Superintendent's Message - April 14, 2023

Superintendent's Message - April 14, 2023

Dear D53 Families and Staff:

Please join me in thanking the outgoing members of our Board of Education, Dr. Sanjay Rao and Mr. Keith Carlson. I am so appreciative of President Rao and Member Carlson who have been significant advocates for our school district community, focused on the overall strategic direction, and key leaders in our Capital Improvements Vision projects and discipline debt service model. Their impact is truly noteworthy and we are grateful for their service to Butler School District 53 Beyond All Limits. 

I look forward to welcoming and partnering with the newly elected members to the Board of Education next month once the results have been certified by the DuPage County Board of Elections. President Rao has been in contact with county officials. The Board of Education Organizational Meeting will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the regularly scheduled Board Meeting. Please be aware that because of the evening's full agenda, and transition of the boards the May 8th Regular Board of Education Meeting will start a half hour earlier, at 6:00PM. The seating and organization of the newly elected members will take place immediately following the current board actions on the May 8 agenda items. After oaths and organization, the newly formed board will move into Closed Session for Board Self-Evaluation with IASB representatives. 

Furthermore, at the Board of Education meeting held on Monday evening, the Board of Education approved the Resolution and Renewal of the Butler School District 53 e-Learning Program in Lieu of Emergency Days for school years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026. A number of policies were revised following the PRESS update per the Policy Committee's recommendation and as discussed in first read last month. The district's policy manual will be updated accordingly. Additionally, in an effort to further enhance our safety and security measures the district worked with the DuPage Regional Office of Education, and the Oak Brook Police Department to implement license reading software to our cameras. The district also entered into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Mutual Assistance In Response to Crises in the Public Schools of DuPage County. Lastly, the Board of Education extended the contract of our Director of Student Services, Dr. LaTonya Wilks. We look forward to her continued leadership and commitment to our students.

Last evening, the district held its annual All Staff Appreciation Dinner and Retirement Celebration and celebrated the retirees and major service milestones of our dedicated and committed faculty and staff members who have chosen to spend a significant part of their career at Butler School District 53. We are immensely grateful and proud of them for their many contributions to our schools. Please join me in thanking and congratulating the following members of our district: 

  • Lisa Owen - retiring after 33 years
  • Ellen Wozny - 20 years
  • Mike Finke - 20 years
  • Jen Vargocko - 15 years
  • Adam Nicholson - 10 years
  • John Hamilton - 10 years
  • Kaylee Nakielny - 5 years
  • Callie Revord - 5 yearsAmanda Longtin - 5 years
  • James Locigno - 5 years

The district sincerely thanks and appreciates all of the efforts of our faculty, staff and administrators throughout the school year and we were honored to host this celebration to recognize their accomplishments.

Stay well, be safe!

Dr. Paul O'Malley
Superintendent of Schools