The March 19 District 99 School board meeting discussed the topics pedestrian safety, renewal of contract with First Student, curriculum overview and the progression of the Master Facility Plan.

Pedestrian Safety:

The board wants to lower the speed limit in the school zones. Both schools have busy intersections that students need to cross in order to get to school which increases the chances for fatalities. They’re hoping that by reducing the speed limit people won’t be driving as fast, therefore, increasing pedestrian safety although they feel as if people won’t abide by this change.

In addition to lowering the speed limit, the creation of a pedestrian bridge and at both schools at the busy intersections near the schools was discussed. The board wants to wait to make this decision because they’re adding at least two new members to the board and they want to explore more options before making a final decision.

Renewal of contract with First Student:

This is the fifth year with the First Student bus company and the board hoping to renew their contract for the following school year. The routes will be restructured so that it would be more efficient for getting students to school. First Student wants is increasing the cost of their service by 4.5% which is $40,000 more than they projected, but the district is going to accept the 4.5% increase.

A new app that is provided by First Student that allows you to track where your bus is at all times has the possibility of being implemented at DGS and DGN. Both parents and students could download an app for free on their mobile devices and track their specific bus. This allows the student to know where the bus is just in case it is running late.

DGN student representative Eleanor Flynn is supportive of this change since she herself used to take the bus as an underclassman.

“This is great because when it’s cold outside students can check and see if their bus is running ten minutes late. Then they can wait inside their house for another five minutes, “ Flynn said.

Changes in Curriculum programs:

The following courses are up for cancelation next school year: Fashion Merchandising, AP Art History, AP Music Theory, Film Studies, Forensics, Oral Interpretation, Strategies for Academic Success, Personal Trainer Certification, and Research Topics in Earth Science. These classes have had the lowest enrollment rate over the last few years. There is also a proposal to run the classes every other year to ensure higher student enrollment.

Courses recommended to be added include: Managerial Accounting Honors, Blended Consumer, PLTW: Engineer, Design and Development, Writing for Broadcast Expression, READ 180 and Rock Band.

Asbestos Removal proposal:

South had 10 proposals and North had nine proposals. DGS is getting a head start on the removal process during spring break and plan to begin in the A hallway. Old tiles will be replaced with new.

Master Facility Plan progress:

The board is working with a team to help find a way to communicate announcements and milestones about the progression of the construction to community members.

Pizza Wars:

This year’s pizza wars had a turnout of over 600 people with 35 community sponsors. They were able to raise $15,600 in total — the second most that has ever been raised.

Staff granted tenures:

Teachers that have completed their the fourth year in a row teaching in District 99 are being granted tenures. To congratulate and recognize the participating staff members, DGS will host a breakfast for them.