A number of District 58 staff members recently were recognized for their dedicated service.  

Education Foundation Distinguished Service Awards 

Nearly 200 staff, students and parents attended the District 58 Education Foundation's Distinguished Service Awards ceremony at Ashyana Banquets April 25 to honor a record 20 nominees with a variety of job titles and responsibilities.

Two award recipients were announced: Doreen Arlow in the category of classroom teacher, and Charles Caton in the category of staff member working in a capacity other than classroom teacher. Arlow, who teaches fifth grade at Lester, was praised for the unwavering support she provides her students, and her ability to help them make connections. A parent wrote about the impact that Caton, the social worker at O'Neill Middle School, had on her son, helping him not only successfully transition back to public school, but also to make friends and enjoy activities.

On May 3 at its annual retirement dinner for staff, the Downers Grove  Elementary Education Association recognized O'Neill science teacher Meg Van Dyke as its 2013 Teacher of the Year. 

Van Dyke, who holds a doctorate in educational technology, was praised for her dedication, passion and commitment to science education and for continually inspiring her students. She has

Beverly West nominated Van Dyke, and was also a nominee.

written and received numerous grants to purchase items for her department, formed numerous groups to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-related competitions and challenges, and sponsors the student council. She even had her head shaved at the St. Baldrick's event at Downers Grove South in March to reward them for surpassing their fundraising goal for the organization.  

Board swears in new members, elects officers, sets last day of school  

During a special re-organizational meeting on May 6, the District 58 Board of Education swore in new member Jim Paul and elected Sallie Lupescu as president and John Cooper as vice president. Paul, a member of the district's Financial Advisory Committee, a CPA and a parent of two students at Belle Aire School, was elected in an uncontested race April 9. Board President Steve Funk did not seek a second term in office, and Lupescu thanked him during the re-organization meeting for his dedicated service.   

The District 58 Board of Education got its first look April 22 at the tentative $60 million spending plan for 2013-14, which is anticipated to be in balance again for the year.  

The 2013-14 budget includes an expansion of the district's iPad pilot program, the majority of the funding for which will come from repurposing or reallocating existing budgeted funds.

"District 58 continues to spend responsibly while at the same time achieving excellent results for our students," said District 58 Superintendent Kari Cremascoli. "Thanks to our conservative budgeting, proactive responses to economic conditions, and maintenance of fund balances, our financial position has remained solid despite continued cutbacks in state funding."

Projects planned for the 2013-14 year include expanding the district's pilot iPad program toward eventual implementation of a 1:1 student device program, the majority of which will come from repurposing and reallocating existing budgeted funds; hiring two additional instructional coaches to support teachers; developing curriculum ladders and supporting training in Common Core math, Common Core English-Language Arts and the Next Generation Science Standards; developing a digital citizenship curriculum; updating the network; and purchasing a replacement truck for the Operations and Maintenance Department.