September 26, 2012 Hannum students read their way to recognition Eight smiling Hannum students stood proudly before the board of education. “These students demonstrated at least a three level increase on their guided reading levels this summer,” Principal McGovern shared with the board. The increase was, in part, a result of the students’ participation in the first Hannum Summer Reading Challenge. The students enjoyed either completing the Oak Lawn Public Library Summer Reading Program or working on the interactive reading program, RAZ-Kids. Students who demonstrated the greatest reading growth over the summer were rewarded with a breakfast specially prepared by Principal McGovern. “Students were able to choose what they wanted me to make, and the menu was pretty varied. We had French toast sticks, juice, eggs, bacon, cereal, fruit, toast and milk. One student requested cereal. I think because he felt bad for me.” Board unanimously adopts the fiscal year 2013 budget The fiscal year 2013 budget was adopted by the board of education by unanimous vote. The adopted budget continues to move the district toward a balanced budget, and the district is projected to accomplish this goal by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. The fiscal year 2013 budget helps move toward the goal by reducing $1.5 million in expenditures. Over the past four years, the district has reduced the budget by over $4.4 million. The reductions have been made primarily in the area of operations, and the board has remained steadfast throughout the reduction process to protect class sizes and programs. Conversations will continue throughout the fall and winter regarding specific future reductions, and the board invites the public to take part in the discussions at future committee of the whole meetings. The schedule for upcoming board meetings can be found here.
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Transcript
September 26, 2012
Hannum students read their way to recognition
Eight smiling Hannum students stood proudly before the board of education. “These students demonstrated at least a three level increase on their guided reading levels this summer,” Principal McGovern shared with the board.
The increase was, in part, a result of the students’ participation in the first Hannum Summer Reading Challenge. The students enjoyed either completing the Oak Lawn Public Library Summer Reading Program or working on the interactive reading program, RAZ-Kids. Students who demonstrated the greatest reading growth over the summer were rewarded with a breakfast specially prepared by Principal McGovern.
“Students were able to choose what they wanted me to make, and the menu was pretty varied. We had French toast sticks, juice, eggs, bacon, cereal, fruit, toast and milk. One student requested cereal. I think because he felt bad for me.”
Board unanimously adopts the fiscal year 2013 budget
The fiscal year 2013 budget was adopted by the board of education by unanimous vote. The adopted budget continues to move the district toward a balanced budget, and the district is projected to accomplish this goal by the end of the 2015-2016 school year. The fiscal year 2013 budget helps move toward the goal by reducing $1.5 million in expenditures.
Over the past four years, the district has reduced the budget by over $4.4 million. The reductions have been made primarily in the area of operations, and the board has remained steadfast throughout the reduction process to protect class sizes and programs.
Conversations will continue throughout the fall and winter regarding specific future reductions, and the board invites the public to take part in the discussions at future committee of the whole meetings. The schedule for upcoming board meetings can be found here.
State Representative Kelly Burke discusses state funding challenges
Illinois State Representative Kelly Burke shared current state financial challenges that are impacting school district revenues. Due to the state treasury shortfall, quarterly mandated categorical payments are now being received 3 months late. The state has once again prorated General State Aid (GSA) to provide only 89% of the committed funding for school districts. This reduction is one of a number of state revenue shortfalls that has adversely impacted school district finance.
Representative Burke also explained the likelihood of future losses of school district revenue resulting from further GSA reductions, the potential pension cost shift to local districts, and the possible limiting of CPI- the primary source/multiplier for new revenues. Burke acknowledged this makes it very difficult for districts to effectively plan for district finances moving forward.
October 29, 2012
Students Honored for Red Ribbon Spirit Award
D123 building principals stood proudly before the board to announce their Red Ribbon Spirit Award winners for the 2012-2013 school year. Winning students were selected by classroom teachers based on their character, leadership, service, and participation in an anti-drug program such as D.A.R.E.
