Daniel Cassin of Hinsdale Central recently performed at the 37th Annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival in the All-State Show. Christine Hicks and Paul Woods, who have both directed Dan in previous performances, as well as Activities Director Pam Kalafut, were there to introduce Dan to the Board and laud his accomplishments. The Illinois festival is the largest theatre festival in the country. In May of 2010 Dan began auditioning for the all-state show. Two hundred students auditioned and Dan was one of a 19 member cast. Congratulations to Dan on this impressive accomplishment!

Coach Michael Wiggins was on hand to introduce members of the 2010-11 Hinsdale Central Soccer Team who were awarded the NSCAA/Adidas Boys Team Academic Award for the fifth year in a row. Students who have already graduated will receive a congratulatory certificate from the District in the mail. The team’s GPA average was 3.43. Congratulations to Coach Wiggins and the Boys Team on this achievement!

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Bruce Law and Director of Student Services Dr. Joyce Powell presented an annual update on the District 86 Special Education Program along with assistance from faculty, staff and parents. To view a video of the presentation, please click here or to view the materials presented to the Board, please click here. Highlights include the following:

•The District 86 Special Education population remains stable between 9 and 11 percent.

• Professional development offerings are current and relevant to the District 86 special education populations’ disabilities. The population of Autism and Other Health Impaired (OHI) has increased significantly over the last four years and professional development opportunities have focused on this changing population.

• District 86 Special Education students grew academically exceeding the national average of growth for ALL students in all but two areas.

President Brennan called a Public Hearing to order to hear written or oral testimony regarding the District’s intent to sell bonds in the amount of $17,960,000. The money is to be used for Priority I items of the Master Facilities Plan which include completion of installation of air conditioning at both high school campuses, electrical upgrades, improvements to the circulation and entry at both schools and renovation of four science classrooms at Hinsdale Central. These items allow for instructional improvements and safety considerations to be met at both campuses.

During the public hearing, Secretary Gorgol read testimony from Board Member Dianne Barrett per her request. This testimony states in part that, in Mrs. Barrett’s opinion, “the district…does not have the statutory authority to issue any additional working cash fund bonds at this time.” Mr. Brennan requested that the Secretary enter a Petition into record that was delivered to the Administrative Offices on Monday, January 23rd by Mrs. Dianne Barrett. The petition requests that “the following proposition be submitted to the voters of said School District: ‘Shall the Board of Education of Hinsdale Township High School District Number 86, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, be authorized to issue $17,960,000 bonds for a working cash fund as provided for by Article 20 of the School Code?’” The petition included two signatures. In order for the proposition to be submitted to the voters, a total of 5,079 registered voter signatures are necessary.

No audience members entered written or oral testimony into the record. The public hearing was then adjourned.

Business Manager Jeff Eagan reviewed the Mid-Year Budget Report for FY 2012. Overall, the District revenue is at 50.40% and District expenditures are at 48.42%. The District has received just over 51.7% of anticipated State revenue at this time. The District has received approximately 37.2% of budgeted Federal reimbursements. Please click here to view the budget report in its entirety.

On Monday evening, the Board of Education approved the following items:

February 6th and February 27th at 7:30 p.m. Hinsdale South, Black and Gold Room