Fast Facts: Downers Grove Grade School District 58

The mission of District 58, in partnership with parents and community, is to challenge each child by providing quality educational programs and support services in safe, nurturing environments in order to prepare all students to be lifelong learners and contributing members of society.

School district office
1860 63rd Street
Phone: 630-719-5800
Superintendent of Schools: Paul C. Zaander
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Staff Development: Jayne Yudzentis
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction: Cathie Pezanoski
Controller: Dr. James Popernik, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Special Services: Terrence Martin
Director of Business Services: Lorie Pilster
Director of Technology: Connie Hodson, Ed.D.
Director of Buildings and Grounds: Rick Bubula
Coordinator of Communications: Jennifer Waldorf

District history
According to board minutes, District 2 became District 58 on April 19, 1902; a separate high school district, District 99, was formed in 1923. District 58’s “newest” schools, Belle Aire and El Sierra, were constructed and opened in 1969. District 58 serves approximately 5,000 preschool through eighth grade students from Downers Grove and portions of Darien, Oak Brook, Westmont and Woodridge in its 11 elementary and two middle schools.

Teachers and staff
Approximately 700 full and part-time employees
Pupil-to-teacher ratio: 20 to 1
Percentage of teachers with master’s degrees and above: 64
Average years teaching experience: 14 years

Finances
2009-2010 annual budget: $58.4 million
Expenditures:

• Education: $46.2 million (79 percent)
• Operations and Maintenance: $4.3 million (7.4 percent)
• Transportation: $2.5 million (4.3 percent)
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund: $1.6 million (2.7 percent)
• Debt Service: $1.2 million (2.1 percent)
• Life Safety Fund: $2.5 million (4.3 percent)

Budgeted revenues for 2009-2010: $59.7 million, including planned spending of fund balances to pay for facilities projects
      Revenue sources:

• Local: 87%
• Tax rate: 1.77
• State: 10%
• Federal: 4%

Facilities

*District 58’s Grove Children’s Preschool program is housed at Indian Trail and Henry Puffer. For more information, including an informational video, visit the Grove Children’s Preschool link at www.dg58.org/preschool/preschool.htm.

School board
District 58 is governed by a School Board of seven members elected by the community to serve four-year terms. The board is responsible for adopting and monitoring the school district budget; developing and approving district policies; and hiring the district superintendent. The public is encouraged to attend board meetings, which are typically held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Longfellow Center, 1435 Prairie Avenue. Meetings in June, July and August are typically held at the Administrative Center, 1860 63rd Street. Board meetings, agendas, minutes and Board Briefs of past meetings are available at www.dg58.org.

Strategic plan

Core Belief Statements

• Each student is capable of learning and should be educated and challenged at his/her ability level.
• Standards of conduct, commitment and accomplishments should be expected of all students, staff and parents.
• Schools should be a safe, friendly, nurturing place where everyone comes to learn, grow, and change.
• Educating a child is an integrated team approach: student, parent, staff, and community.
• Education is the foundation for lifelong learning.
• Schools should provide a stimulating environment with opportunities for engaged and collaborative learning experiences.
• Students should develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to become lifelong learners.
• Cultivate within the child values and character necessary to be a successful citizen.

Quality standards
Our quality educational program will contain:

• Academic/foundation skills

Communication: Reading, writing, speaking/listening
Math, science, social studies, physical education/health
Fine arts: Music, art
Exposure to foreign language
Basic technology usage

• Learning skills

Problem-solving skills: Critical thinking, ability to question; logic, analytical thinking; ability to locate and use information; decision making
Work skills: Motivation, self-direction, planning and goal setting, time management, productivity, work ethic, teamwork, technology/computer usage

• Interpersonal skills

Character skills: Honesty and integrity, mutual respect, self control, appropriate choices, manners, independence, flexibility for change
Collaboration skills: Conflict resolution, respect for diversity in people and in ideas, interdependence
Citizenship skills: School, community and global appreciation and involvement, care and concern for environment