ACROSS THE BOARD

Recommendations during Committee meetings go to the full Board for consideration, with final action taken during future Regular or Special meetings. This issue of Across the Board provides an overview of the following Committee meetings:

Learning and Teaching

• October 16

Business Services:

• October 30

Meeting memos, presentations and other documents in BoardDocs

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Title I is a federal education program that supports low-income students. Funds are distributed to high poverty schools as determined by the state's eligibility guidelines, and used to supplement instructional services and activities. To receive funding in order to support school-wide services, at least 40% of a school's students must be classified as low-income. Without a school-wide model, targeted instruction is provided. Schools that have at least 20% but less than 40% can also submit a waiver to implement school-wide support services. This year, Munhall met the 20% threshold.

Munhall's proposed school-wide plan would utilize Title I dollars as follows:

• Supporting the ELA and Math curricula
• Increasing parental involvement
• Providing professional learning to all staff on academic and social/emotional related content
• Supporting students approaching grade level standards

Recommendation: The Administration recommends that the waiver to ISBE for schoolwide use of Title I dollars at Munhall Elementary School be included for consent at the regular School Board meeting on November 13, 2023.

Background

As part of its 2023-2024 goals, the Board has established key deliverables and timelines across multiple areas. This includes to analyze, identify the root cause(s), and develop an action plan to address underperforming Hispanic and English-Language student cohorts across D303.

In August of 2022, the District received the results of an equity audit completed by the Consortium for Educational Change and Chapin Hall. The reports indicated an achievement gap along demographics, specifically Hispanic and Black/African American students and socioeconomic status. An Equity Committee reviewed these results and made recommendations that were incorporated into the Strategic Plan.

Discussion

Administration engaged the Board on several topics related to multilingual learners as it prepares to develop a comprehensive plan in November. Topics included:

• Shifting Terminology: Multilingual Learners
• Multilingual Learners now refers to students who were formerly referred to as English Learners (ELs), shifting the focus to one that honors the other languages that are spoken at home.
  
• Multilingual Learners in D303
• In the 22-23 SY, 7% percent of the student population were eligible for multilingual services. A slight increase over the past five years.
  
• There are approximately 49 different languages spoken among Multilingual Learners (ML) in the district; with Spanish being the most common, followed by Gujarati, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian.
  
• Identification and Qualification for Services
• The District is required by law to determine eligibility for language services if a student or family member reports that a language other than English is spoken in their home.
  
• Requirements for programming per Illinois School Code
• School districts must offer programming based on the demographics of the Multilingual Learners (ML) in each of their schools.
  
• Program Models in D303
  
• Varies at each school, from transitional programs to co-teaching supports and others.

Recommendation: This item was for information and discussion purposes only. A comprehensive plan will be presented to the Board at the November L&T Committee meeting.

Background

This agenda item included the presentation of a Spanish Language Arts (SLA) vision and a recommendation of SLA curriculum. ISBE has adopted new Spanish Language Arts Standards, and District 303 is creating a new middle school course, guided by its SLA vision, that would allow students to effectively engage in the learning of these standards.

Discussion

This course will serve as an extension of the existing K-5 dual language program, allowing students to continue developing their bilingualism and biliteracy in middle school. This course parallels the expectations for English Language Arts at the middle school level.

Recommendation: Administration recommends the Board approve the Grades 6-8 Spanish Language Arts (SLA) course to start in the 2024-2025 school year.

Based on the findings of a recently completed internal audit of the District's Advanced Placement (AP) program over the past three years, additional AP courses are being recommended and other courses are being recommended for removal.

Discussion

These recommendations align with the Strategic Plan Success Indicator, “By the end of senior year: Earn 1 or more AP or Dual Credits and/or industry credits,” and promotes focus on ensuring every student has the college, career, and life competencies necessary to choose their post-secondary path.

Recommendation: The District 303 Administration recommends the addition of AP Computer Science Principles, AP Precalculus and College Preparatory English to high school course offerings for the 2024-2025 school year; the elimination of Speech (HE3023), English 12: British Literature Honors (HE5641, HE5642), Advanced Application of Technology (MB3823); and the reduction of Art History (HA0821, HA0822), which will remain in the course offering book.

• Action plan for underperforming Hispanic and English-Language student cohorts.
• Student Achievement Report.
  

The next Learning and Teaching meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Meeting memos, presentations and other documents in BoardDocs

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Agenda Change: An item on the October 30 meeting originally included a recommendation on the Davis-Richmond configuration, but was delayed due to Board member availability. A special Business Services meeting on Monday, November 6 has been scheduled to review this topic.

