D99 Board of Education Highlights for July 28, 2025

Highlights of the July 28, 2025 Meeting   North High Student Recognitions The Board of Education recognized students from North High for their recent achievements. DGN Student Kate Peterson, with Teacher and Yearbook Sponsor Eric Landschoot, was recognized for winning 4th Place in IHSA Yearbook Caption Writing and 3rd Place in Yearbook Page Design. DGN Students Tess Lerette and Ruby Konopacki, with Sponsor Ariel Mozes, were recognized for serving as Crew Members for the IHSA All State Theater production of "The Prom." DGN Student Brady Schallmoser, with Teacher and Coach Drew Himes, was recognized for being named on the 1st Team All State for Baseball. The Board recognized DGN Students Sam Lehnherr and Viktoria Czech as well as Teacher and Coach Eric Landschoot. Vicktoria (and also Student Ashlynn Durkin, not photographed) earned a spot on the 2nd Team All State for Softball. Sam was named to the 3rd Team All State for Softball.   Donations to D99 As part of the consent agenda, the Board accepted a generous donation from the DGN Booster Club in the amount of $28,000 for Kwik Goal Elite Shelters to be used by Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Lacrosse, Football and Girls Flag Football. The Board also accepted a donation from the Chicago Bears Football Club in the amount of $2,500 to be put towards purchasing equipment for the DGN and DGS Flag Football Programs as they prepare for their inaugural seasons.   2024-2025 Strategic Directions Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele noted that progress reports on the district's four strategic directions, outlined in the district's strategic plan, may be found on the district's website.   End of Year Financial Report Chief School Business Official Jeree Ethridge provided a recap of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The year-end balance for operating funds was $9 million, $2 million higher than projected, due to reduced transportation costs, higher than expected interest earnings and general savings across various operational areas due to cost containment efforts made throughout the year. Revenues collected were 101% of budget compared to 106% last year. Although interest income, state and federal revenues and food service and fees came in slightly over budgeted amounts, the district experienced decreased revenues in Corporate Personal Property Replacement Taxes. Expenditures were 99% of the budgeted amount compared to 102% last year. The district’s contract with student transportation provider First Student allowed the district to achieve an expenditure reduction of approximately $1 million.   2025-26 Tentative Budget The Board approved the tentative budget for the 2025-26 school year. The public can review the budget through September 22, 2025, when the Board will vote to approve the budget. Chief School Business Official Jeree Ethridge shared that the budget is nearly balanced at approximately $120 million. The projected operating fund balances are $7.8 million, which is a planned short-term decrease. The district also anticipates declines in state and federal revenue, as well as increases in operating expenses due to labor agreements and rising service costs.   School Wellness Policy Implementation Assistant Superintendent Scott Wuggazer presented the comprehensive wellness review, which is required by Board policy every three years. He reviewed highlights of the district's school nutrition, physical education and overall wellness program offerings. Areas of future focus include increasing staff involvement in the review process as well as analyzing wellness trends as they relate to students representing low-income families.   Updated Board Protocols The Board reviewed its protocols, including a suggested update on how it will handle communications between individual Board members and the superintendent to increase transparency. The Board will vote to adopt the protocols at its next meeting.   Electricity and Gas Bid Process In addition to internal efforts to reduce energy consumption, District 99 uses an outside energy consultant to help secure favorable natural gas and electricity rates. In anticipation of current utility contracts expiring in June 2026, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Travis McGuire recommended mitigating risk and fluctuating market prices by entering into new agreements effective June 2026. The Board will vote on August 18 to provide pre-approval to enter into contracts in order to secure favorable pricing.   Click to Watch Meeting Video Agendas and supporting documentation   Upcoming Board of Education Meetings Board of Education meetings take place on Monday evenings, typically on the first and third Monday of each month, and are livestreamed at www.csd99.org/csd99media. Please check www.csd99.org for meeting times and locations, as they may change. District 99 Board of Education District 99 Board of Education (front row, l-r): Michael Riske, Christopher Espinoza, Vice President Kara Casten, Katie Courtney (back row, l-r): President Don Renner, Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele, April Finan and Ken Dawson Details about the Board of Education Copyright © 2025 Community High School District 99, All rights reserved.

