The District 58 Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Downers Grove Village Hall. View the agenda. The meeting video will be posted on the District 58 YouTube page later this week.
Spotlight on our Schools: Spring Data
This month’s Spotlight looked at student test results and school environment survey results.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Justin Sisul presented a “high-level overview” of Spring 2023 student assessment data AIMSWEb Plus and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). Overall, he said, District 58 is within the expected growth range and student scores have inched up and are more in line with pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, all subgroups in reading and most in math are within the expected growth range.
Growth scores represent the difference between actual and expected achievement. A negative growth score does not indicate a student or groups of students are losing knowledge, but rather that the student did not learn as much throughout the school year as peers with the same historical achievement.
He noted that on the NWEA assessments, student achievement is above the 80th percentile nationally in reading and math at all grade levels.
District 58 partners with ECRA, an education consulting firm, to more finely track assessments and progress of students, both individually and for groups of students. The framework is also used to help determine the schools’ improvement efforts. For example, Mr. Sisul noted that two grade levels (4th and 5th) showed lower-than-expected growth in math though prior math data did not indicate any deviation. He noted that test results from 4th grade students in double accelerated math and 5th grade students in accelerated math were not included in the growth models.
Earlier this month, each school’s Instructional Leadership Team met to review their respective school data and develop School Improvement Plan (SIP) targeting specific student performance goals. The groups will meet again in August to review results from the spring Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and combined assessment results to further refine student performance goals.
At the Curriculum Workshop in October and the November board meeting, the District will share the ECRA reports that include combined data from the 2022-23 year and two identified KPIs – Academic Proficiency and Academic Growth.
As part of the spring data report, Interim Community Relations Coordinator Faith Behr shared results from the 2022-23 School Environment Survey. The survey is conducted every winter asking parents their thoughts on teaching and learning, staff, school environment, safety and other topics.
Ms. Behr indicated that results were aligned to pre-pandemic levels. The largest increase was four percentage points higher than last year on the question “my child’s school is a supportive and inviting place for parents and guardians.” Receiving a lower score were two questions: “My child’s classroom welcomes parents to classroom events/activities” (-4.5%) and “My child’s teacher(s) communicates with me about my child’s progress.” (-2.12%).
She noted that results were appreciably higher than the national norm. For example, in the Gallup Poll, satisfaction with the quality of education students receive dropped to 42% while dissatisfaction had increased to 55%.
Two questions in the survey were open-ended. In the question, “What is one thing the school and/or District 58 does well,” many parents cited communications. Other themes were a “caring and supportive environment,” “excellent staff,” and appreciation for an emphasis on social skill building. On the second open-ended question, “What is one thing that could be improved, other themes arose. Parents noted a need to upgrade the facilities, which they acknowledged was in the works, a need to see more communication from teachers and concern about bullying behavior at the schools.
The results are also used to guide school and District improvement efforts. The District did not conduct a communications survey this year due to the launching of a new Strategic Plan and its survey.
View the Spring Data Snapshop report.
View the School Environment Survey results.
Board approves administrative appointments
The Board of Education unanimously approved three administrative appointments, which will fill two existing positions and one new position. Herrick teacher and English Language Arts Chair Kelly Novotny was appointed as a second assistant principal at Herrick, a new position to support the greater enrollment at the middle school. Danielle Bongiorno was appointed as the new assistant principal at O’Neill Middle School, replacing Bryant Cobo. Both will begin July 27. Additionally, Michelle Kovar was appointed as Manager of Business Services, replacing Sonali Patil, and will begin on July 1. Read more here.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell provided several updates, including:
Thank yous
Dr. Russell recognized and thanked retiring Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Jayne Yudzentis, noting that she has dedicated herself to District 58 since 2001, first as an assistant principal at Herrick, then as principal at Lester before her current appointment. It was her final board meeting in District 58.
On behalf of the Board of Education, Dr. Russell thanked the 100-plus staff and community volunteers who participated in the two Strategic Plan community engagement sessions for Strategic Planning on May 15-16. The groups reviewed feedback from surveys and collaborated to develop goal recommendations. He said the team looks forward to creating recommendations for action, which will be presented to the District Leadership Team (DLT) and Board in October. In addition to creating the new Strategic Plan, the administration will also review the District’s vision, mission, and guiding principles and present to the Board in July.
Enrollment update
Dr. Russell gave an update on enrollment at each school and grade level. He noted that 97% of classes are at or below class size targets. There has been a concerted effort to reduce class sizes across the district as part of the last Strategic Plan, and the District has directed significant resources to the initiative. He noted that the four or five elementary classrooms that are above the targets include students who are in the RISE program and are not in the classroom for some portions of the day, and who typically are supported by additional staff in the classroom. At the middle school, scheduling students into classes is still underway.
Summer School
The District welcomed 150 students to Session I of Summer School on Monday and plans to welcome more students to the ESY program on Tuesday. Session I is funded by federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund) funds. Session II of summer school begins June 26.
Technology
The technology department began preparing for the coming school year by setting up and adding apps to new Chromebooks. They received shipments of Chromebooks, other devices and new wireless access points on time, allowing the department to remain on schedule.
Education Foundation
The Education Foundation hosted the annual Distinguished Service Award ceremony May 15 and recognized 48 nominees. O’Neill instructional assistant Joan Gard and preschool teacher Lauren Wilson were named 2023 Distinguished Service Award winners and were surprised with a visit to their classroom the morning of the ceremony.
Dr. Russell reported that there were 41 Green Apple awards presented to staff members this spring and winter. The Foundation sponsors a program where parents can honor a staff member by donating to the Foundation. A list of winners will be posted on the website and will be highlighted on our social media channels.
