May 26, 2016 vol. 60 issue 34
Maine South 4x800 squad finishes 9th
see page 7
Featured Sports
relay medals
Library Trustee Vacancy
Niles Library board sets procedure for replacing trustee see page 3
Photo By Igor Studenkov | Bugle Staff
Morton Grove cops raise money for Special Olympics Illinois at the village’s Dunkin Donuts location.
Business Health Clinics
Advocate, Walgreens launch 56 in-store health clinics
see page 11
Schools Student Rights
Area schools react to president’s bathroom access directives see page 15
City of Park Ridge annexes former VFW site Second reading took place May 23 By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
Park Ridge is expected to officially become a little bigger. A month after agreeing to work with Hubert Cioromski, the new owner of the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3579 hall, the Park Ridge City Council voted unanimously to annex the site by force. Aldermen were previously willing to give Cioromski time to go through the Cook County
rezoning process, so long as he agreed to abide by an agreement that would restrict him to certain uses. But as the May 16 meeting went on, they became increasingly concerned that the city would have little control over some of the finer points of what goes up on the site unless they actually annexed the property. The May 16 vote marked the first of two required readings for annexation. While aldermen considered waiving the two reading rule, they ultimately decided to hold a second reading during a
May 23 special meeting. (As of press time, the May 23 meeting had not yet occurred.) Since April 2015, the VFW has been looking to sell their building and relocate to a smaller space. Canfield Higgins LLC purchased the property in January of this year. Because the lot is located on unincorporated land, any zoning changes and building permits are required to go through the Cook County Board of Commissioners. In March, the new owners sent out notices to alert residents that the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to decide on April 7 whether to sign
off on a request to change the property’s zoning from residential to industrial. On March 21, the Park Ridge City Council filed an objection to the zoning change and voted to begin annexation procedures. Aldermen and residents who lived near the lot were concerned that industrial zoning would give Canfield Higgins too much flexibility when it comes to the property’s use, allowing a number of potentially undesirable outcomes. On April 4, Cioromski asked the council to delay annexation in order to give him time to complete the process. Because the annexation would automatically give the lot
residential zoning, Cioromski said he would have to start the rezoning process all over again. This, he added, could potentially delay redevelopment for months. Aldermen agreed to delay the annexation vote until May 16 to give the two parties time to negotiate an agreement. Park Ridge would still annex the property, but Cioromski would have time to finish the process, and the agreement would restrict what sort of uses would be allowed on the property. On May 16, City Attorney Julie Tappendorf presented a proposed agreement that would require
see vfw | page 3
Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
Area police head to Dunkin’ Donuts rooftops for Special Olympics Illinois Fundraiser collects money for Law Enforcement Torch Run By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
On May 20, police officers from Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge and many other surrounding communities perched on the rooftops of their local Dunkin Donuts for a good cause. For the past 14 years, the annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser collects money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Everybody who donated money got a coupon for a free doughnut, and larger donations got other prizes.
Officerssaidthat,overall,residents have been fairly generous. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser in the state. Each year, more than 3,000 police officers throughout Illinois cover 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their towns and to the opening of the Special Olympics’ Summer Games, which are held in Normal, Illinois. The money raised during the Torch Run is used to cover training and competition costs for Special Olympics athletes. While the Torch Run has been around for the past 29 years, it
wasn’t until 13 years ago that Dunkin’ Donuts teamed up with police departments throughout the state to help raise money for the event. In a statement to the press, the chain said it donated $1,500 to the Torch Run. It also created a limitedtime Champion doughnut - a glazed doughnut that used Special Olympics red and white colors. It was available at Dunkin Donuts on the day of the fundraiser. The fundraiser ran between 5 a.m. - 2 p.m. Morton Grove, Niles and Park Ridge officers were on hand at each one of their local Dunkin’ Donuts. The way the fundraiser was conducted varied somewhat. For example, at a larger 7039 W. Dempster St. location in Niles, one officer collected money near the
drive-thru lane, while at least one officer sat by a table set up inside. Meanwhile, the 5843 Dempster St. location, the only location in Morton Grove, was smaller, so officers simply set up a table near the entrance. Anyone who donated at least $1 got a coupon for a free doughnut. Larger donations got larger gifts, such as T-shirts, travel mugs and labels. Each department decided what items to hand out and what the donation levels customers needed to reach to get them. Niles Police Department officer Marie Freson was collecting money at the Niles Dunkin’ Donuts drivethru during the lunch hour. While most donations came from drivers, a surprising number of people came up on foot to drop their donations.
“We got five buckets full of money,” said Freson. “People have been donating a lot, so we’re thankful.” Niles officer Eric Lambrechts, who was watching the table, reported similar results. “I think it’s been a very good day,” he said. “I think everyone has been in a giving mood, and [I think] we’ll do very well for Special Olympics today.” At Morton Grove, there were fewer people donating at the time the Bugle stopped by – but more people were willing to give larger donations. MGPD officer Constantinos Fasos said he was pleased with the results “It’s been going great,” he said. “People have been donating lots of money. We’re happy to do it.”
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Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
3
library news >> niles
Board sets procedure for replacing trustee By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
Danette Matyas’ resignation from the Niles Public Library Board of Trustees was understated, but the discussion on how her seat should be filled was anything but. Matyas, who also sits on the Niles Village Board, resigned effective April 20. The remaining trustees must now choose someone to serve out the rest of her term, which ends in May 2017. A candidate must be a citizen who lives within the library
district, which includes all of Niles and most of unincorporated Maine Township. Each candidate must submit a resume and a letter outlining their past experiences, why they want to serve on the board and whether they use the library. Library Director Susan Lempke said she wanted to reach out to candidates who would better reflect the district’s ethnic diversity – and she already had some candidates in mind. She also suggested creating a nominating committee made up of herself, board president Linda Ryan and board vice president Karen Dimond.
“If you have 10 candidates – that’s an awful lot,” she said. “I think we should have a nominating committee so we can vet [them].” Dimond argued that the board should wait until they know how many people apply before forming a committee. Trustee Carolyn Drblik said she was concerned that a committee would undercut most trustees’ ability to evaluate candidates. “I would like to see everyone on the board interview [candidates],” she said. Ryan suggested that, if more then five candidates apply, the committee would be created.
Otherwise, the candidates would go before the board. Drblik said that didn’t address her concerns. “I don’t think a committee separate from the board members should decide who gets to meet the board,” she said. “I don’t think it’s fair to turn away applicants because you decide they weren’t good enough.” Drblik accused Ryan and Lempke of deciding on what they wanted before the board meeting even started. “You just do what you want, but I don’t think that’s right because it should be out in the open,” she
said. Dimond said the committee seemed like a practical approach. “I don’t know if we’ll get that many [applicants],” she added. Board treasurer Tim Spadoni said he’s a little on the fence and offered a compromise. “I would say all resumes and all letters of intent should be read [by all trustees],” he said. “Then, we’ll decide which people to interview.” The other trustees agreed that it would be a good idea. After a brief discussion, the board decided to look at all applications during the June meeting and interview the semi-finalists in July.
Trustees debates non-resident participation in library programs By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
A seemingly small change in the Niles Public Library bylaws sent its board into a heated argument last week. On May 18, the library board
vfw | from page 1 Canfield Higgins to file for voluntary annexation within 180 days. While the land is still unincorporated, Cioromski would only be allowed to build general offices, medical/ dental clinics, restaurants with a drive-thru, a bank, or a motor vehicle service and repair facility. Once annexed, the lot will be rezoned to B-2, which allows all of the uses listed in the agreement – though vehicle repair businesses require a special use permit. Tappendorf explained that if Cioromski sells the property to someone else, the agreement would still be in force. It would remain in force for 20 years; extending it any longer would violate state law. Deciding to annex As the discussion got underway, several aldermen said they were concerned that the new development wouldn’t follow Park Ridge zoning regulations. They were particularly concerned about building height, signage and flood mitigation measures. According to Tappendorf, the list of allowed uses came from
of trustees considered adding a sentence saying that everyone who comes to the library can take part in its programs, so long as staff was sure that Niles residents were accommodated first. The change was minor, as the previously existing policy already allowed non-residents to attend its programs and events.
