Boundary Work Continues with RSP Associates
The Board continued its examination of school boundaries during its Sept. 9 meeting by hearing an enrollment analysis presentation from RSP & Associates. The Board approved a contract with the educational planning firm in March to assist in planning for potential boundary changes in the future. The firm is utilizing plans from both the Boundaries Task Force and STR architectural firm to develop concepts that balance enrollment across the district and align attendance areas from elementary through high school.
The RSP presentation examined the four concepts presented by the Boundaries Task Force in 2019 and offered updates to each of them. The full presentation is available to view online.
This was the Board’s first opportunity to view and discuss preliminary plans from RSP. A timeline for determining if and when boundary changes will occur has not yet been determined. Before moving forward with additional planning, district-wide community engagement will take place.
Due Diligence Period on Park Place Extended
The Board of Education voted to request an extension on the Park Place property due diligence period at its Sept. 9 meeting. The request is pending approval from the property owner, and contingent upon no additional funds being spent at this time.
The Board entered into a Real Estate Purchase Agreement for the vacant storefront building at Rand and Dundee Roads on June 25, 2019, with tentative plans to convert the space into an elementary school. Because boundary work and discussions are ongoing, the Board voted to request an extension to the due diligence period until the District is further along in the process.
COVID-19 Dashboard: Coming Soon
To keep track of the impact COVID-19 is having on our students and staff, District 15 is developing a COVID-19 dashboard, which will be publicly viewable on its website in the coming days. The dashboard will display the following information:
Number of new COVID-19 cases among students and staff;
Number of students and staff in quarantine due to exposure within a D15 facility;
Number of staff absent due to COVID-19 symptoms; and
Number of staff in quarantine due to exposure outside of the district.
The Dashboard will help inform decisions regarding the District’s ability to staff for in-person learning and the overall impact of the virus within District 15 schools and facilities.
2020-21 Budget Approved
The Board adopted the 2020-21 fiscal year budget at its September 9 meeting.
The adopted budget provides for expenditures in excess of revenues of $2.52 million. In addition to facility improvements for projects including secure vestibules, roofing, flooring, paving, HVAC and playgrounds, the district also has significant expenses related to COVID-19 this year. To properly staff for both in-person and virtual learning, the District hired an additional 40 full time teachers, and more custodial staff. There are also expenses related to technology purchases and subscriptions for virtual learning. The full budget is available to view online.
Equity Committee Update
Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education