The District 58 Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Downers Grove Civic Center.
District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Kirat Doshi, vice president; Nicole Bernard, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk and Katie Thomas, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary.
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The recording will be published on District 58's YouTube page once available, typically within one week of the meeting.
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Belle Aire Elementary School Principal Brent Borchelt, joined by representatives from the Student Council and PTA, presented the school’s report to the Board of Education.
Key points included:
- Belle Aire students led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared highlights from the school year, including school spirit days, whole-school meetings, and fundraising efforts.
- A PTA representative provided an overview of fundraising activities such as the book fair, color run, restaurant nights, and other family engagement events. She also reviewed PTA budgeted expenditures, enrichment programs, and school support initiatives. Strong parent involvement continues to make a positive impact on Belle Aire’s students, families, and community.
- Principal Borchelt presented Winter 2026 student achievement data, showing expected growth in both math and reading across all student groups. Spring 2025 IAR results similarly demonstrated overall expected growth in ELA and math.
- Belle Aire’s School Improvement Goals for 2025-26 include strengthening its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) by using consistent data meeting protocols for academic and behavioral interventions. In addition, K-2 teachers will continue to implement UFLI Foundations to support early literacy instruction and student learning. Belle Aire will also address unexpected student behaviors through Second Step, Zones of Regulation, and the District’s core tenets – Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe.
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Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Staff Development Mr. Justin Sisul presented the Board with updates on staffing and the school calendar.
Key points included:
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Staffing Planning Process
- Mr. Sisul shared that the District remains on track with staffing plans outlined at the December Board Meeting, as student registration and enrollment for 2026–27 continue. Planning for next year is focused on supporting a smooth middle school transition while maintaining FTE-neutral staffing wherever possible, even as budget considerations are incorporated.
- Key spring milestones include completing registration as early as possible and determining math acceleration placements, finalizing gifted eligibility, and holding IEP meetings by April. Families should note that delayed or additional registrations and enrollment changes could impact schedules and staffing adjustments.
Staffing Adjustments
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Elementary to Middle School Shifts: Some elementary staff and resources—including interventionists, related services staff, certified staff, instructional assistants (IAs), secretaries, and building administration—will be reallocated to middle schools.
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Staff Openings: Positions will be available for staff impacted by budget reduction considerations; additionally, we hope to recall many of those on the Reduction in Force (RIF) list, which includes all part-time, non-tenured, and first-year staff.
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Retirements: Fourteen certified staff members are scheduled to retire in June 2026.
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Hiring: Recruitment is underway for key roles such as school psychologists, school counselors, and reading specialists. Additional general education positions will be filled based on registration and enrollment outcomes.
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Calendar Update 2026-27
- District 99 recently adjusted its 2026–27 calendar, eliminating student attendance during Thanksgiving Week and using those days for parent-teacher conferences. While District 58 seeks to align with District 99 whenever possible, the 2026–27 school year will not fully align, in part due to the final year of referendum construction. In addition, fully adjusting District 58’s calendar to match District 99 would likely require changes to the timing and focus of our parent-teacher conferences, which are currently held mid-trimester.
- District 58 parent-teacher conferences are designed to be formative, providing meaningful feedback to students and families at the midpoint of the trimester. They were developed with a great deal of input from families, students, and staff and have been very successful in supporting student learning. Moving conferences to Thanksgiving Week, which occurs at the end of the trimester, would require changes to their focus. Any adjustments would require more discussion and stakeholder feedback before implementation. The administration indicated that a review of parent-teacher conferences could take place early next school year.
- The Board reviewed several options for adjusting the 2026–27 calendar but decided not to make any changes. The calendar was approved last year as part of our two-year calendar plan and shared with families, many of whom have already made holiday plans. Additionally, the start of the school year is quickly approaching, making changes at this time impractical.
- The Board will continue to explore options for more fully aligning with District 99’s calendar in future years. Action on the 2027–28 calendar is scheduled for the April 13, 2026 Board meeting.
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Jordan Schultz of Huffman & Keel presented an update on the District’s Referendum Construction projects.
Key points included:
- The final items for Phase II are nearing completion, with only a few punch-list items remaining at some elementary schools. Similarly, Herrick and O’Neill middle school punch-list items continue to be reduced.
