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: Terra Costa Howard President | John Kenwood Vice President | Erica Nelson Secretary | Kevin Cosgrove | John Vivoda | Steven Vondrak| Robert Solak
Following is a summary of the Board of Education meeting held on May 4, 2009.   An MP3 recording of the meeting is available on www.d41.org   Minutes are posted once approved.
This edition of Board Highlights covers two consecutive meetings during which the Board of Education (BOE) concluded its business and transitioned to a new Board composed of continuing and newly elected members. A reception honoring departing members and welcoming new members preceded the meetings.

Sworn in were newly-elected members Drew Ellis, Jack Kahler, and Dan Smith, Jr., and incumbent Terra Costa Howard. Continuing members are Erica Nelson, Bob Solak, and Steve Vondrak. The BOE then elected its officers for two-year terms: Steve Vondrak, President; Bob Solak, Vice President, and Erica Nelson, Secretary. The BOE recognized retiring members Kevin Cosgrove, John Kenwood, and John Vivoda. Numerous members of the public as well as BOE members thanked the retiring members for their dedication and service, and Superintendent Dr. Ann Riebock read resolutions thanking each of them.
 UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next regular Board of Education meeting is set for Monday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. On Monday, June 1, the regular BOE meeting will be preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a public hearing on the 2008-2009 amended budget. Both meetings will be held at the Central Services Office, 793 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. The public is always welcome to attend Board meetings.
Following is a summary of the first meeting, after which this BOE adjourned.

THANK YOU TO GLEN ELLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Dr. Riebock thanked the Glen Ellyn Public Library for its partnership with the district related to the Parent Involvement Initiative. The library has generously allowed the district to display its Family Home Projects throughout the year in the youth services area. These voluntary projects are designed to bring families together around learning. Dr. Riebock presented Library Executive Director Dawn Bussey and Programming Associate and School Liaison Amy Waters with District 41 Vision pins. She also presented the library with a copy of the children's book "Pink and Say" by Patricia Polocco.


2008-2009 FINAL SCHOOL CALENDAR APPROVED
The BOE approved the final school calendar for the year, as it has been adjusted for snow-days and other previously approved changes. Key dates are:
June 9          Hadley graduation and last day for eighth grade students.
June 10        Last day for Kindergarten, Early Childhood and Pre-K.
June 11        SIP Day and last day of school for students in grades 1-7. 
                    Noon dismissal for students.
June 12, 15   Institute Days. Teacher attendance only.



AFSCME CONTRACT APPROVED
The BOE approved the 2009-2013 collective bargaining agreement between District 41 and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The membership of AFSCME includes office staff, custodians and other support staff positions. BOE members expressed their appreciation for the commitment of both teams to an interest-based process.



VEHICLE REPLACEMENT APPROVED
The BOE approved purchasing a Dodge Caravan and a Dodge Dakota for a total cost of $36,579. These vehicles will replace two aging vehicles that receive heavy use by the district's Buildings and Grounds department.



HEALTH, DENTAL INSURANCE RENEWAL APPROVED
The BOE approved a one-year renewal with BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) for district health coverage and dental benefit management. BCBS will continue to provide medical coverage at an increase of 16.8%, and manage the district's self-insured dental benefits at an increase of 18.5%. These rates are effective July 1, 2009 through July 1, 2010.



OTHER MATTERS
The BOE approved a student discipline matter and discussed the recommended Hadley Yearbook bid from Josten's for $13,40 per book. This is a flow-through cost, as students buy the book. The BOE will take action at a future meeting.


Following is a summary of the organization meeting of the new BOE.

ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
As stated above, the BOE elected Steve Vondrak, President; Bob Solak, Vice President; and Erica Nelson, Secretary. It established its meeting schedule from July, 2009 through June, 2010; in general, the BOE will meet twice monthly on the first and third Mondays of the month. The BOE accepted the DuPage County Election Authority's canvass of votes for the April 7, 2009 election. It designated seven institutions as banks of depository for district funds, affirmed the appointment of Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Facilities and Operations Bob Ciserella as district treasurer, affirmed the Board of Education Code of Conduct, and adopted the existing Board of Education policies. It deferred assigning BOE members to various BOE committees in order to get input on member interests.



PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A number of residents thanked the retiring BOE members for their leadership, dedication and work on behalf of children. Two persons addressed comments to the new BOE, emphasizing that their work should be focused on meeting the needs of children, and that they take the BOE Code of Conduct seriously.



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