Selected students are honored at their building during Red Ribbon Week and at the Red Ribbon kick-off event “on the Green” in Oak Lawn. Congratulations to winning students Alex Rodriguez, Arley Martinez, Nathaniel Moran, Nicolas Soto, Alexandria Demas, and Lyalee Barakat.
Summer School in Review
Summer School Coordinator, Mr. John Mitchell, highlighted the success of the 2012 summer school program. The program was attended by 304 students in the district, and participants were offered courses in eight different learning categories. Summer school programs afford students opportunities to pursue academic classes, interest-based arts and sport-based sessions. The district will continue to build upon the successful summer school program next school year, and information for programs and registration for the 2013 summer school program will be distributed to parents in the spring.
Proposed 2012 Tax Levy Explained
In compliance with the Illinois School Code, each year school districts are required to file a formal tax levy to capture allotted revenues for the preceding school year. The levy is an estimated figure of collectible taxes based on several impacting factors listed below. District 123 will hold an official public hearing to discuss the 2012 tax levy at the November 26, 2012, board of education meeting to be held at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. This year, District 123 is proposing a levy extension increase average of 10.28% over last year’s levy.
The amount a district can levy is limited by a formula set in the Illinois School Code and is based on a combination of the Consumer Price Index, projected new growth, and equalized assessed property values within the district’s boundaries. As new growth figures and finalized property values are not established until the summer of the following year, school districts in Illinois levy for an amount above what is anticipated to ensure no revenue is lost when the final summer figures are released. The district will only be eligible to receive a final tax
extension amount based on the final figures released by the county the following summer. If the district adopts a levy that is less than the actual released figure by the county in the summer, the district can not recover the funds above the original levy adopted.
D123 will send out a more detailed communication piece in the coming week to provide an explanation of a tax levy and how it impacts local property taxes.
IN THE NEWS
Family Math Nights Add Up to Fun Fri, Oct 19, 2012
Reading, Writing, and Creating! Wed, Oct 31, 2012
OLHMS 8th Graders Conduct a Health Fair at Sward Mon, Oct 29, 2012
Red Ribbon week brought great inspiration to Covington School students as they found a creative way to spread their message of saying no to drugs and alcohol. With the help of staff, students wrote, directed, and edited a video using Taylor Swift’s music as inspiration. Great job to all those involved in the project, and you can see their excellent work by clicking here.
Raking Leaves for the Community
Over 110 D123 volunteers raked nearly 70 yards in the Oak Lawn community on Saturday, November 10, as part of the Village of Oak Lawn-sponsored “Senior Leaf Raking Day.” Board of Education President Sorrentino thanked the many families who came out to help, and he reiterated how highly D123 values being part of the community and supporting our residents. A brief video celebrating the event and discussing how much it means for D123 to participate in helping our community can be viewed here.
2012 Tax Levy Adopted
The D123 Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the 2012 tax levy as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Mr. Mike Loftin.
The amount a district can levy is limited by a formula set in the Illinois School Code and is based on a combination of the Consumer Price Index, projected new growth, and equalized assessed property values within the district’s boundaries. As new growth figures and finalized property values are not established until the summer of the following year, school districts in Illinois levy for an amount above what is anticipated to ensure no revenue is lost when the final summer figures are released.
For more information about the 2012 tax levy, including estimated figures of how the levy will impact tax bills, we invite you to watch this short, informational video.
Sward Students Raise Over $3,000 for Victims of Hurricane Sandy
On December 6, 2012, Sward students participated in a walk-a-thon, sponsored by the student council, to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Students received pledges for each lap they were able to walk around the school block. In total, Sward students raised an amazing $3,357.96.
Eight student representatives shared their experience with the board of education, and all in attendance at the meeting offered congratulations to the students and staff on their outstanding work to help support others in need.
No Student Fee Increase for 2013-2014 School Year
The board of education accepted the administrative recommendation not to raise student fees for the 2013-2014 school year. Last school year, the board voted to increase the technology fee in order to sustain the current level of technology access for students and staff into the foreseeable future.
Outside of the increase in the technology fee, this will mark the fifth consecutive year D123 has not increased student fees. After continuing an examination of the current fee structure and the level of increase necessary to significantly protect class sizes, programming or staff, the board did not see a student material fee increase as a revenue source solution at this time.
Parents Offered Opportunity to Provide Feedback in Upcoming Survey
From February 1, through March 31, 2013, parents will be invited to offer feedback to help D123 continue to seek ways to improve as a school district by participating in the Illinois State Board of Education’s 5Essentials Survey. Feedback will be collected and shared for individual schools, and final reports will be generated for each school if at least 30% of parents at each building participate in the survey. The district will share a link with parents to complete the survey starting on February 1, 2013.
Students from D123 participated in the NIU STEMFest video contest earlier this year, and the experience challenged students to explain a concept in science, technology, engineering, and math through a creative video. Two videos from Ms. Margaret Nugent’s Hometown class tied for second place in the third through fifth grade division, and Hometown School won a School Excellence Award for their submissions. The board recognized and congratulated the award winning students on their fantastic work.
To watch the students videos, we invite you to click here.
Tentative agreement reached for new staff contracts
The Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123 Board of Education and the Oak Lawn-Hometown Federation of Teachers, Local 943, are pleased to jointly announce the agreement of terms for a new four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The financial and benefit portions of the agreement include a 1% total salary increase in 2013-2014 for certified and support staff, a certified staff increase based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3% in 2014-2017, and a support staff increase based on CPI with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%, plus a 1% additional increase above the certified increase in 2014-2017. In addition, health insurance plan modifications were established that will result in nearly $100,000 in cost savings for the district.
The prior certified teacher contract (2008-2013) salary increases averaged in excess of 5% for the duration of the contract. The board acknowledges and appreciates the willingness of the certified and support staff to negotiate a contract that will contribute to the board’s ability to address the existing deficits. Both the board team and the Oak Lawn-Hometown Federation of Teachers commented on the professional and respectful nature of the negotiation process and outcome.
The Oak Lawn-Hometown Federation of Teachers ratified the contract on February 22, and the Board of Education will take action to ratify the agreement at the March 19, Board of Education meeting. Once approved, the CBA will be in effect from July 1, 2013, through June 30,
2017, for non-certified employees and from August 16, 2013, to August 15, 2017, for certified employees.
Board approves 2013-2014 school calendar
The board of education approved the proposed 2013-2014 school calendar. Highlights of the adopted calendar are as follows:
School year begins during the week of August 19 with two (2) Institute Days for staff on Tuesday, August 20, and Wednesday, August 21. Students begin their school year with a full-day on Thursday, August 22, 2013.
Parent-Teacher Conference schedule remains the same as this year’s. Evening conferences on Thursday, November 21, and a full-day & evening of conferences (no student attendance) on Monday, November 25.
Thanksgiving Break – Tuesday, November 26 – Friday, November 29
Winter Break begins on Monday, December 23, and ends on Friday, January 3. Both high school districts have the same break schedule.
Spring Break – Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28. Both high schools have the same break schedule.
Mini-break surrounding Easter. Friday, April 18 & Monday, April 21
Last day full day for students – Wednesday, June 4, 2014.
Full-day Institute for teachers following the last day for students.
To view the full calendar, please click here.
IN THE NEWS
2013 Make-A-Wish Campaign Starts Now! Fri, Mar 1, 2013
Choir singers deliver impressive performance for the board
OLHMS students Alexandra Overland, Kyle Haak, Jonathan McLawhorn, Fabian Quintero, and Ron Walker, impressed the board with their singing talents at the March 19, board meeting. Choir teacher, Virginia Ebner, first introduced and accompanied Alexandra, a recipient of a perfect Division I rating score at the IGSMA vocal concert. Following Alexandra’s performance, Kyle, Jonathan, Fabian, and Ron performed the ensemble number that earned them a Division I rating at the IGSMA vocal concert. The board expressed their pride and congratulations to the students on their outstanding performances and the positive way they represented D123.
