District 211 Awarded $1 Million American History Grant

High School District 211 has received a grant of $991,860 from the United States Department of Education to improve the quality of American history education. The grant was awarded in conjunction with High School District 214. Retired Palatine High School Social Studies Department Chair David Freeman, along with Schaumburg High School Social Studies Department Chair Maribeth Westlund and Social Studies Teacher Mary Lopez, presented information about the grant to the Board of Education at its April 10 meeting.

The Northwest Suburban American History Consortium (NSAHC) offers teachers in Districts 211 and 214 to work with multiple educational resources. A comprehensive program has been designed by District 211 and 214 teachers to meet teacher needs while providing a mechanism for widespread dissemination of course work.

The main structure of the program is a series of eight graduate courses taught by University of Illinois-Chicago professors over a three-year period. Each course will be taught with the rigor of graduate-level courses with the understanding that teachers will develop classroom applications of the newly acquired knowledge.

Additional information about the American history grant is available at: http://www.d211.org/pdf/nw_sub_amer_history.pdf. The U.S. Department of Education issued a news release (http://www.d211.org/pdf/usde_history_grant_release08.pdf), and also has information available on its web site at: http://www.ed.gov/print/news/pressreleases/2008/04/04022008.html.

 

Superintendent Vacancy Notice

For District 211 Employees

Superintendent Vacancy Notice  |  Interview Committee Application Form

 

Superintendent Vacancy Notice
For District 211 Employees

Dr. Roger Thornton recently announced that he will retire in December, 2008.  Having known that this announcement was forthcoming, the Board of Education has already turned its attention to identifying an outstanding person to continue Township High School District 211’s educational mission.  The Board applauds what will be Roger’s five years of service to the children and adults of this community.  The District has grown as the quality of education has continued to improve under Roger’s inspired leadership. 

The Board believes there are highly qualified people currently working in the District capable of assuming the role of superintendent.  Knowing this, the Board has begun looking internally for qualified superintendent candidates before considering an external search.  If an internal fit is not found, an external search will be conducted. 

Whether internal or external candidates are considered, the Board’s search process will include the use of an interview feedback committee comprised of a cross section of District constituents.  The Board will ask this committee to interview candidate(s) and report their impressions to the Board.  If you are interested in participating on a feedback committee, complete the Interview Committee Application Form.  This internal process should be concluded by the week of May 12, 2008.  

Interested candidates must possess a Type 75 Administrative Certificate with a superintendent’s endorsement and have high school principal experience/and or district office administrative experience.  An Ed.D. or Ph.D. is required.  The new superintendent will be required to live within District 211 boundaries.  Applicants should submit a letter of application, proof of endorsements, resume and any other supportive documents in a sealed envelope addressed to James Warren, Superintendent Search Consultant.  The envelope must be delivered to the Office of the Superintendent, School District 211, no later than 3:00 pm, May 2, 2008.

A list of desired characteristics the Board will use in screening may be found below.  If there are more characteristics that you wish the Board consider when interviewing candidates, please fax them to James Warren at 847-948-7809 no later than May 3, 2008.

 

Superintendent Search Characteristics
April, 2008

Qualities Desired

• Commitment to District 211.
• Strong leader.
• Excellent communication skills, written and listening.
• Visionary.
• Visible.
• Understands and believes in performance standards.

• Thinking out of the box – utilizing people in a cross-training delivery model.
• Builds relationships.
• Decisions driven by a core value for what is best for students.
• Accessible.
• Walks and understands the talk.
• Must excel in financial matters.
• Must have experience making difficult decisions.

• Must be a decision maker.
• A leader with experience mentoring other administrators.
• Collaborative, seeks input and then makes decisions.
• Good public speaker.
• Experienced superintendent.
• Demonstrates excellence in educational leadership.
• A people person who can enhance the learning environment.

• Knows instructional programs.
• Collaborates well with staff, parents and community members.
• Positive experience negotiating with bargaining units.
• Openness and centered in his/her core values.
• Exhibits integrity.
• Honesty – can believe what is said.

