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Burbank SD 111 highlights literacy training, McCord Early Learning silver rating and rising band enrollment
Summary
Administrators reported districtwide training in literacy and SEL, McCord Early Learning Center earned a State of Illinois silver rating, and band recruitment increased enrollment to more than 400 students; a resident raised FOIA and curriculum concerns during public comment.
Administrators at Burbank School District 111 used the Sept. 24 board meeting to report on training, program ratings and enrollment increases across the district.
Vice President Thomas Jansen said end‑of‑August band recruitment brought in "more than 120 new students registered, which brings the total band program to over 400 students," and announced upcoming fall performances. Superintendent Dr. Franzy Fleck told the board that Liberty’s graduation will be moved to Reavis High School’s field house to provide "more space, better viewing, and more parking."
Curriculum and instruction director Michaela Faust told the board the department is facilitating grade‑level meetings to review data and refine assessment practices, and hosted three days of LETRS training "to strengthen teacher knowledge in foundational literacy." Faust said teachers completed the Mini DESSA screener during the September inservice and that the results will guide classroom instruction, small‑group supports and district SEL initiatives. Assistant Superintendent Kristin Welsh reported McCord Early Learning Center received a silver rating from the State of Illinois and that 40 students were invited to enroll after the September screening.
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Sandra Hock said staff completed crisis prevention training aligned with the district’s Restraint and Time Out Plan and ISBE guidelines and that crisis‑team members received in‑person CPI physical‑management training. Health Services Director Laura Strepek reviewed medical reviews, care plans, staff training and collaboration with Cook County Health Department on vision and hearing screening support.
Technology Director Robert McCartney described device reimaging for grades 2–5, a Lightspeed filter rollout to staff devices and a Cyber Risk Phishing Assessment conducted in September; he also outlined data integrations with Branching Minds for early‑warning triggers.
During public comment, resident Donna Kriegseis said she believes "the administration and board are ignoring curriculum requirements for gym, free play, and CTE," said FOIA responses she received showed no documents to support her requests, and questioned a denied student transportation request. The board did not take action on the public comment during the meeting.
AERO delegate Thomas Jansen also reported an Open House and the Aviator Gazette newsletter and noted ISBE’s extension of a short‑term license program for paraprofessionals.
The board expects the FY25 annual audit to be presented at the October meeting.