Building for Success Facilities Update
Schematic drawings, site plans and updated information on the renovations and additions to the two middle schools were shared by the District’s architects Wight & Co. and contractor Bulley & Andrews. In developing these proposed designs, the goal is to accommodate flexibility and agility, foster choice and independence, promote safe and sustainable environments and create warm and welcoming environments. It was noted that these schematics and site plans are still drafts subject to change as well as approval of permits by the village.
O’Neill site plan
- Architects will use brick and limestone, like the existing building, for additions in order to create a more unified identity.
- The main entrance will be more identifiable.
- The new gym will double as a storm shelter, will be able to be divided and be large enough for all students to move into the space.
- The back entrance will be transformed into an events entrance that is also more identifiable.
- Buses will pull up and disembark on 59th St. Parent drop-off will be on the south side.
- Kitchen and service areas will be expanded.
Herrick site plan
- Space will be added for more parking; the northeast side can double as event parking.
- Bus traffic will be separated from car traffic and parent drop-off.
- The floor plan will improve circulation in the hallways and fewer dead-end corridors.
- The same palette of materials will be used for the additions so there is unity in the building design.
- Offices for student services will be consolidated in one area so students have easier access.
- The gym can be divided and bleachers will be built to fold in to create more space.
- There will be a new event entrance that will be identifiable.
- Kitchen and service areas will be expanded.
In addition, architects shared details on the middle schools’ floor plan for offices, libraries, science areas, exploratory spaces (music, art and family and consumer science); gyms, locker rooms and fitness spaces; and cafeterias and kitchens. They noted that areas will be designed for flexibility.
Details and floor plans were also shared for the first phase of elementary schools (Henry Puffer, Highland, Hillcrest and Whittier). The updates include creating more secure vestibules with security check-in windows and multiple locked doors, adding air conditioning and improving air quality and repairing/improving fire alarms, intercom, signage, masonry repairs and bathrooms.
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell noted that the projects reflect the stated overarching goals:
- Creating secure vestibules
- Providing air conditioning
- Expanding the middle schools in order to transition 6th graders to the buildings
- Addressing critical outdated infrastructure.
Ensuring sustainability and wellness are priorities in the plan. These include ensuring natural light and better air quality, using permeable pavers and native plants, providing restorative spaces, and creating more energy efficiencies, among others.
The District is working with the village to obtain stormwater and planning/zoning permits. Construction at the middle schools is projected to begin during spring break of 2024 with completion in the fall of 2025. Construction on Phase I elementary schools – Henry Puffer, Highland, Hillcrest and Whittier – will occur in the summer of 2024. Work on Phase II schools – Fairmount, Indian Trail, Kingsley and Lester – will occur in the summer of 2025 and Phase III schools – Belle Aire, El Sierra and Pierce Downer – will occur in the summer of 2026.
Bulley & Andrews also outlined how it plans to communicate the progress of the projects. Among those are a webcam to show construction progress and neighborhood/community coffees to inform neighbors and respond to questions. In addition, regular updates will be included in Board Briefs, Communicate 58 and on the DG58 website under “Building for the Future.”
Treasurer’s Report
In the report, Assistant Superintendent for Business Todd Drafall reported that property taxes are lagging behind last year due to collection and distribution dates, but that it will accelerate and be on target in July. He said payments for insurance programs are due at this time of year and the biggest change was an increase in property insurance, due to inflation for supplies. He noted that later in the agenda, the Board will be asked to approve a two-year extension of the wellness incentive for staff.
Budget approval
The Board held a public hearing on the proposed 2022-23 amended budget and subsequently approved the budget. The spending plan was revised to add in referendum facilities funding and expenditures due to the successful referendum in November. There were no public comments during the public hearing.
Committee Reports
Assistant Superintendent of Business Todd Drafall reported on the June Health and Wellness Committee meeting, where the employee wellness program was reviewed and which is recommended for renewal later in the meeting.
During the meeting, the Board also:
- Approved minutes from the May 8 regular business meeting and reorganization meeting, the Strategic Planning training workshop May 8 and the Strategic Planning meetings May 15 and 16
- Approved a resolution appointing Board President Darren Hughes to the Downers Grove Plan Commission as a non-voting member
- Approved the adoption of the Schoolwide Writing Curriculum
- Approved the purchase of two pilot curriculum materials – Heggerty Bridge Reading and Benchmark 2022
- Approved a resolution appointing Assistant Superintendent of Business Todd Drafall as District Treasurer and a surety bond related to the appointment
- Approved on second reading Policy 5:330 and Policy 7:270 that updates the sick leave policy to include mental health, as well as policy updates from PRESS Issue 111
- Approved the District Consolidated Plan, which is an annual federal grant application process
- Approved the purchase of stop-loss insurance to protect the self-funded insurance plan from Voya for $1,894,417
- Approved the following insurance coverages for a total cost of $544,903:
- School Package Policy—Property and Liability: Liberty Mutual
- Business Automobile: Liberty Mutual
- Umbrella: Liberty Mutual
- Fiduciary Liability: Chubb
- Workers’ Compensation: ENCOVA
- Cyber Liability: Houston Casualty
- Approved a contract amendment with Sunrise Transportation to provide additional buses for preschool special education services in order to align preschool start times with elementary school start times
- Approved a rental agreement for SASED to lease five classrooms from DG58 for $115,000
- Approved a three-year agreement with Assured Partners for benefits consulting for $7,250 a month
- Approved donation agreements with the Fairmount PTA and Pierce Downer PTA for playground improvements
- Approved a recommendation to continue the employee Wellness Incentive program, which rewards staff members for preventative health care
To view all Board meeting topics, view the agenda.
Upcoming Events
July 10, 2023, 7 p.m. Regular Board Meeting, Downers Grove Village Hall
District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Gregory Harris, vice president; Kirat Doshi, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Tracy Weiner, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary.