Board Briefs
Highlights from the December 16, 2019 BOE meeting
Board Briefs is a newsletter-style overview of the highlights of the Board of Education's discussion and action. You can find the meeting agenda online here, and look for minutes of the meeting to be posted after they are approved at the next BOE meeting (January 27, 2020).
Public Hearing: Tax Levy
During the community participation period, the following citizens spoke:
- Sean McMahon, resident, expressed concern about tax increases.
- Emmanuel Martinez, former District 34 student, explained that when he was a student, Springman was insufficient. He would like to see funds used to improve the schools.
In the regular meeting, the Board approved the levy.
Superintendent's Reflections
Glenview Generosity
Community Comments
In the first opportunity for input, the following community members spoke:
- Elena Magnus, parent, shared concerns about the earlier start times and the late start day set to begin with the 2020-2021 school year.
- Alexander Magnus, parent, shared an article from the Chicago Tribune, "Happier and healthier lives: Schools change homework, start times and more in response to student anxiety."
- Sophia Korman, student, said that she feels that her lunch period is not long enough.
Resolutions
Building Future: Referendum
She continued, "In discussion at our December 2nd meeting, some Board members expressed a strong desire to enhance what the task force recommended by addressing space needs and incorporating full-day kindergarten. The motivation to do so is the belief that the youngest of our students should have the strongest start possible to their educational life in our schools."
"The Board is using the Building Future Task Force recommendation as a strong foundation to create the scenario that allows us to meet the facility and educational needs of District 34 – and the goals outlined in our strategic plan. "
Eric Miller outlined the steps the administration took in reducing the final scope and cost:
- Reduce the design and construction contingency of 4%: $5.2M reduction
- Reduce scope by keeping the admin and warehouse: $5.7M reduction
- Increase fund balance contribution to $20M
- Set a "work to" number of $150M, which may warrant modifications
Several Board members expressed their support of the process and the final referendum question. Board Member Katie Jones reiterated her support for providing full-day kindergarten. Board Member Mike Korman said the community can count on the Board to be aggressive stewards of the investment and that the Board will be mindful of the commitment the community is making in the schools.
Board Vice President Jim Baumstark said he feels it is right for the Board to ask the community for funds when the schools really need it, not when it's nice to have. He believes that time has come and that the school facilities fall far behind other public facilities in the Glenview community.
Board Member Diane Stefani commended her fellow Board members in asking difficult questions to get to this referendum question. She said that she is in support of children being in safe buildings and the Board has the best interest of children at heart.
Board Member Scott Nelson pointed out the dates of construction of the schools: 1948, 1949, 1953, 1954, 1959, 1959, 1960, and 2003.
The Board passed the resolution unanimously.
Discussion
Student, Transportation and Building Use Fees
Mr. Miller shared a comparison of District 34 fees with peer districts. The administration recommends that the District keep 2020-2021 fees flat, with no increase, and continue to offer an early bird discount of $50. The Board will take action on fees at the next meeting.
Community Comments
Meet the Board of Education
Glenview District 34 is governed by a seven-person Board of Education, elected by the community, that consists of the following individuals:
- Natalie Jachtorowycz (President)
- Jim Baumstark (Vice President)
- John Heggie
- Katie Jones
- Mike Korman
- Scott Nelson
- Diane Stefani
You can contact the Board at board@glenview34.org.
About Us
Email: news@glenview34.org
Website: www.glenview34.org
Location: 1401 Greenwood Road, Glenview, IL, USA
Phone: 847-998-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/glenview34
Twitter: @glenview34