On Tuesday, August 10, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a "jobs bill" intended to save teaching jobs and other public service employees.  District 300 leaders learned of this news the same way as the general public, through news articles such as this AP story: http://bit.ly/9Lxc53  There has been no direct communication from the state.

It is our understanding that the Illinois General Assembly will convene within the next few weeks to determine how to distribute the funds across Illinois.  At this point, we do not know much money D300 stands to receive, and we do not know what restrictions the state may place on D300's use of these funds.  Until we know the amount and the restrictions, we will take a conservative position and refrain from any employment decisions.

While Administration would recommend using the funds to reduce our very largest classes this year, we are not sure we will have the flexibility to do so.  Once there is action and clear direction at the state level, the D300 Board of Education will be able to discuss how to fairly and prudently spend the allotment.