News from District 153
October 25, 2023
Last October, I reported disappointing news about our successful education funding referendum. If you’ll remember, an unprecedented decrease in local Equalized Assessed Values (EAVs) meant the referendum would garner $1.7 million less for our schools than anticipated. This decrease has a devastating impact on District 153’s ability to rebuild cash reserves to the recommended level of 25% of operating expenses and address badly needed deferred maintenance/capital improvements on school buildings that are 60-70 years sold.
Today, I have an encouraging update.
District 153 worked with State Representative Will Davis to introduce in the General Assembly HB 4284, a bill that would allow District 153 to collect the revenue voters thought they were approving in November 2022. That bill passed the House on April 15th.
State Senator Napolean Harris is co-sponsoring the bill in the Senate. We are hopeful that it will be put to a vote in the coming days. We will alert you when we need our school community to submit online “witness slips” in support of the bill.
Working together, I am hopeful we can secure the additional funds that are so essential to the successful operation of District 153.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott McAlister, Superintendent
Butter Braid Pick Up: May 15th, 5:00-7:00 PM
Did you order Butter Braids during the PTA's fundraiser? Pick-up is scheduled for May 15th from 5-7pm at the James Hart School Cafeteria. Please enter through Door S.
Butter Braids are a frozen product and need to be picked up promptly to ensure proper storage. The PTA does not have a freezer to store your order, so please arrange to have someone pick your order up.
PTA Ice Cream Social: May 20th, 3:30-5:30 PM
The PTA is having its annual end of the school year Ice Cream Social again on the Willow School playground!
The PTA will have treats from Dairy Queen and popsicles. Bookies will be on site with its mobile book shop! Bring your Read-A-Thon coupons and come shop for a new book! RSVP here.
Volunteer Appreciation Event, May 24th, 5:30-7:30 PM
Calling all volunteers! You're invited to our Volunteer Appreciation Event on May 24th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM at James Hart School Cafeteria.
District 153 wants to thank all its volunteers for their hard work this year. If you've helped out in the classroom, at a field trip, for the PTA, PMA or Foundation 153, or any time at/for Willow, Churchill or James Hart, we want to recognize you!
Please join us for food, fun and fellowship! RSVP here.
About Us
Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Twitter: @Homewood153