Dear Butler D53 Families and Staff,
Today, Hinsdale Central High School announced their list of students that qualified for National Merit Semifinalists. I could not be more proud to announce that eight of the twenty-one spots on the list are Butler Junior High alums. This is remarkable considering that D53 students represent less than 10% of the student population as a whole. The academically talented seniors were identified from over 1.5 million junior students that took the qualifying exam last fall. Congratulations to all who have contributed to the amazing success of our students and alums!
The Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 13, 2021. At this meeting, the Board of Education adopted the Legal Budget for the 2021-2022 school year as recommended by the Finance Committee and the superintendent. Prior to the Board adopting the budget, there was a Public Hearing where the public had the opportunity to comment on the District's 2021-2022 Budget.
The Board of Education continued discussions on District 53 Capital Improvements and Vision as well as the Disciplined Debt Service Model to evaluate funding options for these capital projects.
The district has highlighted the COVID-19 Data Tracker Dashboard on its COVID-19 Updates page. This page continues to be a great resource of forms, health websites, communications, and data related to the pandemic. View the dashboard and other resources on the District 53 website.
As you may recall, last spring District 53 collaborated with area school districts to provide a mass vaccination opportunity for District 53 personnel. I'm pleased to share that 89% of District 53 staff members have submitted their full COVID-19 vaccination record. Beginning on Monday, September 20, 2021, per Governor Pritzker's Executive Order Number 87, all unvaccinated staff will submit to weekly COVID-19 testing through the District 53 Health Center or show proof of a negative test on the first school day of each week. All medical records are being kept confidential.
Please be reminded that the District 53 Health Center offers free COVID-19 testing to all District 53 community members during normal school hours at Brook Forest Elementary. If you would like to have your child opt-in for voluntary, weekly screening, please contact nurse@butler53.com for more information.
Stay well, be safe!
Dr. Paul O’Malley
Superintendent of Schools