Art’s Proven Track Record
- Guaranteed and viable curriculum for all
- Implemented a District-wide, evidence-based curriculum in Spanish and English aligned to state standards and supported by instructional coaches, collaborative planning, and individualized interventions.
- Impressive gains in student achievement
- In 8 years, students meeting or exceeding state standards in English and Math rose by 15% and 9%, respectively.
- Last year, our district reached the 91st state percentile in Math and 84th in English.
- Closing achievement gaps
- The lowest quartile of 2nd graders from 2019 have shown 5-year National Percentile growth of 65% in Math and 50% in reading.
- Full-day kindergarten implemented
- Increased student engagement
- Student engagement improved by 11% over 6 years (Humanex surveys).
- Stable budget projections
- 9 years ago, cash reserves were projected to be depleted in 4-5 years. Closing two underutilized schools saved $5 million/year, setting our district on a path of financial stability.
- Reduced operating expenses
- Renovations to all our buildings are eliminating high maintenance costs from aging infrastructure.
- Sold Lincoln School
- We used the proceeds from Lincoln School to fund renovations; and, by selling the property, we have increased the tax rolls.
- Increasing cash reserves
- When renovations are further along, we can consider tax abatements.
- Self-funded renovations of two middle schools
- Savings from closing underutilized schools funded renovations of our middle schools without increasing taxes.
- Renovating 5 elementary schools
- After earning the trust of the community, we passed a referendum with 72% approval to fund renovations of 5 elementary schools.
- Enhanced security at all our buildings
- $6 million from the referendum is allocated for security improvements
- Repaired relations with our unions
- Transformed union relations to mutual respect and collaborative problem solving as evidenced by settling the last teacher’s contract in record time with 98% approval.
- Evidence-based culture and continuous improvement
- Instilled an evidenced-based culture to drive decision-making and increase student growth
- Implemented management systems for continuous academic improvement and building management including instructional coaching, collaborative planning, and data driven student interventions.
- “Destination District” for educators
- Earned a reputation as a “Destination District” during a nationwide educator shortage, aiding in recruiting top talent.
- Record Satisfaction and Engagement amongst staff
- Staff satisfaction and engagement improved by 19% over 6 years (Humanex surveys).
- Improved family engagement
- Family engagement doubled over 6 years. (Humanex surveys)
- Innovative Geothermal HVAC systems
- The first district in Illinois to install an innovative geothermal HVAC system in three schools saving millions of dollars.
- Overnight ice chiller HVAC system at Braeside
- This system uses cheap, plentiful overnight electricity to cool the building during the day
- Solar panels across the district
- Installing solar panels on most of our buildings
