Board Briefs
Summary of the August 21, 2023 Board Meeting at Attea
Board Briefs is a newsletter-style summary of the highlights of the Board of Education's discussion and action. You can find the meeting agenda online here and look for minutes to be posted after they are approved at the next regular BOE meeting (September 18, 2023).
Board Meeting Recording
Public Hearing: E-Learning Plan
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Dr. Matt Silverman explained that, in 2020, District 34 filed its first e-Learning plan, required to be able to provide remote learning options, as necessary due to the pandemic. In accordance with the ongoing requirement of e-Learning Plans by the Illinois State Board of Education and the North Cook Intermediate Service Center (NCISC), District 34 is seeking to renew its three-year e-Learning plan.
Dr. Silverman said that having this plan in place will allow the District flexibility to use remote learning days for weather-related or other emergency days if necessary to meet the required days of attendance. Dr. Delli said that the District does not expect to employ remote learning days for general "snow days," but it's important to have in place for extreme situations.
Superintendent's Reflections
Each month, Superintendent Dr. Dane Delli updates the Board of Education and the community about programs, events, notable achievements and other timely information and celebrations.
Dr. Delli shared the excitement of the administration in welcoming back staff and students. He pointed to the large-scale renovations as a key point of excitement. He thanked the construction, support staff and custodial and maintenance teams who have been working to ensure that we have a smooth opening to school and a welcoming environment for children. The work is not complete; finishing touches are happening throughout this week, and into the first weeks of school. He said that some classrooms will start the year with temporary air conditioning units -- some permanent unit ventilators that were ordered in January have not yet arrived. They will be installed as they arrived; meantime, all classrooms will have air conditioning.
There's a Doctor in the House!
Dr. Delli honored Attea Assistant Principal for Student Services Dr. Heather Santella for earning her doctoral degree. Dr. Santella earned her Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University in the spring of 2023. Her dissertation topic was principal leadership attributes and competencies and the leadership attributes support high-performing schools.
Community Participation
Community members are encouraged to attend Board of Education meetings and contribute during the community participation periods. In all regular Board of Education meetings, the Board follows a set agenda that include two opportunities for community participation. Board Briefs provides a summary of the topics addressed by those who speak; the meeting recording, above, provides a full recording of comments from the community.
No community members spoke at this meeting.
Consent Agenda & Other Approvals
The Board approved the consent agenda, which included a personnel report, payroll and vendor warrants, and approval to donate equipment and furniture. The Board also approved the e-learning plan as presented in the public hearing, as well as the following items:
Attea Land Transfer
In 2001, the District 34 Board of Education agreed to lease property where Attea Middle School is located from the Village of Glenview for $1 for approximately 21 years, and then purchase the land for $1. The District and the Glenview Park District will amend and continue following the intergovernmental agreement that guides the shared use of the building and parking lots.
GEA Collective Bargaining Agreement
Dr. Delli made the following statement:
"After several months of collaborative and deliberate work we are pleased to share publicly the recently ratified collective bargaining agreement between the Glenview Education Association and District 34 BOE. Thank you to GEA President Nan Ross-Meridith and members of the GEA bargaining team, Board President Scott Nelson and members of the administrative bargaining team, along with Justin Petrarca counsel for the Board. We believe this agreement sets a solid foundation for all stakeholders to benefit from a successful and productive five-year agreement."
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Kevin Dorken said that the agreement, which runs July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2028, provides improvements in a variety of areas, and will enhance communication and understanding across our school system. Key non-financial areas of the agreement include:
Streamlined governance structures to increase efficiency and better align with current and recent practice
Added language to align with our Strategic Plan related to an inclusive school environment and the diversity of our learning community
Added language to clarify some educator roles and work conditions
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Eric Miller described the financial provisions of the contract:
- Salary provisions: There is both a step and base increase in the first two years, then flat increases the next three years. The average increase in salaries of the term of the agreement is 4%.
- Health and dental provisions: The Board will see a maximum increase in its contribution of 6.25%.
The total new money towards salary is $8,014,000 and total new money towards benefits is $5,000,000, for total new money of $13,014,000 over the five-year term of the agreement.
Discussion
Public Lands Partnership
Dr. Delli explained that District 34 has a unique opportunity to enter into a partnership with the Village of Glenview, the Glenview Park District and Glenbrook District 225.
