During the recent Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education meeting, several key issues affecting students and staff were discussed, highlighting the ongoing challenges and initiatives within the district.

One of the most pressing concerns raised was the anticipated departure of Dr. Gottlieb, an assistant principal at Cabeza West. A staff member expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Gottlieb's resourcefulness and dedication to problem-solving, emphasizing her positive impact on both students and staff. The loss of her experience is seen as a significant setback as the school prepares for the upcoming academic year.

Another important topic was the proposed donation of outdated textbooks to an organization called Scarce. A teacher who has volunteered with Scarce spoke passionately about the benefits of donating these materials, noting that many textbooks are no longer used in classrooms. This initiative aims to optimize limited storage space while ensuring that the textbooks find a good home, supporting other educational efforts in the community.

The meeting also featured discussions about staff performance and retention. Dan Stanger, a teacher at Revise West, voiced concerns regarding his non-renewal and the challenges faced by the school under current administration. He highlighted his commitment to high-quality instruction and the positive feedback he has received from students and colleagues, advocating for his continued role in the district.

Additionally, veteran teacher Jenny Labash raised concerns about the English Language (EL) curriculum, arguing that it does not align with current literacy research. She advocated for the inclusion of full-length novels in the curriculum, which she believes would enhance students' vocabulary and engagement with reading. Labash emphasized the importance of these changes for improving students' overall literacy and performance on standardized tests.

As the district navigates these discussions, the outcomes will have significant implications for the educational environment and the resources available to both students and teachers. The board's decisions in the coming months will be crucial in addressing these concerns and fostering a supportive learning atmosphere in Proviso Township High Schools.