ummer has been a busy season for the Ball-Chatham School District. The final construction phase of Glenwood Elementary, nuRobert Gillum merous Health/ Life/Safety projects and several staffing changes have occurred. We are certainly proud of the manner in which our new elementary school has come to fruition. The project has remained on schedule and minimal change orders have been realized. As I write, furniture is being installed in the academic wings of the building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for August 15, 2011 at 5:15 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Immediately following the ceremony the doors will be open for a public walkthrough. Facility upgrades modernizing the 50 year old heating, ventilation and air control systems have been com-
pleted at several of our schools. Abatement projects at Chatham Elementary, Glenwood Intermediate and Middle School are near completion and we will welcome students and staff back to a refreshed environment. Key personnel moves at the district level include a new Director of Special Education Services and an incoming Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Jen Barham has been promoted to Director of Special Ed Services from her previous coordinator’s position and Mr. Patrick Murphy joins us as CFO. Patrick was previously employed by the Illinois State Board of Education and completed an administrative internship here in the district. We welcome them to their new leadership positions and look forward to their guidance in these most important departments. Mr. Murphy will direct a totally revamped and restructured business office as the entire department has turned over in recent months. Our new bookkeeper is Ashley Fiorito.
The new accounts receivable clerk is Lori Lewis. And, joining the team in the weeks ahead will be a new accounts payable clerk. The realignment of duties, responsibilities and cross-training should lead to efficiencies and better delivery of services. However, the transition may be cumbersome early on. We are also welcoming new site leadership in a few areas. Mr. Joe Viola has moved from his Assistant Principal role at GMS to assume the principalship at Ball Elementary. Mr. Viola will have a new assistant principal, Elisabeth Gillham who replaces the departing Jennifer Schwartz who accepted a principal position in Jacksonville. GMS Principal Kerry Cox is welcoming a new Assistant Principal, Patrick Haugens, who previously served as a principal in Taylorville. It sure seems like the only constant is change! With that we welcome all the new team members and look forward to the rapidly approaching start of the 2011/12 academic school year.