Tuesday, Jul 29 2025

Board of Education Highlights for May 5, 2025

Highlights of the May 5, 2025 Meeting   New Board members Michael Riske, Katie Courtney and April Finan as well as re-elected member Christopher Espinoza, took the oath of office before electing Don Renner as president and Kara Casten as vice president of the Board of Education. Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele thanked outgoing board members Jennie Hagstrom (2021-25), Terry Pavesich (2005-2025) and Sherell Fuller (2017-25) for their years of service on the Board.   ISBE Student Summit North High student Owen Wills and South High students Anvi Krishnardula and Yamil Pacheco shared their experiences at the Illinois State Board of Education's Student Summit in March. They joined approximately 125 students from 40 high schools across the state to share their experiences, advocate for their needs and help shape the future of education in Illinois.   Activities and Athletics Survey, Student Participation Director of Student Experiences Ryan Doherty presented findings from the annual activities, athletics and student participation survey. He shared that the majority of respondents are involved in a D99 club or sport. Outside of school, students participate in travel clubs and leagues, religious-based activities and after-school employment. Directors of Student Activities Jennifer Martinez (DGS) and Mark Mirandola (DGN) and Associate Principals for Athletics Brandon Murphy (DGS) and Dave Rose (DGN) provided their perspectives. While the majority of students are involved and feel a sense of belonging, the data provide insights as to how the schools might reach students who are less connected. By promoting athletics and activities through large and small events and communicating via various channels, the leaders seek to continually increase involvement.   Strategic Plan Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele proposed focusing the district's work next year on one primary measure, with one or two supporting goals. Feedback from Board members and leaders across the district pointed to the critical need to ensure regular student attendance. Data from the state required climate survey, the district-created spring survey and a staff morale survey was reviewed. Data from these surveys, which capture the views of students, families and staff, align with the need to focus on attendance. The Board will confirm the statement of work the district will implement at its meeting on May 19.   Consolidated District Plan Associate Superintendent for Student Learning Gina Ziccardi provided an overview of the district's Consolidated District Plan for 2025-26, which is a federal grant requirement. The plan outlines all of the opportunities the district offers, including 17 dual credit courses, reading supports for at-risk students, summer classes for EL students and teacher office hours.   Energy Conservation Update Several energy conservation projects have been identified and funded, including LED lighting replacement, solar rooftop projects at the administrative office and Transition 99, and drivers ed electric vehicles. In addition to revenue in incentives and rebates, the district has $800,000 in legislator-secured funding to support the work. Click to Watch Meeting Video The agenda and supporting documentation can be found by clicking here.   Upcoming Board of Education Meetings Board of Education meetings take place on Monday evenings, typically on the first and third Monday of each month, and are livestreamed at www.csd99.org/csd99media. Please check www.csd99.org for meeting times and locations, as they may change. District 99 Board of Education District 99 Board of Education (front row, l-r): Michael Riske, Christopher Espinoza, Vice President Kara Casten, Katie Courtney (back row, l-r): President Don Renner, Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele, April Finan and Ken Dawson Click here for information about the BOE Copyright © 2025 Community High School District 99, All rights reserved.

Tuesday, May 06 2025

Chromebook Buyback Form Now Open!