- Planning and execution for Phase III projects at Belle Aire, El Sierra, and Pierce Downer is well underway. Sessions are being scheduled to coordinate the projects and manage moving-related processes for the shortened summer schedule.
- The District anticipates approximately $900,000 in cost savings from Phases I and II. Discussions are ongoing as how to allocate these funds, potentially addressing unforeseen Phase III issues, kitchen servery updates, interior modifications at El Sierra, and Kingsley roof repairs.
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Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Liz Ehrhart gave a presentation to the Board focusing on the Middle School Math Resource recommendation for next school year.
Key points included:
- District 58 is recommending a five-year adoption of Amplify Desmos Math as the core math resource for grades 6–8, beginning with the 2026–27 school year. This recommendation follows a comprehensive review process that included a pilot program, staff and student feedback, and alignment with the draft Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan. The anticipated expense for the five-year adoption is $299,146.20, which includes both print and digital materials for students and teachers, as well as professional learning.
- Amplify Desmos Math demonstrated strong student engagement and promotes collaborative learning and mathematical discussion. The program provides clear learning objectives for both students and teachers, encourages students to explain their reasoning and problem-solving strategies, and offers accessible entry points for a wide range of learners. It also includes opportunities for differentiated instruction to support diverse student needs.
- The math resource features a robust digital platform designed to enhance instruction while maintaining a balance of digital and paper-based learning. Guidance is provided to help teachers determine when and how to effectively use digital tools within the lessons.
- Professional development for teachers has been planned for upcoming institute days, with additional ongoing training focused on unit previews and evidence-based practices aligned with the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan.
- Community members may review the materials beginning March 9 at the District Office and the Downers Grove Public Library. The final adoption recommendation will be presented to the Board on April 13.
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Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Staff Development Mr. Justin Sisul gave a presentation to lead the discussion on instructional space considerations at El Sierra Elementary School.
Current Use of Learning Spaces
- El Sierra hosts the District’s Dual Language Program, which includes a mix of one-way and two-way classrooms as the two-way model has expanded. Two-way classes generally enroll at standard classroom sizes, while one-way classes may have smaller enrollment. Enrollment at El Sierra has grown or stabilized in recent years and is projected to remain steady, with two sections at most grade levels anticipated moving forward. Maintaining the full elementary Dual Language Program in one building continues to provide educational and operational benefits.
- El Sierra’s open-concept design provides flexibility in how instructional spaces are used. Movable walls allow staff to adjust classroom sizes to accommodate smaller one-way Dual Language sections, and a small portion of the library has been used as additional instructional space. Specialty instruction is also affected by the building’s design, with music currently taught on the stage and art delivered using a cart-based model.
Projected Demands on Space
- With two sixth-grade sections moving to middle school next year, El Sierra will have space to meet the projected need for 17 classroom-sized spaces in 2026–27. However, demographic projections indicate demand will increase to 18 classroom-sized spaces in 2027–28 and 2028–29, and to 19 spaces beginning in 2029–30.
- To maintain instructional environments comparable to other District elementary schools, El Sierra will also need 10 small-group instructional spaces, including sensory space, along with a dedicated conference room to support interventions, specialized services, and collaborative student support.
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Opportunities for Adjustments in Learning Spaces
- Several opportunities have been identified to maximize instructional space within the existing building. The stage area could be converted into a permanent classroom by installing a wall separating it from the gym and adding a sink and other classroom features. The stage is currently used for music instruction but is not used for performances and is not expected to serve as a performance space in the future.
- Additional adjustments within the library could create another small-group instructional space. The larger addition area could also be reconfigured to create four classrooms where three currently exist, increasing the number of available classroom-sized spaces. In addition, one larger classroom could be modified to create another small-group instructional space.
- Completing this work alongside the District’s Phase III construction projects this summer would reduce cost and disruption. The adjustments would help position El Sierra to support both neighborhood enrollment and the full K–5 Dual Language Program in the future. Funding would come from the referendum owner’s contingency, with preliminary cost estimates of approximately $150,000 pending final drawings. Board approval will be sought at the April meeting.
