Meeting Highlights - February 24, 2014
Glenbrooks commission comprehensive enrollment study
Growing population at GBS prompts deeper examination and discussion
District 225 conducts annual enrollment projections each fall, to help plan educational offerings for the high school students of Glenview and Northbrook for future academic years. District leaders utilize this data to make decisions regarding staffing, facilities, and finances.
District projections for one-to-three-year periods of time have been remarkably reliable. This fall's data showed a continuing decrease in student enrollment at GBN through 2018-19, while GBS's population will continue to increase. At its height, the enrollment difference between the two schools is projected to be approximately 1,200 students. Currently the difference in enrollment between GBN and GBS is approximately 700 students.
"We have known about the projected growing enrollment at GBS and have been planning for it since the early 2000's," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle. "However, current district projections indicate that the enrollment growth at GBS might not be a short-term bubble as once suspected. It is expected to grow for the next five years, and then plateau for five to eight years. At the same time, the projected enrollment for GBN is trending lower than our previous projections."
In conjunction with enrollment projections, the district periodically studies the capacity of its buildings and the learning environments provided for students. Based on current staffing formulas, the number and types of classrooms, and the daily schedule operated by each school, GBS has an estimated capacity of 3,100 students and GBN a capacity of 2,400.
Given current enrollment projections, building capacity estimates, the possibility of a sustained population at GBS, and concerns regarding maintaining equity of opportunity for students, the district has commissioned external demographers. This spring, the demographers will conduct independent enrollment projections that will incorporate current development projects in Glenview and Northbrook.
"There are many variables to consider when you look at enrollment projections and building capacities," said Director of Operations Dr. Kim Ptak. The housing market, real estate developments, and fluctuations in the economy all have an impact.
The district expects to review the results of the external enrollment projections this March. At that time, the Board of Education will begin discussing if additional actions need to be considered. The earliest possible implementation of any potential changes would be for the 2015-16 school year.
"This is a complex challenge to our school community that will be given thorough and deliberate consideration," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle. "Together, as a community, we will need to identify the best solution for our students, if a change is needed. We have positioned ourselves very well financially for this challenge and we are confident that these enrollment issues can be properly addressed without asking the community for additional support."
Future Enrollment Initiative
District freezes student fees for 2014-15
The Glenbrook High School District 225 Board of Education discussed a recommendation from the administration to freeze student fees at the same rates as last school year.
"We understand our local families have been impacted by current economic times. The administration continues to make every effort to keep costs low and yet still be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers who support the District," said Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs Hillarie Siena.
The following student fees will remain the same as last year: bus transportation; Driver education behind-the-wheel; parking stickers; towels; materials/technology; instrument rental fee; credit card convenience charge; and pre-school tuition.
The District has not raised fees for transportation the past four years, and will also maintain its sibling bus rider discount of 50 percent.
Fees for 2014-15
- Driver Education Fee $350
- Towel Fee $10.50
- Instrument rental fee $20/semester
- Materials/technology Fee $15
- Student Parking Stickers $285/full year ($142/semester)
- Credit card Fee $2.50 per transaction
District seeks community input on communications
In an effort to continue to improve its communication services, District 225 will be conducting random telephone surveys of 300 households on Sunday, March 9 and Monday, March 10. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the survey, should they be called, as input from our taxpayers is valued, appreciated, and used to help enhance our community relations.
"The goal of this process is to identify the preferences of the types of information, frequency and methods among taxpayers," said Director of PR and Communications Karen Geddeis. "This information is key to ensuring that we are effectively communicating with our school community."
