This Week in Valley View
News and Notes from Around the District
VVSD Staff Spotlight- Megan Berthoud and Theresa Stevens, 5th Grade Teachers- R.C. Hill Elementary
R.C. Hill Elementary 5th Grade Teachers Megan Berthoud and Theresa Stevens have nurtured a classroom community combining both Cross-Categorical and General Education students that produces successful learners.
They are emphatic that their classroom is not a mixture of two groups. Their class is one group of diverse individual students who work together in an inclusive environment that as part of the overall learning experience reduces stigmas and misconceptions. The result is an academic environment that prepares students for the diverse workplaces and communities they will experience as adults.
VVSD Superintendent Dr. Keith Wood’s Report December 8 Board of Education Meeting
VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keith Wood provided an update to the Board of Education at the December 8 Regular Meeting. Dr. Wood highlighted some of the Classrooms to Community events in the District and recognized the VVSD Operations team for their efforts to clear snow in preparation for school days.
Three Things to Know from the December 8 Board Meeting
(Photo at right) At the Dec. 8 Regular Board Meeting, VVSD Board of Education President Steve Quigley accepts a plaque from VVSD Director of Finance Helen Romios and the VVSD Finance Team from the Association of School Business Officials recognizing the District for financial reporting meeting the highest standards for transparency and accountability.
VVSD’s Finance Department is the recipient of a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting Program from the Association of School Business Officials.
This award recognizes school districts that create Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports that meet the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. VVSD filed for this award in February after the 23-24 audit was completed.
This award is in addition to the Government Finance Officers Association award that was presented at the Nov. 17. Both awards include specific criteria that must be met within the comprehensive financial report. This is the first time VVSD has won the awards from ASBO and GFOA.
Tax Levy 2025
The VVSD Board of Education adopted the 2025 tax levy. Adopting a levy on an annual basis is one of the major functions of the Board of Education. Revenues from local property taxes generate approximately 60% of all revenues for VVSD, which is done through the levy process. The 2025 tax levy is a 4.94% increase to the 2024 extension, exclusive of existing debt. In accordance with Will County’s current tax capped extension procedure, VVSD Administration is estimating that the County will extend approximately 4.99%.
The extension request is higher than what the actual extension will be due to the fact the equalized assessed valuation and new property values are unknown at this time. By requesting the higher extension, the Board reserves the right to adjust the levy in the future as late as April 1, 2026. It will also allow the levy to be much more accurate due to the actual EAV and new property values being finalized. If the increase of the 2025 levy is in excess of 105 percent of the previous year's aggregate extension with the exception of Debt Service, a public hearing must be held on said levy. As part of VVSD’s commitment to transparency and openness, a public hearing on the 2025 tax levy was held even though the increase was below 5.0%.
Boiler Replacement at Bolingbrook HS
The VVSD Board of Education approved the replacement of the boiler burner at Bolingbrook HS. Replacement is necessary due to normal wear and tear over the course of 20 years. This is the second of two boiler burner replacements- the first one was approved by the board last year. The main burner head components are positioned in front of the boiler unit and provide the combustion chamber for the entire unit, while regulating temperature, cycling, and fuel composition. These boilers provide the generation of hot water for the heating system throughout the school.
The burner replacement work will allow the boilers to operate efficiently and with minimal maintenance issues for the next ten to fifteen years. Additionally, the upgrades will provide a more energy efficient heating plant for the school. Energy efficiency will also allow the District to apply for an energy gas rebate of approximately $9,000.
VVSD is applying for a maximum $50,000 School Maintenance Project Grant from the State of Illinois for this project.
There’s Still Time to Join the VVSD Team for the 2025-26 School Year
VVSD is hiring for a wide range of positions for the 2025-26 school year with an emphasis on adding to our teams of paraprofessionals, lunchroom/playground aides and special education teachers.
We are also seeking new team members including guest teachers, bus drivers, operations & maintenance, nutrition services, and special education staff.
VVSD’s employment opportunities offer schedules for staff members that are in synchronization with school schedules, making VVSD a great choice for parents who need to have their work schedule match up with the school hours, and Winter and Spring Break for their children. To see all VVSD job opportunities and to apply, visit www.vvsd.org/jobs
Secondary Transition Experience Program Paraprofessional Jennifer Cooper is a nominee for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees award. Jennifer was nominated by the Illinois State Board of Education for the RISE Awards that honors extraordinary classified school employees for their outstanding contributions to their school communities. Jennifer is a job coach at STEP and has served more than 22 years helping transition-age students with disabilities build the skills needed for independence and success.
Salk Elementary students celebrated Grinch Day on Thu. Dec. 4.
Romeoville HS opened their doors on Sat. Dec. 6 for Pancakes with Santa sponsored by the RHS Athletic Boosters. In addition to a visit from the big guy and tasty ‘cakes, there was also time to create crafts.
Pioneer Elementary Library and Media Center Specialist Jennifer Pizzuto helped students construct gingerbread houses applying the best practices of building construction and also following all applicable building codes.