A retirement reception was held at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School preceding the regular Board of Education meeting to honor 42 District 15 staff who retired at the end of this school year. Staff were recognized for their years of service and presented with a gift to honor their dedication and service to our District.

Click here to view a video honoring our 42 retirees who together, completed 912.8 years of service in our District.

The Board of Education recognized two students, Vignesh and Ashwin P., from Sanborn Elementary School who have gone above and beyond to help others through their philanthropic “hearts”. Inspired by PE teacher Mr. Merle's promotion of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser, they learned that a donation of $2,000 can help save a child's life. Sadly this year, due to the pandemic, Mr. Merle was not able to host his annual health-inspired fundraising event at GMS. This year, Vignesh and Ashwin have been named the top fundraisers in the state! As of the Board meeting, they have each raised close to $2,500 and they are both still working hard to raise money that helps the lives of children in need.

Haley Little, a third-grade teacher at Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School was recently selected as WGN's Teacher of the Month following a nomination from one of her students. Ms. Little is a dedicated teacher who strives to make connections with students and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure her student’s achieve academically, behaviorally, and as friendly members of a learning community. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to make connections with her students. Ms. Little has been with the District for four years and we are so fortunate to have inspiring staff such as her in District 15.

Click here to watch the video segment that ran on WGN on May 27, 2021.

Jeff Zilke, band director for the past 21 years at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School was recently accepted into The American School Band Directors' Association (ASBDA). Members of the ASBDA must be nominated and sponsored by a peer who is a current member of the ASBDA. Potential members must demonstrate a high level of experience, excellent moral character, and quality of musicianship. The standards for membership are high and District 15 is so proud of Mr. Zilke for the excellent work that he has exemplified. Mr. Zilke shares his love of music with his students and is dedicated to instilling that love of music throughout his program and beyond. His commitment to his students and his program was heavily showcased during this past year, and through the pandemic. Congratulations Mr. Zilke! We are lucky to have you in D15.

A monthly COVID update including data and metrics was provided to the Board of Education. District 15 helped host a vaccine clinic in partnership with District 211 and Jewel Osco which provided 1,364 vaccines for those interested. The second shot was scheduled for June 10th. The District anticipates updated guidance for the 2021-2022 school year as the state enters Phase 5 this week and will continue to communicate with our families as updated guidance is provided.

Ann Scully, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, along with members of her team, presented a departmental update following their recent audit. District 15 supports the needs of approximately 1,300 students requiring the support in areas of special education, health services, early learning, and/or students experiencing homelessness. Over the past year, the Consortium for Educational Change (CEC) partnered with our staff to analyze the departmental structure as well as systems of support provided for children with disabilities. The presentation outlines both the process of conducting the audit and CEC’s findings. The Student Services department will use the findings to guide next steps.

Please click here to view the overview of the Student Services and CEC audit findings.

Diana McCluskey, Chief Financial Business Official, and Joshua Schoot, Director of Fiscal Services presented the tentative budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Please click here to view the tentative budget presentation.

Dr. Claire Kowalczyk, Deputy Superintendent, and Lisa Nuss, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, presented the preliminary student assignment report and an overview of the enrollment projections for the 2021-2022 school year.

Please click here to view the preliminary student assignment and overview of enrollment projections presentation.

one-five FOUNDATION

The one-five Foundation had its final meeting of the year on May 19 and will have its annual committee meeting in August.

Equity Committee

Board Member Zubair Khan discussed how the equity committee is currently building out a multi-year plan.

Board Member Samantha Ader mentioned the Department of Education’s virtual equity summit series which will focus on COVID re-entry and how to focus federal funds to support equity in your district.

Finance Committee

The finance committee met to discuss summer construction projects and to review the tentative budget.

• 10.1 Business & Auxiliary Services - Position Title Changes - approved
• 10.2 Maintenance Laborer Position FTE - approved
  
• 10.3 Approval of Personnel Report: Administration, Certified and Non-Certified - approved
  
• 10.4 Preliminary Student Assignment 2021-22 and Staffing Plan Approval - approved
  
• 10.5 Approval of Reading Intervention Programs and Materials Purchase - approved
  
• 10.6 Approval of Student Information System (Infinite Campus) Annual Support and Maintenance Agreement - approved
  
• 10.7 Bid Award #21-015 Landscape Services - approved
  
• 10.8 Bid Award #21-016 Laser Bond Paper - approved
  
• 10.9 Bid Award #21-018 Non-Commodity Food Products - approved
  
• 10.10 Bid Award #21-019 USDA Commodity Food Products - approved
  
• 11 Consent Calendar - approved