The Board heard an update on the District’s boundary adjustment planning at its January 13 meeting.

The District continues to work with STR architects and RSP school planning firm to determine options for reducing overcrowding in some schools, while also satisfying community’s priorities of establishing a consistent feeder pattern, full day kindergarten, among other priorities taken from a past survey.

RSP is currently working on boundary options that have:

• A complete feeder pattern from elementary to middle to high school

• Potential middle school enhancements

• Updated functional capacity for elementary schools

• Equitable and appropriate space utilization

More information on the process will be shared in February, with community engagement occurring in the spring.

The Board heard a COVID-19 update at its January 13 meeting.

COVID-19 community metrics have decreased since the December Board meeting, while internal case rates remain at comparable levels. The District will continue to monitor and contact trace positive cases reported to our schools and take Adaptive Pauses at the classroom and building level as needed due to viral outbreaks and/or staffing limitations.

District health services staff are beginning to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, with the rest of the staff eligible for the vaccination in phase 1B of the state’s plan. The District is working with area healthcare providers on how to efficiently distribute vaccines to staff when they become available.

The full COVID-19 Board presentation is available online.

Congratulations to eight District 15 teachers who obtained or renewed their National Board Certification, known as the gold standard for professional educators. This voluntary certification process is extremely rigorous. Teachers must demonstrate distinguished practice in content knowledge; differentiation of instruction; use of data and assessments; reflection and continuous learning.

The Board heard an overview of the District's five-year financial forecast on January 13. Due to capital projects and potential borrowing opportunities, the District’s fund balance could decrease slightly in the next several years. However, due to a Palatine TIF expiring in 2024, the surplus will begin to rebuild. Click here to view the five-year forecast.

District administrators presented a plan for restructuring several departments to be more effective, efficient and in line with the District’s strategic plan.

The Board approved a proposal to reorganize the student services, teaching and learning, multilingual and educational services departments by reallocating current staff and adding the following new positions:

• 5 additional Instructional Coaches

• 4 additional Special Education Coordinators

• .7 Related Service Coordinators

• 2 Multilingual Coordinators

The full presentation is available to view online.