Rambling Along

Winter still holds us in its grip even as we have been tempted by some warmer, more pleasant weather is recent days. At school, as we move toward spring break, we are preparing for the annual administration of the ISAT tests given to all students in grades 3-8. The testing period will begin next Monday. In addition to the testing, we are busy updating financial and enrollment projections as we develop a budget for the 2011-2012 school year. As has been the case in the last two years, the development of a budget will be a delicate task given the continued slow economy and fragile state of the State of Illinois. At this time, we have a fairly accurate picture of our expenditures and a solid grasp of our local tax revenues. We are now focused on state funding levels and the federal support level for education programs. This picture is out of focus at this time as various organizations and groups advocate and struggle for the limited resources available. The demand for resources is unprecedented in this perilous time of very limited public funds for all government entities. I am certain that there will be no quick answers coming to us from either Springfield or Washington D.C. as the politicians and their parties posture and pontificate over their individual views of the world. It is interesting that this annual discussion seldom deals with the issues of what is needed to operate the various government entities, but rather what political philosophy or ideology is popular at the moment. As this continues, we will continue to strive to do more with less and maximize our limited resources for the good of the students of our community.

On a lighter note, the energetic and hardworking District 66 PTO has prepared a month of activities and fundraising opportunities. We hope that you will enjoy taking part in any of these events that help support our school district. Find information about these events on the web page at www.ccsd66.org

Have a good week!

Pack the Place 2011

Don't miss the first 2011 Pack the Place basketball spectacular tomorrow at Lakeview. The Lady Spartans take on the Eisenhower Generals at 4:00 pm. Join the fun and pregame activities in the gym. I may even get a pie in the face tomorrow! Join the fun!

Blizzard of 2011

This week we experienced a winter wonderland of sorts with 20 inches of snow falling on our area. While this blizzard was beautiful to behold it does place extreme operating issues for the school district. While the snow itself did no harm, it did prohibit most of our staff from getting to work to begin the clean up. Many local streets, especially in the Village of Woodridge, were not plowed until very late in the day or early Thursday morning making travel nearly impossible. Working with a limited team yesterday, we were able to clear all parking lots and free our buses from the firm grip of the snow and begin clearing fire doors at Lakeview.

Today, fully staffed,we will complete clearing entrances and fire doors at all buildings and further clean our drives and parking lots in anticipation of holding classes tomorrow, February 4^th. Buildings will be cleaned from school classes held on Tuesday and be ready for students and teacher tomorrow. Many have inquired as to why schools were closed for two days and I think the basic answer is the massive amount of snow, the enormous amount of manual labor involved in clearing doorways to comply with student/occupant safety codes, and the uncertainty of travel and weather conditions this morning which could have made it impossible for all staff members to get to work. All neighboring schools and almost all of DuPage County schools are closed due to these issues. Most feeder school districts close when their high school district closes as many families have students in both school districts.

I hope that everyone is safe and warm. I hope that your own driveways are cleared and you are well. See you at school tomorrow!