• Work collaboratively with Board.
• Leader of the staff.
• Will have longevity.
• Strong academic emphasis and with the ability to drive gains in student achievement.
• Inside candidate.
• Outside candidate.
• An understanding of working with the population of District 211.

.

Stadium Surfaces

Posted: April 11, 2008

At its April 10, 2008 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed additional information on artificial surfaces for stadium facilities, and following discussion, approved the concept of installing an artificial surface and track replacement for stadium sites at all five District 211 high schools. Further, it approved engaging W-T Engineering to prepare project bid specifications, including the evaluation and selection of a synthetic turf system, for William Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools. The proposal from W-T Engineering also provides for the development of bid specifications for the underground drainage infrastructure, base material installation, and artificial turf components.

With this approval by the Board, it should be possible to complete the recommended installations at both Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools this summer. It is estimated that field installation can be completed in a 10- to 12-week period.

A copy of the stadium surface information presented to the Board of Education is available at: http://www.d211.org/pdf/stadium_surfaces04-10-08.pdf.

 

Posted: March 19, 2008

At its September 20, 2007 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed a plan to reconvene the Stadium Surface Committee that originally met during the 2002-2003 school year.  The Committee consisted of community members, Board of Education members, central administration, and building administration.  At that time, the Committee determined that artificial playing surfaces would afford greater use of existing facilities to include, but not limited to, physical education classes, marching band, football, soccer, and lacrosse practices and contests.  Based upon initial cost estimates, project scope, and timing, the Board elected to defer stadium surface projects for future consideration and focus attention on the significant fiscal challenges facing the District at that time.  With resolution of the fiscal challenges and other facility needs presently being addressed, it was deemed timely for the Board to again consider a recommendation regarding the installation of synthetic surfaces in each school’s stadium.

The Board received a report from the Stadium Surfaces Committee that was formed to further investigate artificial surfaces at its February 28, 2008 meeting.  (http://www.d211.org/pdf/stadium_surfaces_report.pdf.)  The Committee completed five surface committee meetings and three sub-committee meetings looking into the areas of stadium usage, maintenance, and safety.  While the Committee has come to recognize the significant benefit of installing synthetic fields from an increased usage perspective, extensive work has been done to address safety, drainage, maintenance and funding considerations.

Following discussion at the February 28 meeting, the Board authorized the Superintendent to seek proposals to engage engineering services for site plans, storm water management, and permit work for stadium sites at Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools at a cost not to exceed $27,000.

The Superintendent also recommended continued work by the Committee to develop product selection specifications (turf types, fiber, backing systems, track surface, infill materials, user interface, maintenance, warranty, drainage, base materials, lines/markings), as well as administration and Committee members to begin discussion of potential projects with student groups, booster and band groups, faculty and coaches, and other interested parties to gain input and perspective of support for projects.  (http://www.d211.org/pdf/stadium_surface_parent_meetings.pdf)

 

Stadium Artificial Surfaces FAQ

 

 

 

Additional Information

Stadium Surface Committee Information
Stadium Surface Information

Stadium Artificial Surfaces Presentation (PowerPoint - requires Microsoft Powerpoint software)

 

District 211 Bond Rating Upgraded by Standard & Poor's

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization that issues credit ratings for both public and private sector entities. Since 2001, District 211 has maintained an “AA” credit rating from S&P, while prior to 2001, the District utilized the rating services of Moody’s Investor Services for credit analysis. In 1998, the District’s credit rating from Moody’s was down graded to “Aa2” from “Aa1.” For purposes of comparison, the Moody’s downgrade of “Aa2” in 1998 was equivalent to a rating of “AA” from S&P.

