Board Briefs

President Ramstedt called the business meeting of the Board of Education of May 19, 2005, to order at 7:35 p.m. Board members present: Mrs. Grier, Mrs. Harms, Mrs. Hull, Mr. Abrams, Mr. McPartlin and Mr. Leane. The minutes of the April 21 and May 5, 2005, meetings were approved.

Items of Public Interest
The MPEA presented its annual summer scholarships to several students in the areas of academics, fine arts, and athletics. The scholarships enable the students to further their development in areas of their personal interests.

Scholarships were also presented to several “Future Teachers” from Prospect High School.

President Ramstedt thanked the committee on behalf of the Board for the extra time and effort put in to the scholarship program. She reminded the audience that the money for these scholarships comes directly from the teachers of District 57.

Priority Items

LRC Report
Lois Andrews, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, as well as Bob Furst, Director of Technology, presented an informational video showcasing our LRC’s and the relationship between quality school library media programs and student achievement. A brochure and fact sheet was given to the Board from The Illinois Study, Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners. The Follett Destiny system was also demonstrated through three scenarios of usage. Implementation of this system will take place for the 2005-06 school year. This automation program upgrade is part of the ongoing district technology plan.

Amended Staffing Report

Recent student enrollments in addition to already anticipated enrollment into the Early Childhood program at Lincoln has lead to the need for a fourth section of EC for next school year. This was a discussion item only at this meeting. This was presented as a discussion item at this time with approval being sought at the June 16 business meeting.

Recent student registrations in addition to anticipated enrollments lead administration to seek approval for a sixth section of kindergarten at Lions Park for the 2005-06 school year. This was presented as a discussion item at this time with approval being sought at the June 16 business meeting.

Action Items (Consent Agenda)*
Dr. Brown presented the Consent Agenda items to the Board. The items were approved.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Brown presented an update on the SummerQuest program. 507 students have registered including 36 from non-public schools.

Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. McPartlin moved and seconded by Mrs. Grier, the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.