A developer, Pulte, proposed a development of about 60 acres of the former Signode site. Demographers estimate D34 would see an increase of 97 students in our schools from this development, which includes 39 estate single family homes, 34 landing single family homes and 65 townhomes.
The Village has offered to facilitate the purchase of a portion of the development to be used as public lands. The District would gain space for meetings, professional development, groups such as the PTAs and BPACs, food pantry, and other satellite office locations.
Dr. Delli said that the situation is in early stages; as discussions progress, he would keep the Board and community apprised.
Update on Village of Glenview-D34 Partnership: School Resource Officers
Dr. Delli provided an update on the progress of the intergovernmental agreement between the Village of Glenview and D34 to bring school resource officers back to Attea and Springman.
He restated the definition and role of SROs. They are are sworn law-enforcement officers, employed by the local police department, who receive training to work in school buildings to help maintain a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment. SROs are clearly identified in the building and carry a standard issued weapon. They:
Build positive relationships with students, staff and families
Educate students and staff about safety and crime prevention
Directly work with district/schools on threat assessment, emergency preparedness and crisis response
Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and local law enforcement
Deter potential threats and promote a secure learning environment
Dr. Delli reminded the Board that SROs receive training on de-escalation, mental health issues, conflict resolution, crisis preparedness and security assessment. Many peer districts have SROs, including D15, D21, D54, D63, D73, D102 and D109; in addition, District 225 has an SRO model.
He reinforced that SROs will be:
Carefully selected
Specifically trained
Properly equipped
Integrated members of our school community
Partners with mental health staff and community resources
Interviews have been conducted, and candidates were selected and trained. In September, the intergovernmental agreement between D34 & Village of Glenview will be finalized. The IGA approval is on an upcoming Village Board of Trustees agenda, and it will be considered at the September 18 D34 Board of Education meeting.
If the IGA is approved by both the Village and D34, SROs will officially begin at Springman and Attea the week of September 18.
Health & Dental Rates for 2024
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Eric Miller said that the Insurance Sub-Committee met to discuss the health and dental renewal rates for January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. The committee unanimously recommends:
Rate increases:
- PPO plans: 15.8%
- HMO plans: 3%
- Dental: 2%
Plan Changes:
- Eliminate PPO 750 plan
- Introduce the PPO 1250
- Increase deductible in HDHP to $3,000
Unaudited Financials & Final 2024 Budget Presentation
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Eric Miller presented the 2023 budget in review. The District saw a $4.2M operating surplus, but across all funds, D34 experienced a $36M deficit. The year-end report shows an outcome close to original projected figures.
Mr. Miller also presented the FY2024 final budget. The budget projects a deficit of $27.5M across all funds. Operating funds show a $8.6M deficit. However, net an $11M construction-related transfer, operating revenues exceed operating expenditures. He pointed out that 88% of D34 revenue comes from local sources. The fund balance is expected to drop, but remain above 60%.
The District will hold a public hearing of the final budget in September before approval.
Delay in Cook County Property Tax Disbursement
Cook County has announced that it is delaying property tax bills, which means that public entities, including District 34, will receive tax disbursements (a primary source of income) late. In order to meet bond payments, the District may need to take out tax anticipation warrants (TAWs). There will be further discussion at the September and October meetings.
Glenview District 34 is governed by a seven-person Board of Education, elected by the community, that consists of seven individuals. You can contact the Board at board@glenview34.org.
Scott Nelson, President
Jim Baumstark, Vice President
Diane Stefani, Secretary
Dr. James Dolan
Alex Kamilewicz
Julie Moon
Vasilios Soupos
Front Row: Jim Baumstark, Julie Moon, Scott Nelson, Alex Kamilewicz
Second Row: Vasilios Soupos, Dr. James Dolan, Diane Stefani
Glenview School District 34 is a diverse, inclusive school district that serves approximately 4,300 students from preschool through eighth grade across three primary schools (Henking, Lyon and Westbrook), three intermediate schools (Glen Grove, Hoffman and Pleasant Ridge), and two middle schools (Attea and Springman).
Location: 1401 Greenwood Road, Glenview, IL, USA
Phone: 847-998-5000