Community High School District 94 continues to work on the 2010-2011 budget. At the January 26, 2010 board meeting, the administration presented a revised list of recommended cuts, which excluded cutting three teacher positions in math/science, English and social studies. A recommendation also was made to remove the Special Education teacher from the list of cuts “pending the ability to fund the position from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds,” said board treasurer Gary Saake. “These reductions were made possible by the Village of Winfield releasing approximately $173,000 in impact fees due to the district.” 

         He explained the district receives impact fees for each new housing unit and is paid by the builder to the village when the permit is issued. The money for the buildings on the Highlake property has been accumulating and not distributed to the district. Upon reviewing receipt of monies from this property, Saake said, “I noticed we had not seen any impact fees since December 2007.” The district was not sure of amount owing as the property had gone through bankruptcy. “Needless to say, this was very welcome and timely news.” These impact fees only apply to the operations and maintenance. The Finance Committee is recommending the acceleration of $150,000 in capital spending planned for next year. “What we are doing is taking $150,000 of the $173,000 and spending it this year instead of next. Because we have flexibility with some revenue we receive, we can shift that $150,000 to the Education fund instead of Operations and Maintenance.” He explained the balance of the impact money would be set aside as contingency for O&M capital spending this year. “We have had some unexpected large repairs.”

         The board also approved the elimination of the two administrative positions of Assistant Principal for Student Services and Physical Development Division head and two clerical staff positions. Gail Aronoff is the assistant principal position and is retiring at the end of this school year. The Physical Development Division, headed by Dan Johnson, includes Physical Education, Health, Drivers Education and Aquatics. Johnson also is retiring this year. “With a 4-3 vote, the board passed a motion to eliminate the Advisory program, “saving approximately $120,000 a year.”

         Another recommendation was a reduction in the proposed number students attending of Technology Center of DuPage. The first reduction was 50 percent, from 70 to 35 students. The new recommendation would allow for 50 students. District 94 spends $5,000 per student.

         Approval of the fee schedule for 2010-2011, which included increases for parking, athletics and an adjustment to the cap on registration fees was tabled until further information was available, explained Saake. Decisions on proposed cutbacks in student activities will take place in March.

         Starting out with a deficit of around $800,000, the approved cuts and proposed recommendations bring “the expected deficit closer to $150,000,” he said. “We are in a pretty good place at this point. Of course, the State still is the wild card in all of this…Our budget will not be completed until September, and we are expecting more ups and downs until then.”

AROUND AND ABOUT

         The Books for Lunch program, “Shipwreck Tales of the Great Lakes,” is at noon Thursday, February 4, 2010 in the meeting room at the West Chicago Public Library District, 118 West Washington Street. The presentation tells the stories of shipwrecks tinged with murder, mystery, deception and mayhem, plus intense historical research and exceptional underwater photography. Presenters are West Chicago area residents, Chris Kohl and Joan Forsberg, well-known maritime historians, scuba divers, authors, lecturers, photographers and videographers.  The presentation is based upon Kohl’s book, which was a finalist for Book-of-the-Year Award from “ForeWord” magazine.

         The West Chicago Library District, 118 West Washington Street, has some tasty programs cooking on the front burner. Pastry chef Rose Daneen demonstrates how to decorate Valentine’s Day cookies and cupcakes with various icings and decorations at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010. Recipes and sample tastings are included in the presentation.

         To celebrate the Chinese New Year, which begins Saturday, February 14, 2010, Chicago chef and restaurant reviewer Andrew Comens prepares and discusses Dim Sum, Chinese appetizers and other Chinese dishes at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010. For the past 12 years he has conducted cooking demonstrations featuring a wide range of ethnic and regional specialties.  His demonstrations have been featured on “Good Eating Show” on CLTV

         Attendees enjoy sample tastings. Both programs have limited seating. To make reservations, call the adult services department at (630) 231-1552, Extension 4. 

         West Chicago Youth Open Gym dates for this month are Friday, February 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2010. The program, geared for fifth through eighth graders, takes place from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. at West Chicago Middle School, 238 East Hazel Street.

         “Thru My Eyes,” a photo exhibit by Uwe Gsedl, is on display during the month of February at Gallery 200.  Professional photographer and owner of Oova Fotografie, he specializes in female portraits, model portfolios and fashion photography. The artist reception is from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2010. Some of his models from the Chicagoland area will join him at the reception.

