Eight inches of overnight snow is just enough for children to have fun building snowmen and sledding, yet not enough to cancel school.  While I am grateful the Chicago area hasn't experienced a February like the east coast with excessive snowfalls and many school cancellations, spring is still officially over one month away.  Please continue to check our website at www.palos118.org/SchoolClosing/emergency.html for late starts or cancellations when the weather becomes threatening.  Parents will also receive phone and email notification.
 
While we have been dealing with seasonal snowstorms in the Midwest, it has been difficult to watch the devastation of the January earthquake in Haiti.  I have been extremely proud of the compassion and generosity our  District 118 staff and students have shown to raise money for earthquake relief efforts.  All three schools have sponsored "Hats for Haiti," raising over $3,000 for relief efforts.  Additionally, Palos East Art Club students sponsored a "Houses for Haiti" pin/magnet sale for the Friends of the Children of Haiti organization.  Other student philanthropic efforts include South's Impact Club which organized a successful pop tab drive for Ronald McDonald House Charities, West's canned food drive for the local food pantry, and East's Student Council raised enough money to purchase three animals through Heifer International for families in underdeveloped countries.  The  giving spirit of our students, parents, and community is very evident.  Thank you for your generosity.
 
The PFA has been hard at work planning District 118's "Sham Rock n Roll" Fundraiser, on Saturday, March 6 at the Palos Country Club.  It is sure to be a fun night out with a live band, silent auction, and refreshments. This year the PFA has arranged a special raffle for the opportunity to be a Chicago White Sox bat boy or girl at a 2010 game.  The winner need not be present to win, and tickets may be picked up at the district office.  For more information about the fundriaser or raffle, please visit www.palos118.org/pfa/.  I hope to see you there.
 
As a reminder, District 118 students will take the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) March 2-5, and 8-12.  Teachers have been preparing the students by reinforcing their test-taking skills.  Parents can optimize their child's success by making sure they get a good night's sleep, and giving them a nutritious breakfast before sending them to school during test days.  Thank you for your support.

 

Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Dubec, Ed.D., J.D.

In January, fourth and fifth grade Art Club students at Palos East raised $1,000 by sponsoring a "Houses for Haiti" pin/magnet sale. (Pictured above) Students created unique houses with matte board donated by Fast Frame of Palos Heights, decorated them with permanent markers, and coated them with an acrylic epoxy resin.  The pins/magnets were $5 each.  All proceeds from the sale were donated to Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH), an all-volunteer organization that relies on private donations and local fund raisers to cover operational expenses.

The Board of Education has been monitoring the current State of Illinois fiscal crisis. It is clear from all reports that state funding of education is in peril.  State payments to school districts are late.  There is talk in Springfield that the amount of state aid paid to districts will be reduced and that payment formulas will be changed.   The Board of Education and administration have been focusing on finances for the past year in order to be prepared for difficult economic times and to make adjustments for the current situation.

 

Over the past few years, the Board has made an increased effort to focus on fiscal integrity through balanced budgets, a transparent budget process, prudent spending, and maintaining reserve fund balances.   Palos 118 has received full financial recognition status from the State of Illinois and a number of financial awards. In addition, the district has instituted cost savings measures.  The vacant administrative position of Coordinator of Operations will not be filled; and, these duties will be assumed by the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.   Staffing levels are adjusted annually to reflect student enrollment and program needs.  Supply budgets for the 2010-11 school year will be frozen at current levels.   Utility usage is being reduced through expanded energy efficiency and increased co-op purchasing.  Summer maintenance projects have been reduced.   Further, business and financial operations have been reorganized and given a greater emphasis. Anthony Scarsella has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.  Mr. Scarsella will assume oversight for Transportation, Food Services, Information Technology Systems, and Operations.  This will place a greater focus on coordinated district operations and reducing costs. Finally, the Board and Administration are actively working to have legislators place a priority on school funding.

 

Although the future of school funding will be a challenge, the Board is committed to continue to maintain student programs, favorable class sizes, and facilities that we can be proud of. The Board's and the Administration's emphasis on financial planning, continued efficiency, and cost savings will enable Palos 118 to continue to offer excellent opportunities for students.