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Following a thorough search process that attracted many highly qualified candidates, the Board approved Mr. Daniel Crowe to serve as the next District 58 Director of Technology, succeeding Assistant Superintendent of Technology Dr. James Eichmiller, who will be leaving District 58 after 12 years of distinguished service to our community. Mr. Crowe currently serves as Chief Information Officer for Mundelein High School District 120 and Mundelein Elementary District 75, where he has led their IT departments for 16 years. He brings a depth of experience in educational technology and will be a valuable asset to District 58 as we continue to strengthen our technology systems and support our schools. |
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell shared the following departmental updates:
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Personnel: The personnel department update was given during the staffing update.
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Curriculum and Instruction: State testing is underway. Fifth and eighth graders are taking the Illinois Science Assessment, and grades 3–8 will complete the IAR before spring break. These assessments provide one measure of student growth and statewide comparison. Thank you to families for supporting students during testing!
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Finance: The finance department update was given during the monthly business report.
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Technology: Registration for the 2026–27 school year is underway, with nearly half of returning students already registered. Thank you to our building secretaries for their support. Families who have not yet registered are asked to complete the process by Friday, March 13.
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Special Services: The final developmental screening of the year is scheduled for April 20. Early intervention can be very beneficial for students. Contact 630-968-0454 for more information or to begin the screening process.
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Public Relations: The Education Foundation is preparing its annual Select 58 and Distinguished Service Award programs. Eighth graders should submit Select 58 applications by Friday, March 13. Nominations for the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing exceptional staff, are due Friday, March 20. More information and links are on the District website.
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Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO Dr. Gregory Harris presented the Board with the monthly business and treasurer’s report.
Key points included:
- Revenue from state special education and CPPRT funds is being closely monitored, along with local revenue from impact fees. Expenditures are on track and aligned with the District’s budget.
- Dr. Harris recommended to the Board that the District make a transfer of monies from the working cash fund to the education, operations and maintenance, transportation and municipal retirement/social security funds to support cash flow and pay bills while awaiting early tax receipts. Once those receipts arrive, the funds are returned to the working cash fund. This is a routine practice for school districts.
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Board members shared the following committee updates:
Key points included:
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Legislative Committee: Member Katie Thomas thanked committee members for hosting the annual Legislative Breakfast, which connected legislators with community members to discuss important District priorities. At last week’s meeting, the committee reviewed feedback and began planning next year’s event, considering suggested improvements.
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Financial Advisory Committee: President Darren Hughes reported that the committee reviewed the year-to-date report, including a cash flow analysis. Concerns remain about cash-on-hand in May, especially this year, due to three pay periods. The overall referendum budget shows lower costs than expected. The savings will help to address fund balance concerns. The Board also discussed two policies that were recommended for first reading, including updates to the Capital Policy and the Fund Balance Policy.
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District Leadership Team: Vice President Kirat Doshi shared that the District Leadership Team recently discussed several topics already addressed at the Board meeting. One key topic was the State requirement for all districts to implement a student mental health screener by the 2027–28 school year. District 58 is reviewing screening tools, planning implementation, and developing staff training to prepare. Parents will have the option to opt out of the screening for their student.
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Health & Wellness Committee: Member Nicole Bernard shared that the committee reviewed the health insurance tracker and projected costs, which remain on track. Upcoming discussions will focus on pharmacy network analysis and wellness incentives. A potential eligibility audit is also planned, with communications to families coming soon.
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The Policy Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting.
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During the meeting, the Board also heard the following updates:
- Dr. Russell shared that a facilities update from SASED is expected soon. The District is reviewing SASED’s menu of services to determine how best to meet District 58 student needs and plan budgets. Reimbursements for special education placements are significantly lower, as the State did not increase funding.
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The Board of Education approved the following recommendations for action:
- Approved for first reading draft policies 4:20 Fund Balance and 4:152 Capital Facilities
- Approved minutes of the February 9 Regular Board Meeting and February 23 Curriculum Workshop
- Approved Consent Agenda items as presented, including routine business and personnel reports
- Approved a Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Monies from Working Cash Fund to the Education, Operations and Maintenance, Transportation, and Municipal Retirement/Social Security Funds
- Approved the Honorable Dismissal of Teachers
- Approved 10-Year Health Life Safety Surveys
- Approved the award of a bid for roof repair at Kingsley School
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Monday, April 13, 7 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting - Civic Center
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