However, trustee Carolyn Drblik took issue with the change. She argued that the library wasn’t doing enough to meet the needs of residents, and said staff should focus spending on programs that cater to those patrons and look into following Park Ridge Public Library’s example by charging non-residents fees. But, the rest of
the board pushed back, ultimately approving the change 4-1. The Niles Public Library District collects taxes from all of Niles, as well as most of the unincorporated sections of Maine Township between Niles, Des Plaines and Glenview. Like the majority of libraries in Chicago and its suburbs, Niles
Library allowed district residents and non-residents the same access to programs and events. Some programs required registration using library cards, but the library cards didn’t necessarily have to be Niles Library cards. Any library card that’s registered with the
Cioromski, who told the council that it was based on the tenants he was looking for. He was in negotiations with McDonald’s and a tire shop, but both fell through. He did mention that he was able to secure one tenant. “It’s a local bank, a community bank,” Cioromski said. “It’s a wellestablished bank.” Tappendorf said there was only so much Park Ridge could do while the land is unincorporated. “If we are going to apply all of the city regulation and permitting requirements, then it has to be annexed,” she said. When asked whether he would agree to limit the agreement to bank use, Cioromski said he would rather keep his options as open as possible just in case that deal falls apart. Acting Mayor Marty Maloney said he didn’t think any of the uses outlined in the agreement would hurt the surrounding community, but added that the lack of control troubled him. Cioromski tried to reassure the council. “There is very little difference between county and
city [regulation],” he said. “There’s very little difference in terms of construction.” He added that he would be open to adding stronger language into the agreement. Another point of concern had to do with the timing of construction. If the construction is far enough along, whatever ultimately gets built will be grandfathered in. Tappendorf explained that determining where that kicks in can be tricky. “There is no hard and fast rule,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s building permit, sometimes, it’s when work on the grounds [starts]. There is no absolute rule, but certainly, the farther along they are in the process, the less able we would be to apply our zoning.” Finally, the aldermen were concerned about Cook County’s timing. Since the last time the city council discussed the issue, the county zoning board meeting date was moved up. Tappendorf emphasized that whatever happens at the zoning board, the zoning change would still have to be approved by the
county board. The city attorney also explained that Canfield Higgins can ask Chicago to annex the property, which would take priority over Park Ridge’s annexation process. A number of residents who live near the VFW site attended the meeting, and everyone who spoke urged the council to simply annex the land that same day. Missy Langan – a member of the Park Ridge Zoning Board of Appeals – argued that involuntary annexation would be simpler than the more complicated alternative of trying to ensure the owners follow the finer points of the agreement. “There isn’t a downside; it doesn’t cost us any money,” she said. “If we enter the agreement, we’ll have unanswered questions.” Sixth Ward Ald. Marc Mazzuca said that, while he was originally inclined to approve the agreement with Cioromski, what he heard during this meeting gave him pause. “I’m concerned that there’s something we might miss,and it seems like the surest and the safest [course of action] is forcible
annexation,” he said. “Knowing that the decision we make here would affect the property for a very long time means forcible annexation is the best option.” Fifth Ward Ald. Daniel Knight said he had the same concerns. “Listening tonight, I see potential for too many opportunities for the city to make mistakes and to miss something,” he said. “I don’t want to go down that path.” First Ward Ald. John Moran also shared these concerns. “The few import question my mind didn’t get answers and even if they did, we wouldn’t have control,” he said. The city council voted 5-0 to approve the first reading of the involuntary annexation ordinance. Second Ward Ald. Nicholas Milissis was absent and Maloney, whose ward partially surrounds the land, abstained. When asked how he felt about the council’s decision, Cioromski didn’t mince words. “We gotta change our plans,” he told reporters. “We’re going to lose our tenants, and we’re going to lose money.”
see library | page 4
www.cookcountycrimestoppers.org • 800.535.stop Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Niles, Park Ridge and Morton Grove police departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.
Niles Gabriel D. Bandy, 27, 2600 block of Louis, Franklin Park, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. May 10 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.
1
Kenneth E. Nykvist, 58, 3900 block of West Fullerton Ave., Chicago, was arrested at 7:50 p.m. May 10 in the 8500 block of Golf Road for retail theft.
2
Karina Guadalupe-Chaparro, 33, 1100 block of Meadow Lane, Hoffman Estates, was arrested at 9:41 a.m. May 11 in the 8200 block of Oakton for no valid license.
