Glen Ellyn School District 41 Glen Ellyn School District 41
 

Glen Ellyn School District 41 Mission: It is the mission of District 41 to advocate for students enabling each one to optimize his/her potential within a culture of continuous improvement.

Board Members: Steven Vondrak President | Robert Solak Vice President | Erica Nelson Secretary | Terra Costa Howard | Drew Ellis | Jack Kahler | Dan Smith Jr.

Following is a summary of the Board of Education meeting held on February 16, 2010.   An MP3 recording of the meeting is available on www.d41.org   Minutes are posted once approved.
The meeting was hosted by Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PE EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Board of Education (BOE) congratulated Benjamin Franklin School, and Physical Education teachers Gay Murray and Debbie Rausch. Ben Franklin is one of only 44 schools ever selected by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education as STARS schools, and one of only four schools that were selected this year. These schools are chosen because they represent outstanding physical education, health and fitness education. Several of Franklin's PE activities were especially noted by the national association, including its survivor unit, cross country skiing and the Food Pantry Run. Ms. Murray and Ms. Rausch talked a bit about how they make learning fun, integrate PE into the curriculum, and even involve other teachers in activities.

 UPCOMING MEETINGS
The regular BOE meetings of March 1 and March 15 will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Central Services Office. The public is always welcome. 
TECH TOOLS FOR LEARNING AT BEN FRANKLIN
Ben Franklin Principal Kirk Samples introduced a presentation by a number of Ben Franklin staff members illustrating ways technology supports learning in the classroom.
· Students write and produce BenTV, the school's television news show.
· Students use a variety of programs to create and narrate original picture stories.
· The curriculum includes digital citizenship and Internet safety.
· Interactive Smartboards have been installed this year in some classrooms; teachers are finding that this technology engages students and provides multiple avenues for different learning styles and needs.
· Technology training will be offered to staff on the Feb. 26 Institute Day with a goal of providing teachers with skills they can use right away with students. Also, technology training is regularly offered to staff in after-school sessions.




DISCUSSION OF FUTURE FACILITY AND LAND CONVERSATIONS
Continuing discussion begun at the Feb. 1 BOE meeting, Board members tried to reach agreement on how, if at all, discussions about possible land acquisition and facility improvements should be conducted. In recent months, the BOE has raised the issue of developing an approach or policy to the concept of acquiring land around its schools, and/or acquiring a more suitable site for a new school than the Spalding parcel, which is small for the size school needed. BOE members' perspectives ranged from the opinion that even discussing such matters sends a message that is at odds with the current financial situation and could jeopardize efforts to respond to current financial challenges, to the belief that such work is important to future planning and can be continued without interfering with financial planning for difficult times. A motion put forth by Board member Jack Kahler to limit any such discussions to the Finance Committee failed, but Board member Bob Solak said he may draft a similar but less restrictive motion for Board consideration March 1. 





CAPITAL PROJECTS APPROVED
The BOE approved summer capital projects including replacing electric panel boards, a variety of concrete and paving repairs, and locker room floor refinishing at Hadley. The BOE accepted the low bid of $442,300 from LJ Morse Construction Co.  




PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A resident urged the BOE to postpone further discussions of land acquisition, saying that there is no harm in doing so; a resident urged the BOE to adhere to its Code of Conduct and set aside personal agendas; a resident thanked the BOE, commended BOE President Steve Vondrak, urged the BOE to maintain a future focus despite pressures for short-term thinking, and reminded the BOE to remember its commitment to carry the Master Facility Recommendation forward; and a resident urged the BOE to get District finances in order and look for inexpensive ways to eliminate portable classrooms.  






About the Glen Ellyn School District Board of Education
Board members are unpaid volunteers, each representing the whole district. The board is accountable to the public and makes decisions as a unit based on what is best for the whole district. The board hires the superintendent, sets instructional policy, approves the budget and ongoing expenditures, and is ultimately responsible for the performance of the district. Board meetings are working sessions held in public during which the board conducts its business, and ample time is always set aside for public participation.  
Please direct your questions or comments to our Communications Director, Julie Worthen at jworthen@d41.org.
Glen Ellyn School District 41