Background

The five-year financial forecasting model is updated annually and designed to be ongoing and evolving. To support its development, revenue and expenditure assumptions are made in the areas of consumer price index (CPI), state funding, personnel expenses and capital projects, among others. Key budget items to understand:

• CPI: Local property taxes make up 84% of the District's budget, which is impacted most by CPI. The December 2022 CPI-U that drives the 2023 tax levy was reported to be 6.5%; however, the District’s property tax revenue increase will be limited to 5.0%, per the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law. (see the tax levy workshop section below for more details).
• Personnel Expenses: Salaries and benefits represent 78% of all operating expenditures, and therefore, the assumptions related to salaries and benefits have the largest impact on the projections. The district has three separate bargaining units, and increases for all staff are included based on the terms of each agreement respectively.
  
• Capital Projects: Administration recently presented a five-year capital improvement plan that includes approximately $50 million in high-priority projects. Currently, it spends $3.0 million annually to address capital improvements and maintenance items. This needs to increase to $6 million annually within two years to meet the facilities needs of the District. Also factored in is the $23 million in long-term debt the District will be issuing in order to repurpose Lincoln, Fox Ridge and the Haines Center, as well as other high-priority capital projects.

Recommendation: This agenda item is for discussion only.

Background

Each year, the District sets a tax levy that that is used by the county to establish the tax rate. Property tax revenue accounts for more than 80% of the District's total revenue. The setting of the annual tax levy is governed by The Truth in Taxation Law, School Code, Property Tax Code, and Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL).

Discussion

Similar to previous years, the Board engaged in a workshop at the Business Services meeting to review the process and details associated with the annual tax levy. Learn more about the tax levy process through the presentation and FAQ document below.

Recommendation: This agenda item is for discussion only. There are no recommendations for action at this time.

Discussion

In accordance with the Truth in Taxation Act, the Board must estimate the tax levy increase, as well as publish a notice and hold a public hearing if the estimated tax levy increase is above a certain amount. The timeline is as follows:

• November 13: Resolution to estimate the levy.
• December 11: Adopt the 2023 tax levy.
• December 26: File the levy with the County Clerk.

Tax Levy Estimate

The proposed aggregate levy is scheduled to be officially estimated on November 13 and adopted on December 11. Exclusive of debt service, public building commission leases and election costs, the estimate necessary to be raised by taxation for the year 2023 upon the taxable property in the District is $188,700,000. This represents a 6.76% increase over the previous year; however, DuPage and Kane Counties will reduce this request to the allowable level, as defined in Illinois statute, prior to extending the property taxes to the community.

Tax Levy Frequently Asked Questions

Will my taxes increase by 6.76%? No, there is not a one-to-one correlation between the requested tax levy increase and the increase to property tax bills.

What is a tax levy? A tax levy is a request made by a taxing body

Does the school district set the tax rate? No, the school district’s tax levy is submitted to and calculated by the county to determine the tax rate.

Have more questions? Visit the tax levy FAQ web page

Background

The District's Bond Record Keeping Policy is in place to monitor tax compliance requirements related to the tax-exempt status of bonds. In accordance with this policy, Administration has completed the Post Issuance Compliance Checklist and the Post Issuance Compliance Report which will be included in the November 13, 2023 Board packet as an Information item.

Recommendation: District 303 Administration recommends that the School Board accepts the Post Issuance Compliance Report as presented.

Background

Multiple large, priority capital projects are planned for summer 2024. This includes reopening Fox Ridge as an elementary school, relocating Learning and Teaching staff and offices and the Transition program to Lincoln, and relocating early childhood to Haines; as well as various projects at other sites across the District.

Discussion

• Lincoln, Early Childhood and Haines: Dan Kritta with Wold Architects shared a status update and design overviews of the spaces to be modified. Facilities Services, Wold and Construction Manager Pepper Construction have been meeting with staff in these buildings to assess repurpose needs and functionality.
• Access Control: Administration is preparing to seek bid proposals in November for enabling buildings with electronic keycard access. This will also be done in phases, with the first phase to include installations at the high schools, middle schools, Lincoln, Haines, the Administration Building and the Peck Road facility.

• Roof Improvements: Continuing to create a prioritization plan for roof repair, coatings and replacements. This has included infrared scanning to identifying the scope of work needed and which roofs should be prioritized.
• Playground Improvements: Facilities staff have been working with principals and outside vendors to assess needed improvements and repairs, including accessibility updates to playgrounds at Wasco, Ferson Creek and Norton Creek.

Recommendation: This agenda item is for discussion only.

Background

The State of Illinois has authorized the 2023 School Maintenance Project Grant, a dollar-for-dollar state matching grant program awarding up to $50,000. The District is required to match the amount of the grant award so the District needs to designate a project with a cost of at least $100,000 to receive the full amount.