3
Senada Alibasic, 39, 8600 block of Waukegan, Morton Grove, was arrested at 12:50 p.m. May 12 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.
4
Purevbaasan Badrakh, 44, 8600 block of Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, was arrested at 5:52 p.m. May 11 at Golf Mill Shopping Center for retail theft.
5
Northfield, was arrested at 6:21 a.m. May 14 at Milwaukee and Howard for DUI.
2 6
Alejandro Casas, 24, 1800 block of West Estes, Chicago, was arrested at 12:27 a.m. May 15 in the 9000 block of Milwaukee for disobeying peace officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.
8
21
1
4 5
8
22 20 19
14
Park Ridge
17
Giovanni Cortez, 18, 6144 Gage St., Rosemont, was arrested at 12:56 p.m. May 9 at Cumberland and Higgins for no driver’s license, operation of uninsured motor vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
9
18
3 16
7 13
Thomas J. Keevers, 53, 5734 Artesian, Chicago, was arrested at 6:28 p.m. May 9 in the 1900 block of South Cumberland for retail theft.
12
10 N.
11
John Alesi, 18, 1112 N. Knight Ave., Park Ridge, was arrested at 10:53 a.m. May 12 in the 1100 block of Knight for battery.
11
Michelle D. Kaufman, 19, 926 Elm St., Park Ridge, was arrested at 11:34 p.m. May 12 at Touhy and Washington for suspended, revoked driver’s license.
10
9 15
12
Odbayar Naranbold, 24, 5154 N. East River Road, Chicago, was arrested at 2:56 a.m. May 13 at Meacham and Northwest Highway for DUI, driving without head/tail lights when required or defective, and no rear registration plate light.
13
Giovanni Ismael Garcia, 23, 5143 W. Byron St., Chicago, was arrested at 12:35 a.m. May 15 in the 8100 block of West Higgins for possession of cannabis.
15
Bozena Pakula, 56, 9432 Bay
16 Colony Drive, Des Plaines, was arrested at 10:29 p.m. May 15 in the 700 block of North Dee for DUI.
of Lincoln for forgery, theft and violation of order of protection. Mazen H. Hassane, 26, 8000 of Lyons, Niles, was arrested May 12 at Caldwell and Keeney for driving while license suspended.
18 block
Eric L. Wheeler, 19, 6600 block of Maple, Morton Grove, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. May 14 in the 8500 block of Golf Road for retail theft and possession of controlled substance.
14 40, 9602 W. Golf Terrace, Des
Morton Grove
Garry W. Hardesty, 46, 300 block of Linder Ave.,
Plaines, was arrested at 9:22 a.m. May 14 in the 1700 block of West Dempster for a warrant.
James R. Karp, 42, 5500 block of Lincoln, Morton Grove, was arrested May 11 in the 5500 block
D. Gardiner-Smith, 20 Deon 28, 1500 block of Jonquil
She also noted that, while non-residents use the Niles Library, village residents also use other narby libraries. At an April meeting, she described Skokie Public Library as complementary, because it’s close to the Niles Library and offers a wide range of programs. Board President Linda Ryan said she called Chicago, Des Plaines and Skokie libraries to see how they treated non-residents, noting that all of the libraries welcomed her even though she identified herself as a non-resident up front. Drblik said the issue is with how the library spends money collected from Niles taxpayers. “It’s not even who goes first, it’s how much it costs to put up actual
programs,” she said. “Maybe if we have small enrollment, we need to rethink if those programs are what residents of Niles need.” Drblik said she heard complaints from many residents that most of the people who use the library aren’t from Niles. As it stands, she argued that the library was spending too much money on people who aren’t even paying taxes in the district. The trustee also said she has repeatedly asked Lempke how much programs such as the “Sweet Home Chicago” confectionery history exhibit cost the library and how many people attended it, but never received answers to her questions. The library director responded
by saying that the library doesn’t regularly check how many people attend each program, or where they come from. The staff does do test periods to gauge how many people attend programs during certain time periods. Drblik also noted that the Park Ridge Public Library imposes fees on non-residents to attend its programs. “One of the [Park Ridge] library trustees referred to people coming to the Park Ridge library as parasites,” Lempke said, adding that it says a lot about the attitude that drives such policies. According to Park Ridge HeraldAdvocate, during an Oct. 21, 2014, Park Ridge Library board trustee Robert Trizna called non-residents
6
7
library | from page 3 Niles Library would work. Library Director Susan Lempke said that, in her opinion, having programs open to everyone fits with public libraries’ mission. “Public libraries in general are about sharing resources,” she said. Lempke also argued that an inclusive policy helps attract more attendees to the library’s more niche programs. Having those programs open to non-residents brings in enough attendees to make those programs viable. “For smaller things, and to fill out empty seats in the program, I don’t feel like that’s a problem,” Lempke said.
