"Our goal was to select a device that has a positive impact on learning and yet is cost effective for our families and not a long-term burden to taxpayers," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle. "The ChromeBook meets those expectations while providing a solid base for a one-to-one learning environment - a consistent device for every student."

After continued discussion, the Board of Education approved a plan that would require freshmen, sophomores and juniors to lease a ChromeBook for a student cost of $25 for the 2013-14 school year. After the first year, the student cost would increase to $120 annually.

The district cost is conservatively estimated at $501,750 for the first year, and then will be dramatically reduced in subsequent years. These costs would be partially offset by Title I, Medicaid, and a decrease in student computer lab expenditures.

A total of 300 students and more than a dozen teachers were involved in a pilot program, which began at the start of the spring semester and concluded during the 4th quarter.

"We've already implemented Google Apps, but the difference now is about access -every student will have a device to utilize during class," said GBN Coordinator of Instructional Technology Ryan Bretag. "With 72 of the top 100 universities (7 out of 8 Ivy League schools) having "Gone Google" as one of their learning tools, the ChromeBook initiative moves our students closer to the college experience and will help ease their transition after high school."

For more information, visit the district website at www.glenbrook225.org. (Digital Learning)

Glenbrook High School District 225 and the Glenbrook Education Association

agree to three-year contract

On Monday, June 10, the Glenbrook High School District 225 Board of Education approved a three-year contract agreement with the Glenbrook Education Association (GEA).

"The Board and Association both believe that the agreement is fair to all stakeholders," said Board President Skip Shein. "It is important to balance our need to attract and retain quality teachers while remaining fiscally responsible, and this contract accomplishes both."

The three-year agreement is based on a new formula that utilizes a 10-year rolling Consumer Price Index (CPI) average. Base salary increases for teachers will be 1.3 and 1.4 percent, respectively, for the first two years of the contract, with a projected increase of 1.5 percent in year three. The overall average increase, including experience (commonly referred to as STEP), is projected to be 3.4 percent in the first two years and 3.3 percent in the third year of the contract. The agreement also calls for a Memorandum of Understanding between the Board and GEA to establish a new salary schedule for all new hires starting with the 2014-15 school year.

The agreement between the Board and the GEA includes no changes in fringe benefits, including health and dental coverage, other than usual annual premium increases. In an effort to further contain health care costs, the district will now offer a new high-deductible PPO plan in which employees can elect to participate.

"We were pleased to continue the decades long tradition of dialogue and collaboration that makes this District special," said GEA President Matt Whipple. "We believe the agreement will allow us to maintain and enrich the excellence of our shared community."

The district and the GEA had been involved in an interest-based bargaining process since November 2012. The current contract expires on June 30, 2013, with the new agreement taking effect on July 1.

"The GEA is to be commended for their hard work in negotiations and their collaborative commitment to long-range financial stability," said Assistant Superintendent Hillarie Siena. "This new contract will ensure that the district is able to maintain reserves and continue to offer high-quality programs and services to students."

There are approximately 420 full and part-time employees represented by the GEA. The district employs a total of 775 certified and non-certified professionals including teachers, service professionals, paraprofessional, support staff, and administrators.

District 225 Board approves salary agreements for two unions, administrators,

additional non-certified staff and the Superintendent

On Monday, June 10, the Glenbrook High School Board of Education approved salary agreements with the Glenbrook Educational Support Staff Association (GESSA) and the Glenbrook Educational Support Paraprofessionals Association (GESPA). The Board took similar action in approving salary increases for non-certified employees and administrators not represented by a union.

In August 2012, the district and GESSA agreed to the terms of a three-year contract on language and a one-year agreement on compensation. The remaining two-year salary agreement for GESSA employees includes an aggregate 3.09 percent salary increase in 2014 and 2.96 percent in 2015. These salary increases are inclusive of compensation related to any gained experience on the salary schedule (commonly referred to as STEP).

The district approved the terms of a new contract agreement with GESPA for the 2013-14 school year, with an option for a one-year extension. The salary agreement for GESPA employees includes an aggregate 1.96 percent salary increase in 2014. These salary increases are inclusive of compensation related to any gained experience on the salary schedule (STEP).

Non-union, non-certified employees will receive an aggregate salary increase in 2014 and 2015 that is commensurate with the GESSA salary agreement.

Non-union administrators will receive a base salary increase for 2013-14 that is commensurate with the new Glenbrook Educators' Association (GEA) agreement. The salary agreement is based on a new formula that utilizes a 10-year rolling Consumer Price Index (CPI) average. The aggregate increase for non-union administrators is 2.71 percent for the 2013-14 school year. These salary increases are inclusive of compensation related to any gained experience on the salary schedule (STEP), which only applies to approximately one-fourth of our administrative staff.

Finally, the Board also approved a five-year contract agreement with Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle. The terms of the contract remain consistent with previous agreements, with the exception of salary. He will receive an increase of approximately 2.8 percent for the 2013-14 school year.

"The Board believes that Dr. Riggle is doing an exemplary job managing the overall operations of a school district that serves more than 4,700 students and employees a total of 775 staff members," said Board President Skip Shein. "Securing his talents for the foreseeable future is important to maintaining consistency for our students, parents, staff and community."

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY: New traffic configuration approved for GBS

At the meeting on June 10, the Board approved a contract for $32,049 to City Lights, for the updating of all signal lights needed at the intersection of Pfingsten and West Lake Avenue.