         People Made Visible is collecting items for relief efforts in Haiti from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6 and from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday February 8, 2010 at the Rockwell Building, 108 Sherman Street. Collections benefit the Friends of the Children of Haiti and the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti. Items needed include gently worn warm weather infant and children’s clothing and shoes, cloth diapers, school supplies, medical supplies, saline solution, waterproof tape, Ensure, water Purification tablets, wind-up or solar radios, or wind up or solar flashlights. Secondary items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, combs and facial wipes. People Made Visible is a West Chicago based not-for-profit organization founded in 2009 to facilitate community through dynamic art and social endeavors.

         Joanne Kalchbrenner is teaching a class on painting a glass Valentine bud vase at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street. The charge is $10 per person and all supplies are included in the cost. To enroll for the class, call the Gallery at (630) 293-9550, register on-line at www.gallery200.org or stop by the gallery.

         The West Chicago Park District is in the process of beginning a Caretaker program, involving volunteers to tend to different areas in the district. This can be in the role of a steward, overseer, watchman or gatekeeper. Volunteer opportunities also are available in the recreation department. The initial meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 8, 2010 in the Maple Room at the Park District office. 157 West Washington Street. A volunteer handbook will be available at the meeting. For further information, call Jesse Felix, Superintendent of Parks, at (630) 231-9474.

         West Chicago Elementary School District 33 WeGo Together for Kids Family Night is Tuesday, February 9, 2010 in the cafeteria at West Chicago Middle School, 231 East Hazel Street. Dinner of chicken or pasta is at 6:00 p.m. and families are requested to bring a salad or fruit dish to share. Following dinner, families play games. At 7:00 p.m. is the education session focusing on the theme, “Grow Together through Family Conversations.” Parents meet to discuss “The Secret about Talking with Your Kids about Difficult Issues.” Preschool and youths in grades first through fourth focus on “Use Your Words.” The topic for fifth through eighth graders is “Can You Stop Bullying?”

         The West Chicago Park District senior citizen social gathering is a Valentine’s party at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Easton Park, 840 East Washington Street. Guests bring a dish to share and a complete place setting. Reservations are due by Friday, February 5, 2010 and may be made by calling the Park District office at (630) 231-9474.

         This year the Wheaton Academy artist series, “Faith, Writing, and Music,” is an interaction with writers and contemporary musicians. Margaret Feinberg, author/speaker, and Virginia Hill, singer/songwriter, are the featured artists at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2010, in the Fine Arts Center, 900 Prince Crossing Road. Feinberg is the author of more than two-dozen books and bible studies. Hill is a Chicago-based pop rock singer and worship leader. Her first album, “LOL,” was released in 2007. She currently is touring in support of her second album, “Truth and Love,” released in 2009. The ticket price is $15. Tickets may be purchased on line at www.wheatonacademy.org/artist_series.html or by calling (630) 562-7588.

         Local artist Lois Easley is teaching “It’s Time to Begin” watercolor painting class from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street. Artist supplies needed are any watercolor paints; a #10 or #12 brush with a good point; watercolor block, tablet or individual sheets. Miscellaneous supplies are a roll of paper towel, container for water, a #2 pencil, sharpener and eraser. The class is geared for adults and the charge is $10. To register for the class or for more information, call the Gallery at (630) 293-9550.

         Craft Saturday at the City Museum, 132 Main Street, is from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2010. In honor of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, children make a “log cabin.” There is no charge for this program. For further information, call the Museum at (630) 231-3376.

         The West Chicago Public Library District’s second hands-on “healthy you” educational workshop is at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in the meeting room, 118 West Washington Street. Katherine Walker, founder of Lifetime Behavioral Health located in West Chicago, presents “Are You Managing Your Stress, or Is It Managing You?” Stress topics she covers are description, causes in daily life, measurement, harmful effects, plus uniqueness of stress issues to men and women and how to develop a personal stress management plan. To make a reservation for the program, call the Library adult services department at (630) 231-1552, Extension 4.

         Condolences are expressed to the family of Esther Henke, who passed away at the age of 91, Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

         Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Carson Dean Dierschow, who passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was born September 13, 2008 with severe Bilateral Fetal Hydronephrosis.