Due to the District’s favorable change in financial performance and reserve levels over the past few years, a rating was sought by S&P on January 25, 2008. Board President Robert LeFevre, Superintendent Roger Thornton, and Associate Superintendent David Torres participated in a financial analysis review with two credit analysts from S&P. On February 6, 2008, the District was informed by S&P that District 211’s credit rating was upgraded to “AA+,” restoring the District’s credit rating to the 1996 level. The rating upgrade was based primarily on a recognized material change in the District’s financial performance over multiple-year projections, fund balance levels, debt service management, and continued strong economic factors in our area.

A complete copy of the S&P rating publication was presented to the Board of Education at its February 14 meeting and is available at: http://www.d211.org/pdf/s-p_rating_rationale.pdf.

 

Advanced Placement exams prepare students to excel

Last spring, over 1,700 students took more than 3,700 Advanced Placement (A.P.) examinations in one or more of 20 subjects available at Advanced Placement level in High School District 211. Impressively, over 85 percent of the examinees scored grades 3, 4, or 5, which may qualify a student for advanced placement and/or credit in that subject at many colleges and universities. District 211 offers A.P. courses in 2-D Studio Art, Studio Drawing, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Literature and Composition, Language and Composition, Spanish, German, French, United States History, World History, European History, Human Geography, Economics, Statistics, Psychology, Government and Politics, and Computer Science.

Students successfully completing A.P. examinations can gain academic and financial advantages in college. Not only can students begin at advanced levels entering college, but in addition, many colleges and universities award college credits.

“We are pleased with the growing number of our students who score well on these very difficult examinations,” said Nancy Robb, associate superintendent for instruction. “The increasing level of success in this program demonstrates that our high-achieving students are taking full advantage of District 211 coursework.”

A.P. exams will be given in District 211 schools on the following national test dates: May 5-16, 2008. For more information about the Advanced Placement program in District 211, please contact your high school’s Student Services Office.

District 211 AP Scores 2003-2007

District 211 History of AP Exams

 

MRSA Info

MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)

Recently, there have been sporadic cases of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) reported in Illinois, some among student-athletes.  The health and safety of all District 211 students and staff is our top priority.  We’d like to address any concerns you may have by sharing the following information.

What is MRSA (or Staph)?
It is a type of bacteria.  According to the Cook County Department of Public Health, it may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils; may be red, swollen, painful, or have drainage.  Some are resistant to certain antibiotics.

How is it spread?
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, it is easily spread by contaminated hands, by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces, and by contact with secretions from infected skin lesions, wounds, and nasal discharge.  It is often spread within crowded conditions, as with athletes, the military, and crowded living conditions.

How serious are Staph Infections?
Most Staph skin infections are easily treatable.  It is very important, however, to see your healthcare provider and follow all directions.  If after treatment, there is not improvement within several days, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Are there precautions to prevent infection?
Practicing good hygiene is one of the most important things to control and prevent the spread of staph and other infections.  The Health Department recommends the following measures:
• Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Do not share personal items like towels, razors, or water bottles
• Avoid any contact with others’ wounds; keep cuts or scrapes clean and bandaged

Students participating in contact sports or other activities that lead to close skin to skin contact should take additional precautions related to skin infections and hygiene:
• Student-athletes should shower immediately following exercise, practice, or a game
• Do not store wet, dirty clothing in lockers
• Do not share towels, clothing, or uniforms, or other personal equipment
• Keep equipment clean; launder towels, uniforms, gym clothing, etc. frequently
• Keep cuts, abrasions, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages
• Report any cuts, abrasions, or wounds to the coaching staff, trainer, and/or school nurse

What are our schools doing to protect students and staff?
As always, District 211 schools are sanitized and disinfected daily; they are cleaned every evening, using a hospital-grade disinfectant known to kill the MRSA bacteria on all high-touch areas (including desktops, light switches, doorknobs, drinking fountains, etc.).

What can I do?
Remind your child to take precautions.  Good hygiene is the best defense against any illness.  If your child develops a skin infection, get medical attention promptly.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the principal’s office or your high school’s nurse.

For further information:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbmrsa.htm
http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/
http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/PDF/MRSApublicinfo101907.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/