Chromebook Buyback Form Now Open! Dear D99 Students and Families, As we previously communicated, we are offering seniors the opportunity to turn in their district-issued Chromebook and receive $40. There are a limited number of Chromebooks that we can accept, so be sure to reserve your spot soon! Reserve Your Spot to Sell Your Chromebook! Remember: You can only turn in the Chromebook that was assigned to you. If you don’t have your charger, you will receive $30. You do not need to turn in your Chromebook if you wish to keep it!  NOTE: All students are responsible for returning any Chromebook loaners, Wi-Fi hotspots, and/or charging cords that have been loaned to you. Thank you! District 99 Community High School District 99     |      www.csd99.org      |     630-795-7100 Administrative Service Center 6301 Springside Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516

Saturday, Apr 26 2025

Turn in Your Chromebook, Receive $40

Turn in Your Chromebook, Receive $40 Dear D99 12th Grade Students and Families, Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from District 99! New this year , we are offering seniors the opportunity to turn in their district-issued Chromebook and receive $40.  You can only turn in the Chromebook that was assigned to you. If you don’t have your charger, you will receive $30. You do not need to turn in your Chromebook if you wish to keep it!  We have a limited number of Chromebooks that we will be purchasing in order to support our technology needs and projects during the next school year.  If you would like to turn in your Chromebook for cash, be sure to put your name in the queue. The buyback sign-up form will open at 3 p.m. this Saturday, April 26. The first 500 students to sign up will be notified of the details of the buyback process. NOTE: All students are responsible for returning any Chromebook loaners, Wi-Fi hotspots, and/or charging cords that have been loaned to you. Thank you! District 99 Community High School District 99     |      www.csd99.org      |     630-795-7100 Administrative Service Center 6301 Springside Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516

Thursday, Apr 24 2025

Board of Education Highlights for April 21, 2025

Highlights of the April 21, 2025 Meeting   Transition 99 Volunteering in the Community Transition 99 Students Ibet Hipolito (pictured above) and Teagan Schuh, with T99 Teachers Danny Balderas and Meghan Keller (pictured above), Director of Special Services Lisa Bollow and T99 Department Chair Carolina Schoenbeck, reviewed all of the ways that T99 gives back to the community through its volunteering efforts. Partnering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the College of DuPage Greenhouse and Sharing Connections allows students to practice vocational skills and continue their volunteering after graduation from T99. Their efforts can be seen in this video.   Financial Update Chief School Business Official Jeree Ethridge provided the third quarter financial report. Revenues are expected to meet budget projections by the end of the fiscal year. Projected expenditures on transportaion are running lower than budgeted due to new transportation options provided by the district's provider, First Student.   Staff Receive Tenure The following faculty members were recognized for receiving tenure at District 99: Andrew Adelmann Nikki Alessi Madisen Babich Georgina Cervantes Phillip Culcasi Dylan Dugdale Jennifer Franzese Nicole Gunkel Frances Jones-Cade Meghan Keller Kathleen Kelly Aaron Kennedy Michelle Meuer Sean Ogren Brianna Paczkowski Janet Taylor Nicole Walus Jaclyn Williams Gina Wych   Superintendent Leadership Activities Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele reviewed the outside professional development events he participated in during the 2024-25 school year. In addition to attending meetings with other DuPage-area superintendents and conferences sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), he also served on the IASA governing board. Nationally, Dr. Thiele attended and presented at the Suburban School Superintendents Conference as well as the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, conference. Board members commented how these outside learning experiences ultimately bring value to District 99.   Board Approvals In addition to the consent agenda, the Board approved: Extending the transportation contract with Sunrise Southwest LLC Authorizing property tax abatement for the Rexnord facility for the 2024 tax year Final 2024 tax rates Click to Watch Meeting Video The agenda and supporting documentation can be found by clicking here.   Upcoming Board of Education Meetings Board of Education meetings take place on Monday evenings, typically on the first and third Monday of each month, and are livestreamed at www.csd99.org/csd99media. Please check www.csd99.org for meeting times and locations, as they may change. District 99 Board of Education DGN Student Member Rehan Hashim, Member Kara Casten, Board President Don Renner, Member Sherell Fuller, Board Vice President Terry Pavesich, Members Christopher Espinoza, Jennie Hagstrom, Ken Dawson, DGS Student Member Jason Trejo and Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele Click here for information about the BOE Copyright © 2024 Community High School District 99, All rights reserved.

Tuesday, Apr 22 2025