         After 88 years in existence, St. Mary’s School will be closing its doors at the end of this school year according to a report issued from Bishop J. Sartain of the Joliet Diocese. The closure is part of a financial and savings plan, and one parish members did not learn about until a news release late Thursday evening according to the information posted by Kathy Finch, church member, school parent and webmaster, on the website www.stmarysmatter.org. The school board members submitted a proposal taking into account the recommendations by the Meitler Consulting team report, which said the school was lacking in enough diversity. Rev. John Baluff, the senior pastor, submitted an alternate proposal that included closing the school and opening one to focus on low income Hispanics. “All concerned continue to be stunned by Fr. John Baluff’s unexpected and secretive proposal to close the school.” In his letter, which now appears in its entirety on the website, Baluff wrote, “I have not, nor do I intend to discuss my proposal with the current St. Mary’s School Board.” Phil Weibler, school board member and a parishioner for 38 years, said, “We feel we have been betrayed. The damage has been done. Both the Anglo and Hispanic members are upset.”  The school enrollment for the current year is 126 students. Weibler stated families now are trying to make a decision on a school for their children in the next year.  Fitch said, “Closing a Catholic school, after all, is not merely an economic event, but also a personal, emotional and spiritual one.”

         West Chicago resident Josh Lee, a junior at Wheaton Academy, was an honorable mention student for the Daily Herald 2009-2010 DuPage County Leadership Team, which was announced in the Wednesday, January 27, 2010 issue. The high school students are recognized for their volunteer efforts. His parents are Mark and Penny Lee.

         Volunteers “ringing the bell” for 46 hours during three weekends in December at the Jewel Grocery store collected $1,306.39 for the Salvation Army Kettle Collection. Ninety percent is returned back to Winfield Township. General Assistance Director Debby Juzwiak said, “This gives us $1,117.75 in the Salvation Army budget to assist residents in West Chicago and Winfield.”

         The following textbooks for the 2010-2011 school year are proposed for adoption by the Community High School District 94 Board: “World History: the Modern Era”-English and Spanish versions for Humanities Division, Deutsch Aktuell 3”- Sixth Edition for World Languages Division, “Bon Voyage!” Level 2, which are both a students’ text and a teachers’ text with ancillary materials for Humanities Division. The books are available for inspection and public comment from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every school business day now through Tuesday, February 23, 2010.

         Indian Knoll Elementary School held the final round for the 2009-2010 National Geographic Geography Bee Thursday, January 21, 2010. Ten students competed in the final round. These students were fourth graders Dominique Chacon and Noah Schuning; fifth graders Lauren Long, Kevin Avalos, David Rivera, Marli Welch and Itzel Rubio; and sixth graders Brenda Perez, Bill Gill and Ethan Perez.  Sixth grader Bill Gill is the School Champion. First runner up is fifth grader Kevin Avalos and second runner up is fifth grader Marli Welch. Gill now takes a written test to participate in the state geography bee competition. Fourth through sixth grade students participated in the geography bee with teachers administering Rounds 1 to 3 in their classrooms. Thirty students advanced to the semi-level. The purpose of the contest is to encourage teachers to include geography in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject and increase public awareness about geography.

         At its Thursday, January 21, 2010 meeting, the West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Board of Education appointed school superintendent Dr. Ed Leman, Freedom of Information Officer. The following persons are back ups: Dr. Barbara Clark, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Professional Learning; Dr. Kathy Wolfe, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations; Jane Kubisak, Director of Student Services; and Gayl Zaruba, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent.

         The West Chicago Park District Freedom of Information officers are Melissa Medeiros, Office Manager, Secretary, and Gwen Dillingham, Accountant.

Winfield Township Freedom of Information Officer is Cliff Brown, township clerk.

The naming of officers meets the requirements of the amendments to Section 5 and 10 of Public Act 96-0542.

         Community High School District 94 students receiving the Promoting Awareness of Wildcat Success for the month of January are Danny Alanis and Peter Rubino from Information and Technology Division, Raul Alvares from World Languages Division, Ahmad Asani and Colin Hale from Humanities Division, Alejandra Blanco and Jasmin Mendez from Language Arts Division, Jose Alberto Cielo from Special Education Division, Deirdre Hoffman and Martha Jimenez from Physical Development Division, Francisca Perez and John Wehr from Math & Science Division.

         My e-mail is merleburl@earthlink.net.