Recent letters have expressed concern over spending at I.S.D. 166. Hopefully, this letter will give a more complete picture of the district’s decisions.
The district remained neutral on one-percent projects and approved attaching the Cook County Community YMCA (Y) after the county made the decision to build the facility. Attaching the Y to the school helps the district financially. Further, there will be opportunities to expand physical education offerings and provide a safe place for students to socialize.
When Y project bids came in over budget, county commissioners proposed, and we agreed to, a compromise that eliminated one new locker room in the Y plan, substituting renovation of an existing locker room in the elementary gym. This means visitors will be using the elementary gym area, so the plan includes a security door for the elementary wing. The county would bear the expense, since the compromise saves an estimated $60,000.
In 2008, a consultant recommended that administration offices be centralized to increase efficiency and improve visitor convenience. The school board approved up to $50,000 for renovations that will allow the school to be locked during the school day; divide the current fitness center into two classrooms; improve sound insulation in three other classrooms; and centralize offices. The renovations are not grandiose; they are conservative.
In 2010, voters approved a fiveyear levy providing the district with approximately $375,000 per year. We are thankful for the community’s support and work hard to be fiscally responsible. Since 2009 we have reduced our general operating budget by approximately $1,000,000 through wage/benefit freezes, retirements, and program and staff reductions.
In a review of administration, there were strong indications that the PK-12 principal model is not meeting the needs of staff or students. The district will return to a two-principal model, to be evaluated on a yearly basis to determine cost effectiveness.
We try to create many opportunities for community members to ask questions and share concerns. The district holds annual community meetings where citizens can share concerns with board members, administration and staff. The superintendent maintains a Facebook page; the superintendent’s office is open year-round for individual meetings; contact information for school board members and administration is on the district’s website; and the school board has a listening session prior to every meeting.
Beginning in August, meetings will be the first and third Thursdays of the month at 5 p.m. The listening session begins at 4:45. During the listening session, community members are encouraged to share concerns. The board cannot immediately respond, as only items on the agenda can be discussed during the meeting. However, every effort is made to address issues in a timely manner.
The district values the support of the community and will continue to work hard to meet the needs of students and staff in a fiscally responsible manner.
Beth Schwarz
I.S.D. 166 Superintendent
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