Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met Nov. 18

Dr. Levi Brown - Clarendon Hills Middle School Principal | Community Consolidated School District 181

By Philip Gonzales

Dec 19, 2024

Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met Nov. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

The Regular Business meeting of the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 181, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, was called to order by Board President William Cotter at 6:00 pm on November 18, 2024, at Hinsdale Middle School, 100 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL.

Roll Call

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call. Board members present were: Asim Aleem, Margaret Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, William Cotter, Sinead Duffy, and Michael Martin. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Pledge of Allegiance

William Cotter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board of Education Celebrations

The Administration recognized and thanked the D181 Board of Education for their hard work and dedication to the District.

The Board honored and recognized the service of our Veterans and thanked them for their service to our country.

The Board congratulated the outstanding achievements of several talented students from the middle schools who were selected to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association Honor Ensemble, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional musical ability and dedication.

They also celebrated the exceptional performance of the district in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Schools rankings. The seven elementary schools earned the "Best Elementary Schools" designation, and the two middle schools were named "Best Middle Schools." This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, parents, and community.

Executive Session

William Cotter made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. to discuss personnel. Michael Martin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Asim Aleem, Margaret Cooper, William Cotter, Michael Martin, and Sinead Duffy. ”Nay”: None. The motion carried.

Call to Order

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call at 7:00 p.m. Board members present were William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Asim Aleem, Sinead Duffy, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Public Comment

No public comment.

Action Items

Resolution Regarding the Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2024 Mrs. Mindy Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, presented the Resolution Regarding the Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the year 2024. She said the administration recommended a total estimated tax levy of $79,944,103 for the year 2024. This represents a 4.6% increase over the 2023 levy of $76,433,827. The increase is primarily due to new construction and the impact of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL). A public hearing is scheduled for December 16th.

Ms. Bradford shared the following highlights:

● Projected Tax Levy: The district is proposing a total 2024 Levy of $79,944,103 for operating funds. This represents a 4.6% increase over the 2023 extension.

● PTELL Impact: The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) will limit the district's tax revenue growth. While property values are increasing, the PTELL will cap the increase in tax extensions based on the lower CPI (i.e., 3.4%) or 5%. This year’s calculations use the 3.4% CPI-U rate as of December 31, 2023.

● EAV Increase: The district's Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) is projected to increase by 8.3%, based on current assessor estimates.

● New Construction: Based on current assessor estimates, new construction is estimated at $24,539,76. This represents a decrease of 17.6% from the previous year.

● Abatement: This year's levy includes a $2 million continued commitment to returning tax dollars to the taxpayers.

Proposed 2024 Tax Levy Breakdown:

● Education: $66,051,818 (an increase of $2,955,102 from 2023)

● Operation and Maintenance: $10,709,610 (an increase of $427,987 from 2023)

● Transportation: $1,723,629 (an increase of $68,881 from 2023)

● Illinois Municipal Retirement: $729,353 (an increase of $29,153 from 2023)

● Social Security: $729,353 (an increase of $29,153 from 2023)

William Cotter made a motion to approve the Resolution Regarding the Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2024. Asim Aleem seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Meg Cooper, Asim Aleem, Sinead Duffy, Bill Cotter, Grace Shin, Margaret Kleber, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Resolution Authorizing the Donation, Sale, or Other Disposition of Personal Property (Electronic Equipment)

Ms. Bradford presented the Resolution for the Disposition of Surplus Property (Electronic Equipment. She said the administration was seeking approval to sell surplus electronic devices to Upward Assets. This included approximately 500 Chromebooks, 800 iPads, 70 projectors, and other outdated technology equipment. The estimated revenue from this sale is $76,000.

Ms. Bradford shared that this is an annual request. The District has a significant amount of surplus electronic devices that are replaced as a part of the district’s approved technology replacement cycle. The Technology Department solicited proposals for resale of the equipment and the vendor, Upward Assets, was selected as the vendor with the highest bid. She noted that the vendor is required to provide a certificate of secure data destruction.

Grace Shin made a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Donation, Sale, or Other Disposition of Personal Property (Electronic Equipment), as presented. Margaret Kleber seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Asim Aleem, William Cotter, Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Meg Cooper. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Resolution Authorizing the Donation, Sale or Other Disposition of Personal Property (Capital Equipment) Ms. Bradford presented the Resolution for the Disposition of Surplus Capital Equipment Property for approval. The resolution detailed the disposal of surplus or obsolete property, primarily textbooks, furniture, and equipment.

A significant portion of the surplus items, including textbooks and obsolete equipment, will be donated to SCARCE, a nonprofit organization focused on building sustainable communities. Other items, such as student desks and chairs, will be recycled or disposed of appropriately.

She noted that by disposing of surplus property, the district will reduce storage costs and improve efficiency.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Donation, Sale, or Other Disposition of Personal Property (Capital Equipment), as presented. Margaret Kleber seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Asim Aleem, William Cotter, Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Meg Cooper. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Math/ELA/ACE Placement Approval

Ms. Kristin Reingruber, Director of Assessment, Instruction, and Evaluation, presented the criteria for student placement in third through eighth-grade math and sixth through eighth-grade ELA and social studies courses for the 2025-2026 school year for approval.

