The Butler School District 53 Board of Education held a special Board of Education meeting on July 9, 2024, to discuss several important items relating to the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Notable topics included the introduction of an onboarding program, the approval of a new contract for a food service vendor, and updated employment contracts.
Onboarding Program Unveiled
As an initiative of the District’s Strategic Plan, district and administrator goals, Dr. O’Malley has renewed the District’s focus on retention. In the last five years, retention has improved from 78% to over 90%. Additionally, in the last five years, a fifth of District employees who left did so because they were retiring.
However, as more retirements are set to impact the District’s staffing, the District will be hiring an increasing number of new staff. Given the financial impacts of turnover, the District wants to ensure new staff are given the best possible foundation, and a thorough onboarding plan is crucial for retaining new hires and ensuring they stick with the District long-term. The onboarding process is full cycle and concludes with the district’s practice of exit interviews.
Beyond the comprehensive pre-employment screenings and background checks the District performs as a matter of course, the onboarding program will seek to provide a warm welcome, build strong relationships, and provide training.
- Welcome and Orientation: A warm welcome on the first day sets the tone for the entire experience, and the District will offer a district-wide orientation that introduces new employees to the school system's governance, mission, and core values. This session should also provide an overview of the district's policies, procedures, and resources available to staff.
- Building Relationships: The onboarding program will facilitate introductions with colleagues, school administrators, and other key personnel within the building. Additionally, the District may assign mentors who can offer guidance, answer questions, and provide insights into the school's culture and daily routines. Finally, organizing social events or team-building activities can further encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging early in an employee’s time with the District.
- Role-Specific Training: Providing targeted training specific to the new employee's role and responsibilities can increase their confidence and reduce self-doubt. Targeted training could include professional development workshops, classroom observation opportunities, and technology training sessions. For teachers, new hire training might cover curriculum expectations, classroom management strategies, and assessment techniques, while for support staff, specific training might focus on school procedures, building safety protocols, and student information systems.
Food Service Providers
In early May, 2024, the District’s food service provider, Quest Food Management Services, ended their contractual relationship with the District effective the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Following this development, the District began the process of finding a new provider by requesting the production of a request for proposal. By late May, the District had sent the attorney's legal notice regarding the Request for Proposal to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and the Daily Herald.
After an extensive bid review process, the District moved forward with Quest Food Management Services (under a different contract model) and Marla’s Lunch. Quest’s new contract would represent a District investment of approximately $69,000 per year, in addition to a per-meal cost to families of approximately $5.50. Marla’s Lunch would not represent a cost to the District, with a per-meal cost to families ranging from approximately $6.50-$10.50.
Ultimately, the Board voted to move forward with Marla’s Lunch, who will begin service for the District in the upcoming school year.
Employment and Contract Updates
Butler Junior High Assistant Principal Position Filled
After an extensive interview process including a public job posting and external interviews, the District hired Keryl “Leah” Carter to fill the role of part-time assistant principal at Butler Junior High. Carter is a special education teacher with the District right now and will absorb the administrative responsibilities of a part-time assistant principal position. The District is excited to bring Carter into this position and believes her background as a District special education teacher will lend a valuable, new perspective to the administrative team.
Physical Therapist
The district is pleased to welcome physical therapist Melissa Brenner to Butler School District 53. Brenner brings over 18 years of experience in school-based physical therapy, including extensive work with students with profound and severe disabilities. Brenner will support students’ in need of physical development and mobility, and collaborate with other educators and professionals to create a supportive environment for the students' physical growth and well-being. Brenner’s passion for working with children, combined with a strong skill set, aligns perfectly with the district’s commitment to providing exceptional support for all students.
Brook Forest Elementary School Classroom Teacher
Brook Forest Elementary School and the district would like to welcome Joan Ericksen to the Butler D53 team. With over 15 years of Kindergarten teaching experience, including roles as lead and mentor teacher, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Ericksen’s strong background in assessment, differentiated instruction, and technology integration aligns closely with district goals.
District Renews Paraprofessional Contract with Kelly Services
The Board voted to renew its contract with Kelly Services, the District’s provider of substitutes and contractual paraprofessional staff. The District approved a pay rate increase to Kelly Services staff and appreciates their dedication to the district.
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings and Important Dates
- August 16, 2024, 9:00AM: Finance Committee Meeting
- August 19, 2024, 4:30PM: Education: Committee of the Whole
- August 19, 2024, 6:30PM: Regular Board of Education Meeting: This is the third Monday of the month of August
- September 3, 2024: First Day of School for Students