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Skokie 68 alternate to NTDSE praises inclusive programming, flags staffing pressures
Summary
Alternate representative Jeff Sterbenc reported NTDSE successes including staff recognitions, student achievements, expanded community-based instruction, and reduced use of physical restraints; he also noted ongoing challenges recruiting special-education staff and a possible staffing reduction next year.
Jeff Sterbenc, District 68’s alternate representative to the Niles Township District for Special Education (NTDSE) Governing Board, summarized recent accomplishments and operational notes. He highlighted staff recognitions (a music therapist and a state-recognized art specialist), student achievements (an art exhibit and a second-place finish in a state basketball competition), and ongoing community-based instruction opportunities like shopping and library visits.
Sterbenc reported that the district’s trauma-informed, restraint-free behavioral approach has substantially reduced use of physical restraints over the past four years, but he cautioned that recruiting special-education staff remains difficult in a competitive market and projected a potential staffing reduction next year. He also noted plans to honor a longtime staff member at an upcoming retirement celebration in June.