Discussion

Plans that originated in summer 2022 called for air conditioning in all school gyms, cafeterias, and other ancillary spaces. But due to procurement lead times and other variables, these projects were deferred. Planning for these projects resumed this fall with the unveiling of the Long-Term Capital Improvement Plan, and will begin next summer. Administration recommends seeking funding for one of those HVAC projects - the Anderson Elementary School gym and cafeteria - through the State Maintenance Project Grant.

Recommendation: Administration recommends that the Board authorizes Administration to complete the School Maintenance Project Grant application and reserve operations and maintenance funds to cover the project cost.

Background

Through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), District 303 is granted access to a rock salt storage facility for the purposes of occasionally gathering and distributing rock salt on school property during the winter. The current five-year IGA is expiring.

Recommendations: Administration recommends that the Board of Education approves the Intergovernmental License Agreement for use of the City of St. Charles Salt Dome by District 303.

Background

Plans to install air conditioning systems at various District properties resumed this fall with the unveiling of the Long-Term Capital Improvement Plan. This is a three year project to provide A/C supports to sites that do not currently have them.

The first round of installations will begin in summer 2024. During this time, Administration anticipates providing A/C supports in the the Anderson Cafeteria, East Gymnasium, and community rooms at Bell-Graham, Corron, Norton Creek and Thompson. They are recommending the approval of equipment bids first, and anticipate labor and material bids later.

Recommendations: District 303 Administration recommends awarding a contract to Helm Mechanical through the Equalis Cooperative for the Districtwide Air Conditioning Improvements-Phase I, in the amount of $669,290.

Background

Davis Elementary has a detached mobile unit adjacent to its main building that offers an additional classroom and office space. During air quality testing of the mobile this fall, occupants were temporarily relocated into the main school building and the school's families were notified. Results indicated the presence of mold growth, and upon further investigation it was determined that the growth was isolated to above the ceiling throughout the mobile. Occupants have remained in the main building since. District Administration and Facilities Services have been working with staff to support them during this process. In lieu of purchasing a new mobile structure, staff worked with Weaver Consultants to put together a remediation plan.

Discussion

The District has received a proposal from Bear Construction Company to perform a complete remediation and restoration of the unit's interior spaces. Work is anticipated to begin in early December and take approximately 10 weeks to complete. Upon completion, it is proposed that the unit will support the short-term needs for Davis staff and students for winter and spring 2024. Long-term, beginning next school year, it is anticipated the unit will no longer serve students, and instead serve as a staff office and storage unit for technology and curriculum purposes.

Recommendations: District 303 Administration recommends awarding a contract to Bear Construction Company through The Interlocal Purchasing System for the Davis Mobile Remediation in the amount of $268,029.52.

Background

The Board has approved the reopening of Fox Ridge as an elementary school, relocating Learning and Teaching staff and offices and the Transition program to Lincoln, and relocating early childhood to Haines, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. At Lincoln, part of next summer's construction will be accessibility upgrades, including the installation of an elevator.

Discussion

The District received a proposal for a three-stop elevator from the vendor KONE, Inc. The entire process from submittals to commissioning is anticipated to take approximately 35 weeks.

Recommendations: District 303 Administration recommends that the board approves award of the Lincoln Elevator Manufacture and Installation through OMNIA in the amount of $173,250.00 to KONE, Inc.

Background

The Board has approved the reopening of Fox Ridge as an elementary school, relocating Learning and Teaching staff and offices and the Transition program to Lincoln, and relocating early childhood to Haines, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. At Lincoln, two new Roof Top Units (RTU) will be installed to heat and cool the second level of the building that will house Learning & Teaching staff.

Discussion

The District received a proposal from Johnson Controls, Inc. It includes two packaged roof top units with associated components, freight, startup, and owner training. Upon approval, it will take between 15-17 weeks to have the units installed.

Recommendations: District 303 Administration recommends that the board approves award of the Lincoln Center Roof Top Units through OMNIA in the amount of $97,500 to Johnson Controls, Inc.

Background

For the past several years, the Board has leased the vacant land located at Silver Glen Road and Crane Road to Jeff Laczynski, who farms and maintains that land.

Discussion

Administration is currently in discussions with Mr. Laczynski and has prepared the new lease documents with the most recent annual CPI increase of 5.5% for the region, at a rent of $9,289.46 from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

Recommendations: Administration recommends that the Board approves the farm lease extension as presented.

Background

The Infinite Visions Software Suite is used to support the District's Finance and Human Resource Departments. This software was implemented in the fiscal year 2008-09 and continues to meet the needs of both departments.

Discussion

Administration requested a proposal to renew the annual maintenance and support contract with Tyler Technologies.

Recommendations: District 303 Administration recommends that the School Board approve the annual renewal as described above at a total cost of $99,007.36.

A special Business Services meeting has been scheduled to review a recommendation of the Davis-Richmond configuration on Monday, November 6 at 5:30 PM.

The next regular Business Services meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 27 at 5:00 PM.