Dear D53 Families and Staff:
I hope that your first few weeks of summer have been enjoyable. Our building improvement projects are well underway and interior demolition projects have begun with solid momentum with the buildings empty. Please continue to visit our Construction Corner throughout the summer for progress updates on these projects.
The Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 13, 2022. In addition to the hiring of new faculty and staff members for our district, the Board of Education approved the transportation contract with First Student for next school year. After an extensive review of the original proposal, which increased the district's cost by nearly 21% due to rising costs associated with bus driver recruitment, retention, and fuel surcharges, the board remained committed to not increasing fees to our families. With this new contract there will be some changes to bus routing; specific communication related to bus routes and schedules will be sent out in August.
Additionally, the Board of Education approved a School Security Assessment by an outside, third party consulting firm that will include an in-depth examination of critical safety and security elements at both buildings. In conjunction with my meetings with the Village of Oak Brook officials and Oak Brook Police Department leadership, these actions will enhance a safe start to the school year. We are grateful for our partnership with our local village and police department officials.
As a reminder, regular and consistent communication from each school and the district office will commence again in mid-August. The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 6:30 PM.
Stay well, be safe, and enjoy your summer!
Dr. Paul O'Malley
Superintendent of Schools