D103 News
School Board Highlights
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Recognition
Board President Anne van Gerven and Superintendent Scott Warren thanked our teachers and nurses during Teacher Appreciation Week and National School Nurse Day. Dr. Warren said, “Tonight we recognize our teachers for their dedication and commitment to enable students to learn and grow at very high levels. They show compassion for students, challenge their thinking, support them through good and difficult times, and serve as role models. Teachers partner with parents to help raise kind, caring, and positive citizens. I’m proud to work alongside our tremendous staff who exemplify great teaching. Our nurses have been at the forefront of the COVID pandemic and as a result their job responsibilities have doubled overnight. I’m so proud of our nurses and their commitment to the D103 community.”
D103 Learning Update
Metrics: There has been a recent rise in school COVID cases that parallel the increase in rates across Lake County and Lincolnshire. Dr. Warren recommends remaining diligent about frequent hand washing, mask wearing where appropriate, and getting vaccinated. The district continues to clean daily and offers weekly PCR testing for staff and students.
Classroom Space Discussion
The District is reviewing its space needs in the schools. Dr. Warren shared information with the Board outlining where District 103 schools are seeing space issues. The District will prioritize the space needs and return to the Board with a timeline and plan for addressing the needs.
Backup Generators
After receiving a cost of almost $700,000 for two generators that would provide full backup power for Sprague and Half Day, the Board consensus was to move forward with a lower cost option of spending an estimated $50,000 per school for emergency backup generators similar to what has been installed at Daniel Wright. The emergency backup generator proposal will be brought to the Board for consideration at a future meeting.
Facility Matrix
The Board reviewed the 5-year facility plan for the current and upcoming school year at the district’s three schools. The district typically budgets $800,000 a year for capital projects, said Patrick Palbicke, Assistant Superintendent for Business. Projects for the 2022-2023 school year call for pavement and drainage repairs, ADA compliance updates, as well as mechanical additions to multipurpose rooms.
Van Purchase
The Board supported a proposal to purchase a passenger van to transport students to school sites outside of District 103 to reduce costs incurred when the district uses contracted cab services. Alongside the van purchase would be the cost of hiring a driver for the van. The Board will consider the purchase at a future meeting.
Teacher Associate Shortage
The Board received an update from the administration on how it was closing the gap in D103 on the nationwide teacher associate shortage. Hourly pay increases this year have resulted in a slower associate attrition rate, said Gina Finaldi, Director of Student Services. The number of applicants for associate vacancies has not increased. The Board discussed another hourly pay bump to bring District 103 in line with the higher paying districts. District 103 schools have dealt with the shortage through internal subbing with certified staff foregoing lunch and plan periods to help out during the day, Dr. Finaldi said. The district will continue to look at new ways to attract and maintain associates. The administration will provide a compensation proposal for the Board to review at a future Board meeting.
Teacher Internship Proposal
The Board supported a proposal to hire a teacher intern for a year and place them in classrooms where they would be mentored in curriculum design, planning, assessment, building professional relationships, and teaching and learning. The paid position would be a good pipeline to hiring quality candidates who would understand the district’s processes, culture and values, and give the district a strong understanding of the candidate’s capabilities. The District would like to pilot the program with one intern position for the 2022-2023 school year. The Board consensus was to move forward with the internship.
Board of Education Meeting
The next Board of Education meeting will occur at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 24. The notice and agenda can be found on the District 103 Board meeting website page. D103 board meetings are being held in-person and live-streamed each month on our YouTube Channel. Members of the community should attend the meeting at 111 Barclay Boulevard, Lincolnshire if they would like to make a public comment. The public can also contact the Board at board@d103.org.
D103 Calendar of Events
Partnerships
PTO
The D103 PTO is a completely volunteer-run organization, dedicated to enhancing and enriching the educational experience of our students. Please visit the PTO store to become a member.
LFF
Leaders in Learning
Email: ask103@d103.org
Website: www.d103.org
Location: 111 Barclay Blvd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069, USA
Phone: 847-295-4030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolDistrict103/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @district103