Another Close Vote: Board Adds Assistant Principal Post for Dr. Julian Rogus School

We take a look at some of the other items approved and discussed at the April 6 Summit Hill School District 161 Board meeting.

The request: Creating an assistant principal position for for the 2011-12 school year. 

What it means: The new position would replace the kindergarten principal position being vacated by Nan Clinton, who retired this year. However, the new post would oversee the entire school, not simply the full-time kindergarten, and although the scope of the job would be larger, the position would come at a cost savings because it wouldn't be a full principal position, said Board President Sean William Doyle.

Any comments by the board or public? Board members Mary Kenny and Joy Murphy voiced concerns over adding the new post, claiming that the board might have to cut it eventually as a way to hold down costs.

"Looking at the financial position of the district, I would hate to eliminate this position two years down the road," Kenny said, adding that the board should take more time to look into the matter.

Murphy also questioned the need for that position given that Rogus's enrollment isn't seeing an increase. She suggested the board look at using a teacher-leader instead.

Doyle said a teacher-leader wouldn't have the same authority and privileges that an assistant principal would have. An assistant principal would also give the school more flexibility with how it used that position, he added.

How did it pass? 4-3. Doyle, Ken Balcerzak, David J. Macek and Dee Molinare voted in favor. Kenny, Murphy and Denise Lenz voted against.

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The request: Approval of new social studies curriculum for fifth through eight grade.

What it means: The proposal would adopt new teaching strategies and textbooks for social studies education for students in fifth through sixth grade. The cost of the new curriculum would be about $147,000.

How did it pass: Unanimously.

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The board also announced the start of online registration for students, which runs May 2-31. 

Parents can log in at www.studentregistration.org and use their same passwords from last year. This is the third year for online registration for the district. 

Registration fee is $150. There is a $25 late fee per family after 12:01 a.m. June 1. Payments can be made online, but parents also can pay in person with a cash or check.