Press Release: 09-14-2011

Below is a brief recap of the Board Meeting from September 13

Consent Items
- The Board of Education approved the resignations, appointments, terminations and leaves of 11 employees, including the retirement of Dr. Jeanne Kearby, former Principal at Whittier Elementary.
- The Board of Education authorized District 60 staff to submit the District’s annual application for recognition status with the Illinois State Board of Education.

Financial Reports
- The Board of Education discussed the need to schedule a community forum to discuss the “Kit of Parts” for the classroom additions that are part of the $37 million State Capital Development Board Grant project. The Kit of Parts would determine what elements would be included in the new classrooms that will be built. A community meeting to receive feedback will be scheduled in the near future.

Reports and Presentations
- Superintendent Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste announced that a number of District 60 staff members and volunteers will be honored with a “Those Who Excel” award from the Illinois State Board of Education. Honorees include: Washington Elementary School’s Building leadership team, Ms. Pamela Crowell, Ms. Nora Estrada, Ms. Yolanda Svoboda and Mr. Chris Jonas. An awards ceremony is planned for October 22.
- Superintendent Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste read a letter from the North Suburban Conference announcing that the athletic conference is not currently interested in expanding its membership. District 60 has previously inquired about joining the North Suburban Conference for high school athletics, in an effort to reduce travel time and travel costs for Waukegan High School athletes and their families.

Information Items
- The Board of Education reviewed revisions to policy # 7050, regarding Evaluation and Determination for Eligibility for service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Old Business
- A Public Hearing was conducted to allow members of the community to discuss District 60’s budget for 2011/2012. The budget is estimated to be about $202.5 million. The Board of Education will vote to approve the budget at its next meeting.
- Members of the Board of Education spent several minutes informally discussing the District’s busing guidelines. The Board agreed to formally address busing - and potentially take action - at its Sept. 27 meeting. The discussion followed a lengthy Public Comment session, where more than two dozen community members made statements regarding busing.

Email Contact: nalajakis@wps60.org