Student Council members from O'Neill and Herrick introduce the legislators at the 2015 Legislative Breakfast on Feb. 13 at O'Neill Middle School.

District 58 held its annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 13 at O'Neill MIddle School. The event drew a large group of local legislators, community leaders and District 58 administrators.   

Three local legislators - Sen. Christine Radogno, Rep. Ron Sandack and Rep. Patti Bellock - participated on a panel to discuss education policy.

The legislators were introduced by O'Neill Student Council members Matthew Perry, Srushti Desai and Jillian Scott, and by Herrick Student Council members Kyle Johnson and Daniel Adam.

The three legislators answered a variety of questions that ranged from education reform and last year's Senate Bill 16 to PARCC concerns, full-day kindergarten

Rep. Patti Bellock, Rep. Ron Sandack and Sen. Christine Radogno listen attentively during the 2015 Legislative Breakfast.

and the effect the new Rauner administration may have on education in Illinois.

"I think you're going to find that education is our new governor's number one priority," Rep. Bellock said. 

Rep. Bellock added that the budget will always be a challenge, even when education is a top priority. 

"Illinois is $7 billion in debt, and Medicaid and pension costs

will only go up, squeezing funding for education and other basic services," she said.

Rep. Sandack shared input on education policy reform.

"K-12 education will get attention that it hasn't received, which I think is good. But there will be challenges and changes. I believe there will be some school choice aspects in the mix. We'll see changes that will challenge us. We need to be prepared."

Highland School parent Kylie Spahn expressed her concerns with the new PARCC assessment, particularly the amount of instructional time it will use. She asked for the legislators' thoughts on assessments.

"I think there's merit to having standards, and I think we need to test our kids to see if they meet those standards," Sen. Radogno said.

Sen. Radogno said she hopes the State Board and education experts will determine and enforce one set of core standards and measurements for Illinois schools. Rep. Sandack agreed and emphasized that school districts need to try the exam and see what happens to gain better insights about the assessment once it is administered.

Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli concluded the breakfast by thanking the legislators for sharing their insights and learning from our discussions.  

She asked for their "help in overcoming the constant political battle cries to reform education as well as [their] support to celebrate and strengthen what's working" within our schools.  

To our legislators Dr. Cremascoli said, "We need your help to ensure that our children and all children throughout Illinois have access to high quality education.  We need your help to ensure that continuous improvement in public education relies on the wisdom and innovation of public educators who work with students every day."

In addition to the three legislators, Congressman Peter Roskam's community relations director, Anna Stachulak, attended in Congressman Roskam's place and shared discussion points with him. 

The Legislative Breakfast was hosted by the Board of Education's Legislative Committee. The guests enjoyed a light breakfast and entertainment provided by the O'Neill orchestra and band. 

The Board of Education thanks everyone who attended the breakfast, especially to the legislators who took the time to participate on the panel and answer questions important to the District 58 community. 

Highland parents and staff celebrate Cheryl Varys, who received a Distinguished Service Award last year.

Do you know a District 58 employee who truly goes above and beyond?

Please consider nominating that individual for a Distinguished Service Award! The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 annually hosts the Distinguished Service Awards program to recognize the outstanding contributions of District 58 employees. Please see the below links for more information or to nominate an employee.

The Education Foundation will present Distinguished Service Awards to two District 58 employees: one classroom teacher and one non-classroom employee. In addition, all nominees will be honored during a special reception in late April.  

• Flag salute and presentation by the El Sierra Student Council and PTA
• "Spotlight on our Schools" - Digital Citizenship Curriculum for Students and Supports for Parents
• Superintendent's Report
• Business Report
• Committee Reports
• Board community engagement enhancement
• Approval of the 2015-16 school calendar