District 225 sets organizational goals for 2012-13

Each year, the Glenbrook High School District 225 administration works with the Board of Education to develop District Initiatives and set organizational goals for the coming school year.

"Even though state and federal mandates impact our work as administrators, our district will continue to strive beyond these minimum requirements to improve our schools, according to identified needs" said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle.

The plan discussed with the Board includes numerous tasks designed to accomplish a total of 10 high-level goals. The goals are divided into targeted categories that include curriculum and instruction, human resources, business, public relations and communications, and technology. These specific goals include:

• Raise the level of student engagement
• Improve student wellness
• Reduce overall energy consumption
• Reduce paper use, print volume and mailings
• Reduce ongoing district expenditures
• Evaluate administrators as required by the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) and Senate Bill 7
• Evaluate teachers according to the requirements of the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) and Senate Bill 7
• Increase awareness of the district  
• Improve internal communications
• Ensure the successful operation of technology systems during disaster and crisis situations

The Board first reviewed the District Initiatives at the meeting on August 13 and suggested revisions for the administration to consider prior to their approval on August 27.

District Initiatives 

District 225 Board and two support staff unions ratify contact agreement

On Monday, August 27, the Glenbrook High School Board of Education, ratified contract agreements with the Glenbrook Educational Support Staff Association (GESSA) and the Glenbrook Educational Support Paraprofessionals Association (GESPA). The district and unions had been involved in interest-based bargaining since February 2012, and concluded in June 2012. The previous contracts expired on June 30, 2012.

"Both teams believe that the contract agreement is fair to all stakeholders, including students, parents, staff and the taxpayers of District 225," said Board President Skip Shein.

The three-year agreement on contract language between the Board and GESSA includes no changes in current pension contributions, health and dental coverage. All GESSA employees will receive a 2.3 percent salary increase in the first year of the contract, which includes any gained experience on the salary schedule (commonly referred to as STEP). Salaries and benefits for the following two years will be negotiated during the 2012-13 school year.

The Board and GESPA agreed to the language of a two-year contract that also includes no changes in current pension contributions, health and dental coverage. GESPA employees who gained experience on the salary schedule (STEP) will receive a 2.3 percent salary increase. Employees who have already earned placement at the top of the salary schedule will receive an increase of 2.0 percent, in lieu of a 2.3 percent increase. These increases will take place in the first year of the agreement. Salaries and benefits for the following year of the contract will be negotiated during the 2012-13 school year.

The Board also approved contracts for non-certified employees and administrators who are not represented by a union.

Non-union, non-certified employees will receive the same salary increase as outlined in the GESSA agreement.

Administrators will receive a 2.25 percent base salary increase along with possible increases for movement on the salary schedule (STEP) and additional educational advancement, if applicable. Less that 40 percent of employees in this category are eligible for a salary raise over the 2.25 percent base increase.