Annual Update
June 2009

Dear Community Members,

The McHenry Elementary School District 15 Board of Education mails this publication every year to community members to communicate the significant progress made in the district. This is the third edition and covers the advancements made during the past three school years.

District 15 Wins Six State Awards!
The District 15 Board of Education is proud to announce that District 15 has received six awards for academic achievement from the Illinois State Board of Education in the last three years.

Landmark School has earned the Academic Excellence Award for two consecutive years. In addition, McHenry Middle School and Hilltop Elementary School have both earned the Academic Improvement Award twice. Congratulations to all the students, parents, teachers, and staff who have worked hard to warrant recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.

These awards are a reflection of the quality education that District 15 provides for our students. If you wish to learn more about the specific criteria for these awards, please visit www.isbe.net.

Three Year Overview
    In the past three years, District 15 has made significant progress in improving the education for all of our students. Listed below are the actions that have been taken:
  • Additional classroom teachers have been hired
  • Additional special education and bilingual teachers have been hired
  • New reading materials (K-8) have been purchased
  • Challenging math curriculum has been implemented at the middle school level
  • New elementary technology classes have been implemented
  • Two new middle school exploratory classes have been implemented (music; problem based learning)
  • Learning Centers (libraries) have been enhanced
  • Extra-curricular programs have been expanded (i.e., track and field, soccer)
  • Additional technology staff have been hired
  • Safety cameras have been installed at the middle schools
  • New on-line parent access to student grades and attendance has been implemented
  • School websites have been enhanced
  • Bond payments have been deferred to pay for future building additions
  • Energy study has been completed
  • Enrollment study has been completed
  • Five-year financial projections have been completed
  • Multiple maintenance initiatives have been completed (i.e., roofs, air-conditioning)

Financial Responsibility
District 15 has made numerous positive decisions that have improved the quality of education for our students, while still remaining fiscally responsible to our citizens. McHenry School District 15’s tax rate continues to be in the lower range for McHenry County school districts. Financially, our school district has received the highest financial rating from the State of Illinois for the 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 school year.



Board of Education Information
Board of Education meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The public is always welcome to attend these meetings. In addition, past minutes of Board of Education meetings and agendas are posted on our website, as well as specific dates and locations. Board of Education members can be reached at info@d15.org.

Thank you for your continuing support of our schools in McHenry Elementary School District 15. Have a safe and happy summer!

R. Alan Hoffman
Superintendent



Financial Assistance Information
District 15 understands the current economic hardships that are facing many of our families. With the link below you will find tools to assist you in obtaining financial assistance. Included are textbook and fee waivers for the current school year as well as for the 2009-2010 school year, a lunch waiver for the current year (the 2009-2010 lunch waivers will not be available until mid-summer), and income eligibility guidelines. If you have any questions please contact the District 15 Business Office at 815-385-7210.



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