She shared that the district has updated the RIT scores to reflect percentiles for the 2024-2025 MAP weeks of instruction at a 3.5 SEM (D181 average). The qualifying percentiles for advanced and accelerated courses remain unchanged.

She highlighted that there is a new Math Bridge Pre-Assessment that will be offered to qualifying students. Students who score 85% or higher on the pre-assessment may choose to opt out of the Math Bridge program.

Ms. Reingruber explained the district has an integrated appeals process that uses multiple valid and reliable indicators to ensure fair and equitable placement decisions. These processes aim to provide students with the most appropriate academic challenges and support.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the Math/ELA/ACE placement, as presented. Grace Shin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Asim Aleem, William Cotter, Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Meg Cooper. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Superintendent Succession Plan

The District 181 Board of Education discussed the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Dr. Hector Garcia, who will retire on June 30, 2026.

After setting guiding principles for the search, BWP and Associates were selected as the firm to assist with the Superintendent search. The Board approved the firm at the October 16, 2024, Board of Education meeting.

The Board considered two options in preparation for Dr. Garcia’s retirement. The options were to either begin the process in 2024 (Deputy Superintendent) or in the fall of 2025 (Traditional Approach).

Each Board member shared their perspective and opinions on the search process. The Board voted to conduct the search during Fall 2025, with a selection made in Winter 2026, and a start date of July 2026. In an effort to ensure a successful transition, Dr. Garcia will remain with the district for an additional 30 days during the summer of 2026.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the option of a traditional approach to the Superintendent Search, as presented. Meg Cooper seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Asim Aleem, William Cotter, Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Meg Cooper. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Informational Items

Fund Balance Strategy

Ms. Bradford reviewed the district’s Fund Balance Strategy, which is used to ensure a healthy financial position for the district. She explained that the district aims to maintain an audited operating fund balance between 30% and 50% of total annual expenditures. The current projected fund balance is 48.8%.

She said that there are stages the District considers when determining an abatement amount. The District does not anticipate any revenue reduction or cost shift factors at this time. Additionally, there are no significant fund balance implications.

Ms. Bradford clarified that there would be no additional funds that need to be abated beyond the $2M based on policy and practice. As a result of the abatement, taxpayers will see an approximate savings of 103 dollars.

Ms. Bradford said the administration will continue to monitor financial risks and adjust the strategy as needed to ensure the district’s long-term financial stability.

Fall MAP Presentation/School Improvement Plans/School Report Card

Ms. Reingruber shared a comprehensive report on student achievement and school performance throughout the district.

The district administered the NWEA MAP assessment to students in grades 1-8. She said the results provide a baseline for instruction and are used to inform curriculum adjustments and support programs.

Ms. Reingruber shared the following highlights:

● Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 median reading achievement remains consistent at the 83rd percentile.

● From Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 median math achievement increased by two points to the 94th percentile.

● School Improvement Plans: Building goals for school improvement plans are based on MAP data and aim to improve student achievement and growth.

● 2024 IAR and ISA Results: Results from these state assessments demonstrate continued academic progress across elementary and middle schools.

● 83.1% of the District students were proficient in English Language Arts (State avg. 41.2%).

● 77.1% were proficient in Math (State avg. 28.4%).

● 85.6% were proficient in Science (State avg. 53.1%).

● The 2024 overall, elementary, and middle school reading and math achievement percentages are higher than the three-year prior average.

● All D181 schools received either "Exemplary" or "Commendable" designations, placing them in the top two tiers of the state's ranking system.

● Six schools were designated as Exemplary and three schools were designated as Commendable.

Ms. Reingruber said the district utilizes various assessments and reports, including MAP, IAR, ISA, and Illinois School Report Cards, to monitor student progress and inform continuous improvement efforts. She also shared that the data-driven approach ensures a premier education, consistently ranking among the highest in the state and nation.

FOIA Update

Dr. Garcia shared that the District received one request and completed one since the last FOIA update at the October 21, 2024 Board meeting.

Consent Agenda

Personnel

Certified Licensed Educators

Change in FTE

Name

Position

Location

original FTE

New FTE

Effective Date

Erin Collins

Kindergarten .5/1st grade .5

Madison

.5 K only

1.0

November 11, 2024

Mary Petschinsky

Kindergarten .5/1st grade .5

Madison

.5 K only

1.0

November 11, 2024

Extracurricular Stipend - Clubs - effective for the 2024-2025 school year.

Name

School

Extra Assignment

December Stipend

Daniel Kolar

Elm

Running/Cardio Club

$210.00

Michael Jensen

Elm

Running/Cardio Club

$210.00

Lorene Himpelmann

Madison

Board Game Recess

$260.75

Jenny Juska

Monroe

Monroe Milers

$210.00

Meredith Wodka

Monroe

Monroe Milers

$201.25

Caitlin White

Elm

Elementary Orchestra

$140.00

Caitlin White

Walker

Elementary Orchestra

$175.00

Kristin Conway

Prospect

Lunch Running Club

$175.00

Susan Petersen

Elm