Board Briefs

President Laurel DiPrima called the education meeting of the Board of Education of February 3, 2005, to order at 7:30 p.m. Board members present: Mr. Abrams, Mrs. Grier, Mrs. Koerner, Mr. Leane, and Mrs. Ramstedt. Absent: Mr. Benson. The minutes of the January 20, 2005, meeting were approved.

Items of Public Interest

• Technology Advisory Committee Meeting will meet on February 7 at the Administration Building at 6:30 p.m.
• Education Foundation Board Meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. on February 9 at Lincoln Junior High School.
• Lions Park School will host a Family Reading Night at 6:30 p.m. on February 10.
• Fairview School will have "Hotcakes for Your Honey" on Saturday, February 12 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• A Science Fair will take place at Fairview School for Grades 1-5 on February 15 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Priority Items

• Education Report: ( Lincoln Junior High School -"Differentiation at Lincoln Junior High School") Don Angelaccio and several teachers at Lincoln Junior High provided in-depth personal accounts of how they use differentiated instruction practices within the school and their classrooms. President DiPrima thanked the team, on behalf of the Board, for their efforts in differentiation and for their presentation.
• Downtown Redevelopment Presentation -Mount Prospect Village Manager Mike Janonis and other members of the village administration presented a report on further redevelopment of the downtown area and its financial impact on District 57. Specifically discussed was the methodology of a TIF extension from 2008 until 2021. The concept presented guarantees District 57 more revenue than if the TIF was to expire.
• Per Pupil Allocations -Greg Kurr presented the per pupil allocation of $142.00 for the elementary schools and $162.00 for the junior high school for the 2005-2006 budget year. The "base-line" calculation method used by the Administration to determine the per pupil allocation remains unchanged. Further adjustment of the factor may be needed as the 2005-2006 budget reduction process continues.
• Middle School Report - Mr. Angelaccio and several teachers from Lincoln Junior High discussed the differences between the middle school and junior high philosophies and the impact they have on our students. Mr. Angelaccio mentioned that the Association of Illinois Middle Level Schools (AIMS) is continuing its assessment of the recent survey of the school they conducted and the full report will be shared with the Board at a future date.
• Budget Deficit Reduction - Dr. Brown presented a review of the BDR efforts in District 57, specifically Scenario A calling for cuts over a three-year period. Specific line items suggested for BDR in fiscal year 2005 (Year II) were reviewed. The reductions presented were a combination of in-district efficiencies and restructuring of services obtained from NSSEO. Dr. Brown and Tim Stoudt both endorsed a continued relationship between District 57 and NSSEO.

Executive Session

The Board convened into closed session for the purpose of discussing the acquisition of Real property.