District 103
School Board Highlights
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Celebrating Success
Sprague’s Principal Ann Hofmeier shared a schoolwide initiative at Laura B. Sprague School focused on the Wildcat Way, positive behavior traits the staff teaches students to exhibit in their lives, including using kind words, being a good friend, and being positive.
103 Club Staffing Pay Increase Approved
The Board approved an increase in hourly rates to the 103 Club staffing positions making them more competitive with similar positions in other school districts.
Tuition Reimbursement Approved
The 2022 Employee Handbook was updated and approved by the Board, which adjusted the tuition reimbursement for District 103 Educational Support Staff. The adjustment shortens the length of time employees need to be in D103 before being eligible for reimbursement.
Substitute Pay Rate Increase Approved
The Board approved the substitute pay rate increase, which will result in the daily amount being more competitive with neighboring districts.
Standardized Testing Updates
The Board reviewed students’ current overall academic growth on standardardized tests using analysis created by ECRA, the district’s research consulting firm. Math growth is in the expected range for students in each grade level tested. After a study of the English Language Arts portion of some standardized tests, Katie Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, shared with the Board that the results showed reading growth is within the expected range, but there is room for improvement with writing growth. District 103 school staff teams have been meeting to review this data and discuss writing curriculum content areas across grade levels and subject areas. Articulation discussions with Stevenson High School ELA staff about writing have been positive and after reviewing this fall’s assessments, students' writing skills continue to be well aligned to expectations.
Preliminary Tax Levy
The Board reviewed a proposed tax levy of $35,676,438. Eighty-six percent of the district’s revenue comes from property taxes, which helps pay for salaries, health benefits, supplies, and equipment. The tax levy determines the amount of taxes District 103 receives from property owners. The levy extension is based on the consumer price index (7%) and new properties that are added to the tax rolls. However, under law, school districts cannot levy more than 5 percent. A public hearing on the proposed tax levy is set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 15.
SHIELD Testing
Dr. Scott Warren, Superintendent, informed the Board that the district plans to discontinue offering SHIELD testing for Covid since the numbers have dropped significantly since the program started over a month ago. The program began with 644 students and employees signed up to participate in the weekly pcr testing program. The in person antigen testing will still be available for individuals exhibiting symptoms while at school.
Board of Education Meeting
The next Board of Education meeting will occur at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1. The notice and agenda can be found on the District 103 Board meeting website page. D103 board meetings will be 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.
Partnerships
LFF
The Learning Fund Foundation is a group of volunteers who collaborate to bring innovative learning programs and experiences to students across all D103 schools. We welcome you to check us out and learn more at one of our monthly meetings. Contact us at lff@d103.org for more information.
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.
D103 Calendar of Events
Leaders in Learning
Email: ask103@d103.org
Website: www.d103.org
Location: 111 Barclay Boulevard, Lincolnshire, IL, USA
Phone: 847-295-4030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolDistrict103/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @district103