New staff collective bargaining agreement approved
The board of education unanimously approved the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement for certified and non-certified staff. The new agreement will be in effect from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, for non-certified employees and from August 16, 2013, to August 15, 2017, for certified employees.
The financial and benefit changes of the agreement are as follows:
2013-2014
Certified and support staff: 1% total increase
2014-2015 through 2016-2017
Certified staff: increase based on CPI with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%.
Support staff: increase based on CPI with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%, plus 1% additional increase above the certified increase.
Health Insurance Plan Modification Proposal
Add $100 emergency room co-pay (waived if admitted to hospital)
Prescription Drug: $10 generic/$15 brand/$25 brand if generic available (same rates for 90 day mail order supply)
To read the full press release regarding the new agreement, please click here.
Board announces two staffing updates
The board officially announced Ms. Laura Ferrell as the new OLHMS assistant principal for the 2013-2014 school year. Ms. Ferrell currently serves as the instructional technology coach for OLHMS, and Principal Enderle shared his enthusiasm with the appointment by stating, “Ms. Ferrell stood out in our interview process, and we know she will continue to help us move forward with the progress we’ve made in transitioning to a 21st century model of teaching and learning.”
The board also approved the creation of a part-time Community Liaison Officer position to focus on increasing the connection between the district and the community. President Sorrentino stated, “We live in an incredible community, and we want to find every opportunity possible to communicate and connect with all of our stakeholders. We want to not only inform the community of the great things happening in our schools but also provide opportunities for our students to give back in order to teach them how important it is to contribute and support a community that constantly supports the work we are doing.”
IN THE NEWS
Helen Whalen Scholarship Deadline Approaching Fri, Mar 15, 2013
The board of education unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Paul Enderle as District 123 Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2013. Enderle currently serves as the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School Principal.
"Mr. Enderle brings great experience and expertise not only in the excellent educational leadership he has demonstrated in his administrative role over the past ten years in our district, but also in his knowledge and connection with the broader Oak Lawn and Hometown communities,” board President Joe Sorrentino stated. “The board is proud to announce his appointment, and we look forward to the manner in which Mr. Enderle will continue moving our district forward through his skills as a leader."
Enderle’s educational experience includes his four years leading Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School as their building principal, six years serving as an assistant principal in District 123, and ten years serving as an administrator and classroom teacher for Luther High School South Junior High.
Enderle holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education from Concordia University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate from Concordia University in Educational Leadership.
OLHMS Teacher Joins “Dream Team”
The board of education congratulated Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School teacher, Kathy Ogean, on her recent selection to the LearnZillion Dream Team. Ms. Ogean was selected as one of 200 teachers from a pool of over 3,000 applicants. Ms. Ogean was selected for the team based on her “understanding of the Common Core State Standards and her ability to create high-quality, highly conceptual lessons.”
To read more about how the selected LearnZillion team will work together to help create resources for students, click here.
New Wrinkle in District 123 Education Foundation Golf Outing Event
The Board of Education approved the annual Ed Foundation golf outing for June 13, 2013, at Stoney Creek Golf Course. This year’s event will attempt to capture broader participation of families and students with the addition of a miniature golf/lunch option. Children and adults can participate in minature golf and receive a hot dog lunch for $5 per person or $20 for a family of 4 or more. The D123 Education Foundation Golf Planning Committee Chair, Jim Craig, indicated the golf outing event is not only about raising dollars to support our students but also about providing more opportunities to bring our school community together to celebrate. For more information about the event, including how to register, please click here.
School Calendar Amended for Snow Day
Due to the snow day on March 5, 2013, the 2012-2013 school calendar has been officially amended to reflect Tuesday, June 4, 2013, as the updated final day of attendance for students. June 4, will be a full attendance day for students.
IN THE NEWS
D123 Names New Superintendent of Schools Tue, Apr 23, 2013