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CCSD66 Notes

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Welcome to December!


As I look out of the window this morning it definitely looks like winter has arrived. The snow is coming down hard and fast. Snow removal equipment is in place and ready to go in the morning if needed. There is feeling of anticipation in the air that is exciting as I see the snow come down.


We hope to see many of you in the next three weeks at our concerts and athletic contests. The Prairieview Concert will be held on Monday, December 8, 2008. Lakeview will hold concerts on Wednesday and Thursday evening, December 10-11, 2008. All concerts will be held at Lakeview Junior High School and begin at 7:00 pm. The Lakeview Chorus will also be performing at Yorktown Mall on December 16, 2008. The 9th Annual Winter Festival of Bands will be held at Lakeview this Saturday, December 6, 2008 and will feature bands from throughout the area.


Don't forget Parent-Teacher Conferences that will be held this week. Please take this opportunity to meet your child's teacher and review progress. Be sure to have a list of questions that you would like answered before you come to your conference so that this time is used effectively.


Hoping for snow!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Trouble Ahead?

The main topic at the Joint Conference last weekend was that financial trouble is headed for Illinois schools. While this is hardly a revelation given the economic crisis that the country is experiencing real problems could lie ahead this spring. The State of Illinois has a tremendous backlog of bills and debt that is expected to reach nearly $5 billion by March 2009. Public schools have fared very well under the Blagojevich administration escaping the hurt that has been heaped on other state agencies. Given the current situation there is a great deal of talk about reduced or eliminated state aid payments in the spring as the budget crisis deepens. Such a cut could have a drastic impact on many school districts.

While this is the reality, it does strike me as odd that our state leaders have chosen to take no action to deal with the issue of state finances. The legislature adjourned last week until January when the new session will begin. If there is any hope in this situation it is that with new leadership in the Senate by Senators Cullerton and Radogno will help to improve communication between the two chambers and perhaps even with Governor Blagojevich. We will need to pay close attention to all levels of government as they try to deal with the impact of the financial crisis in our land.

I hope that everyone has a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

2008 Joint Annual Conference

This weekend over 12,000 Illinois school leaders and guests will come to Chicago to take part in the Annual Joint Conference of the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Association of School Business Officials and Illinois Association of School Boards. This is one of the largest state educational conferences held in the United States.

At this conference, we will have the opportunity to gain information and share insights in school governance in a variety of settings. Three general sessions will be held, as well as over 100 panel discussions and small group presentations for administrators and school board members from throughout the state.

Topics will include school funding, educational technology, legal issues and trends. Over 300 vendors and exhibitors will display the latest in school based products for our review. This is a great weekend for networking and learning to strengthen education in our local district.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

Celebrate Leadership!


Saturday, November 15, 2008 has been designated School Board Member Day in Illinois. We join other districts across the state to recognize these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.


School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the very best it can be for each and every child. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop polices and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that effect the entire community and the lives of individual students. They bear responsibility and oversight in Center Cass School District 66 for a budget of over $12 million; 1138 students in grades PreK to 8th; more than 150 employees and three school buildings.


Preparing students to be productive citizens and future leaders is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their community, serving first and foremost in the best interest of our school children.


We proudly join educators and community members in saluting these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding and school facilities. Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of the community's children and families. These dedicated individuals deserve recognition and thanks for their unfailing commitment to the continuing success of our students now and in the future.


Board members serving Center Cass School District are:


Jeanne Grimmer, President, elected 1995
Ron Eberhart, Vice-President, elected 2001
Cathie Killian, Treasurer, elected 2005
Susan James, Secretary, elected 1993
Robert Koch, Member, elected 2005
Suzanne Armato, Member, elected 2007
Dan Slayden, Member, elected 2007


WE APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF THE CENTER CASS SCHOOL DISTRICT 66 BOARD!

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Election Day Traffic


Schools are closed today for student attendance while teachers gather for an Institute Day focused on Writing Across the Curriculum. Schools are closed due to anticipated high voter turn out for the presidential election and the need to provide a safe and secure environment for students with many people coming to the campus to vote. Based on the heavy auto traffic as I drove in this morning at 6:45 am, I can see that closing was the correct decision as we would have had great difficulty with the auto traffic for the election combined with our normal bus traffic and student drop offs. The parking lots are almost at grid lock with voters and employees charging for parking spots. The Ide lot was full at 6:30 am this morning.


It is good to see our democracy in action as we exercise out responsibility to vote today! If you haven't voted yet please do so today!