eighth grade in 2024 was 14,576, slightly higher than last year’s 14,516. While individual school enrollments fluctuate, the district has adequate facility space to support its instructional programs, with an average class size of 21 students.
District 54 Enrollment Study
District 54 partnered with RSP & Associates to conduct an updated enrollment study, analyzing factors like live birth data, housing trends, economic indicators and enrollment history to project changes over the next five years. The study forecasts a districtwide enrollment decrease of about 270 students by 2028-2029, with elementary schools losing around 360 students, while junior high enrollment is expected to grow by 90 students. No major capacity challenges were identified, but a Building Utilization Analysis is recommended to improve space planning, particularly for special education programs. Ongoing housing development in the district remains a key factor in future enrollment projections.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
District 54 received and replied to eight Freedom of Information Act request since the last report to the Board, related to purchasing records, employee salaries, new hires, retiring and resigning staff, correspondence and meetings with the Elk Grove Park District, school clubs, school calendars and enrollment.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- The minutes of the regular and closed session Board of Education meetings on August 8, 2024
- Resignations, leaves, termination, retirements, employment, re-employment and salary adjustments of personnel
- Checks dated August 9 and 23, 2024
- The treasurer’s reports on cash and investments for July 2024
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for July 2024
- The posting of the administrator and teacher salary and benefits report
- The contract renewal with R&G Consultants for Medicaid billing services
- The purchase of technology with licensing and support from Newslea
- The destruction of the verbatim records of the closed-session school board meetings held on February 9 and March 9, 2023 for which approved minutes already exist
President’s Report
Board President Jim Pye thanked everyone who participated in the Septemberfest Foundation fundraising events, walked in the parade or performed. He invited everyone to attend the District 54 Foundation’s Run to Read on Sept. 22 at Dirksen School.
DCAC Report
Board Member Barb Hengels shared that DCAC heard a presentation on summer learning activities for staff and students.
IASB/COSSBA
Board Member Nick Scipione updated the Board and the federal advocacy conference he attended with Board Member Bob Kaplan earlier this week.
ED-RED Report
Board Member Mary Kay Prusnick invited everyone to the ED-RED Legislative Kickoff
D54 Foundation Report
Board Member Bob Kaplan updated the Board on changes to the Foundation vision. They will host three major events and narrow their focus to two major programs (the food pantries and the crisis fund).
PTA Council Report
PTA Council President Steven Mladenovic announced that of the eight Illinois PTAs receiving the national PTA School of Excellence Award, six are from District 54. He invited the Board to the Northwest Cook Regional Fall General Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Mead Junior High School.
New Business
- The Board of Education approved a contract with RSP & Associates for the completion of a Facilities Functional Capacity Analysis.
- The Board of Education appointed representatives to serve on the Budget and Legislative Networking Committee for the 2024-2025 school year.
- The Board of Education appointed additional representatives to serve on the District Citizens Advisory Committee for the 2024-2025 school year.
Announcements
Board Members attended the Schaumburg Township Historical Society salute to Anne Fox, one of the early teachers in District 54, and a performance coordinated by the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce. Many board members praised the student groups that performed at Septemberfest and those that volunteered with the Foundation that weekend. They also thanked Pilot Pete’s for donating all their proceeds from the event.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:32 p.m. to enter closed sessions for a semi-annual review of minutes of closed-session meetings, employment/appointment matters and school matters.
