District 36 School Board Rundown

Agenda Rundown

board members convened for a special meeting Tuesday at the where they focused on what has been identified as one the district’s biggest priorities – “a vision of the future of the district,” said superintendent Thomas Hagerman.

The 5 p.m. special public session preceded the regular board meeting at 7:15 p.m., which mainly went over seven items from the superintendent report.

Highlights included*:

• Mark Ditthardt, director of pupil services, discussed the number of K-7 students who transferred out of the district during or at the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year. It was noted that 55 students left the district last year — 21 of which went to private schools — and 102 new students enrolled this year.
• Susan Pingitore, district chief financial officer, presented the 2011 tax levy. Pingitore recommended a levy of $34 million, with $16 million coming directly from new property and new growth. A public hearing will be held at the next meeting to vote on the suggested levy.
• Discussion of the district calendar got off to an early start, and board members considered district holiday dates that would serve as student/parent conference days. The priorities, according to the board, focus on families' needs and convenient alignment with New Trier's calendar.
• The search continues for a new principal at The Skokie School. Maureen Cheever, director of human resources, went over the timeline and process for the search, which will replace Thomas Eber who is retiring before the 2012-13 school year. Eber is retiring after 13 years of service.
• Board members talked about the district’s Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) policy and will take action next month. Under the current IMRF policy, District 36 employees who have served for at least 15 years can receive additional incentives. The board wants to abdicate this policy but fulfill its impending obligations, however it must do so before the state-imposed deadline or it could be at risk for significant penalties.

The next regular board meeting will be held at the Carleton Washburne Resource Center at 7:15 p.m. A 5 p.m. special meeting will precede regular assembly.

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* Nov. 18 Clarification: The discussion around the district calendar focuses on parents' policies and New Trier alignment. The IMRF policy was discussed but no action was taken.