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

Highlights of the March 3, 2025 Board of Education M...

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Highlights of the March 3, 2025 Meeting ​ ​ ​ ​ Student and Staff Recognition ​ During the Board of Education meeting on March 3rd, several students and staff were recognized for their outstanding achievements. The Trostangs, coached by Kristyn Campos and assisted by Kylie Bosco and Bill Norris, was honored for its record-breaking season and state championship win. DGS senior Genevieve Herion was also celebrated for claiming the state titles in the balance beam and all-around categories. The DGS Speech Team was also recognized for securing the title of State Runner-Up, with guidance from head coach Justin Matkovich, Sean Liston, Alex Jones, and Chris Blum. Students Sebastian Blanco and Carly Bleau were recognized for their first-place finish in Dramatic Duet Acting, while Sebastian was also honored for winning first place in Radio Speaking. Additionally, several student-athletes and their coaches were recognized for their achievements, including All-State honors and Coach of the Year awards. DGS girls’ head tennis coach Josh Forst was named IHSTCA Coach of the Year, and junior Gabby David was acknowledged for her All-State Girls’ Tennis selection. DGS cheerleading coach Shannon Lahey praised team members Ivy Bloomfield and Jada Judkins Mixon, who were selected for the IHSCCO All-State team. DGS Boys’ soccer coach Chris Hernandez commended senior Daniel Smazil for his selection to the IHSSCA All-State team. Finally, DGS girls’ volleyball coach Madisen Babich highlighted players Alex Barcenas and Sylvia Masiulionis, both of whom were selected to the IVCA All-State team. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Student Perspectives - DGN DECA Team ​ The DGN DECA team officers presented before the Board of Education, explaining more about the group's work and competition. DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) prepares students for careers in business, finance, and marketing by allowing them to compete at regional, national, and state levels. “You guys are so, so impressive. I mean, just incredible. I’m sure you all will do well in college and in life,” said Ken Dawson, Board Member.    The student officers, Russell Oros, President; Kate Peterson, Vice President; Nolan Hurter, Vice President; Yash Garg, Vice President; and Joey Siebert, Vice President, explained how DECA has helped them grow as students and prepared them for future leadership roles. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Teacher Staffing ​ As student course selection comes to a close, District 99 administration turns its focus to student options and teacher schedules for the upcoming school year. A decrease in enrollment at North High and T99 and an increase in enrollment at South High are helping determine staffing needs.  Also, there has been an increase in multi-needs enrollment at North High. Due to this, the program at North High will be expanded and include another multi-needs classroom.  “This will provide a little bit more space but also provides the opportunity to bring back some students who are outplaced back to our home school. So, that’s always something we’re looking to do,” said Dr. Hank Thiele, District 99 Superintendent.  “It’s exciting to see more students because that’s always a good thing,” said Terry Pavesich, Board of Education Vice President.  As a result of the hybrid block schedule, far fewer South High 9th graders are taking a study hall, as in years past. Instead, 85% of South High 9th graders take seven academic courses. “The support and opportunity students have during the day to get work done, to go get help, to do all of those things, is leading to far more 9th graders to take that extra academic course that first year, which is huge when you look at what opportunities come to them later in their high school career,” said Dr. Hank Thiele.  A more detailed staffing plan for the upcoming school year will be laid out at the meeting on March 17th.  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ District Administrative Restructuring ​ Due to a recent resignation and the upcoming retirement of Gina Ziccardi, Associate Superintendent of Student Learning, in July 2026, there are recommended changes to several Board policies to aid in the restructuring of the District 99 Administrative Team.   The policies are up for approval at the March 17 Board meeting. These are changes to the structure of the Administrative Team and will not increase the number of administrative positions. Gina Ziccardi’s position will return to Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning (Board policy 3.51) in anticipation of her retirement next year and a posting in the Fall. This policy will take effect on July 1, 2026, with Gina’s retirement. The Associate Superintendent's responsibilities have been separated into the Board policy establishing “Succession of Authority” (Board policy 3.70, Associate Superintendent and Succession of Authority—effective July 1, 2026). The policy designates an Assistant Superintendent to serve as second in command in the organizational structure and to assume leadership of the District when the Superintendent is unavailable.  The Human Resources department will return to the traditional structure of being led by the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.  The leadership for professional learning opportunities and other staff support will return to a Director position as the Director of Staff Experiences.   The Board will review these policies, and action regarding personnel placement will be taken at the March 17 board meeting.   ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ DuPage/West Cook Intergovernmental Agreement ​ The DuPage/West Cook Board is a special education cooperative in the suburbs. The board, which includes 92 member school districts, shares in determining rates and providers for special education services. The member districts must approve a change in the structure from a Board to an Oversight Committee. The structure change will not impact students or services. The Board will vote on an approval of the resolution at the March 17 board meeting. ​ ​ ​ ​ 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, Mar 04 2025