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Libertyville SD 70 board approves tentative tax levy estimate, accepts $53,120 foundation donation
Summary
At its Nov. 17 meeting the Board of Education for Libertyville Elementary School District No. 70 approved a tentative tax levy estimate required by state law and accepted a $53,120 donation from the District 70 Foundation; the donation vote included one abstention. The board also approved the consent agenda and reviewed district assessment results.
The Board of Education of Libertyville Elementary School District No. 70 voted Nov. 17 to approve a tentative tax levy estimate and to accept a $53,120 donation from the District 70 Foundation for Excellence.
On a motion by Mr. James McGhee, seconded by Mr. Michael Lawton, the board approved the tentative levy estimate required under the Illinois Property Tax Code. Board members were presented with the levy schedule: the district will publish a Truth in Taxation notice in the Daily Herald on Dec. 5, hold a public levy hearing Dec. 15 and consider adoption of the final aggregate levy on Dec. 15. The levy motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members voting aye.
Separately, on a motion by Mr. Lawton, seconded by Mrs. Nanette Dahlke, the board accepted a $53,120 donation from the District 70 Foundation for Excellence under Board Policy 8:80 (Gifts to the District). The donation was approved by a roll-call vote with six ayes and one abstention from Mr. McGhee.
The meeting also included routine business: the board approved the consent agenda (minutes from Oct. 27, finance reports and personnel actions) on a motion by Mr. McGhee, seconded by Mr. Lawton; the consent agenda passed unanimously.
In an academic update, Dr. Kerri Bongle, assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and assessment, presented the district’s Illinois State Board of Education report card for the 2024–25 school year. Dr. Bongle reported that District 70 students ranked in the 97th percentile in science, the 94th percentile in English language and literature, and the 92nd percentile in math compared with schools across Illinois. She said all district schools earned either “Exemplary” or “Commendable” summative designations and that district priorities include strengthening math proficiency, reducing achievement gaps for Black/African American and Latino students, and improving outcomes for students receiving special education services.
The board opened the meeting by recognizing student and staff achievements. District 70 orchestra teacher Carol Janossy told the board that roughly 350 young musicians virtually auditioned for the ILMEA District 7 Honor Orchestra and that 23 were accepted. "This is one of the highest honors a musician can receive in their younger years," Janossy said. Highland Middle School Spanish teacher Justin Buehler was honored by the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages with a Distinguished Service Award for developing curricula and teacher training resources that the citation said have "markedly improved world language education in Illinois." Student board members Caroline A. and Camilo C. also reported on student leadership activities, including a Future Ready panel on artificial intelligence.
The meeting concluded with brief committee reports and adjournment at 7:03 p.m. on a motion by Mr. McGhee, seconded by Mr. Lawton.