Benito Monjaras-Hernandez,
17
Bayarlkhagva
14 at Dempster and Central for driving license expired more than one year. Sydney A. Bailog, 18, 3200 block of Sunset Lane, Franklin, was arrested May 14 at Golf and Harlem for no valid driver’s license.
21
Altandush,
19 21, 5500 block of Madison, Hinsdale, was arrested May 13 at Dempster and Menard for DUI.
Alejandro D. Serrano Rivera, 2300 block of Kostner, was arrested May 14 in the 6100 block of Dempster for driving while license suspended.
22 20,
Terrace, Chicago, was arrested May
“parasites” in response to a report of declining computer usage after the library implemented computer use fees for non-residents. “We are not being sucked dry by parasites,” he was quoted to have said. “We are actually providing services for the people actually paying taxes for those services. “ In the ensuing back and forth, Drblik said Lempke should release the information about how much the library spends on events, but the director said she couldn’t provide the information the trustee was looking for. Ryan ended the argument by calling for a vote. The trustees voted 4-1 to change the language, with Drblik voting against the bylaws change.
Send us your feedback at nweditor@buglenewspapers.com
Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.coM
5
opinion >> thinkinG about health
Healthcare consumers get little help resolving complaints editorial
Who protects patients when things go wrong By trudy lieberman | Rural Health News Service
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Who protects consumers of healthcare? Two recent emails from readers got me thinking about that question. I don’t mean consumers in their role as patients whose medical wellbeing is looked after by state medical boards and health departments that police doctors and hospitals. Those organizations don’t always do a perfect job protecting patients from harm, but at least they are in place. But who protects patients when things go wrong on healthcare’s financial side? What happens when you receive a bill you didn’t expect and can’t afford to pay? What happens when insurers send unintelligible explanations of benefits you can’t understand? What about questionable loan arrangements to avoid medical bankruptcy? Consumers of healthcare are pretty much on their own. From the 1960s through the 1980s when people complained, they got action from consumer organizations, government and even businesses that set up departments to handle complaints. That consumer movement is now but a flicker. “We don’t have as many publicinterest minded regulators, and officials who try to grab these issues by the horns and deal with them,” says Chuck Bell, director of programs for Consumers Union. The emails I received show that although it’s an uphill battle to get redress, fighting back as an individual can get attention and may ultimately lead to better protections for everyone. John Rutledge, a retiree, got snared in Medicare’s three-day rule by a hospital near his hometown in Wheaton, Illinois. At the end of March he took his wife, who was having breathing problems,
TRudy lIeBeRMan to the hospital where she was held for three nights of “observation.” Patients must be in a hospital for three days as an in-patient before they are entitled to Medicare benefits for 100 days of skilled nursing home care as I noted in a recent column. Thousands of families have been caught when hospitals decide their loved ones are admitted for “observation,” a tactic that allows them to avoid repaying Medicare if government auditors find patients should not have been classified as “inpatients.” Playing the “observational” game is worth millions to hospitals but costs families tens of thousands of dollars when someone doesn’t qualify for Medicare-covered skilled nursing care. Rutledge knew about the threeday rule. Both his doctor and a pulmonologist at the same medical practice recommended an in-patient stay, and Rutledge refused to sign a hospital document saying his wife was admitted for observation. Still, the hospital prevailed, claiming a consultant made the decision to keep her for “observation.” Rutledge was stuck with a bill that, so far, totals over $15,000 for the skilled nursing care his wife did need. He said he had been a “significant donor” to the hospital foundation, and “I have told the foundation that what I spend as a result of “observation” will come out of what I planned to give them, starting with the annual gift.” The second email came from Kathryn Green, a college history professor who lives in Greenwood, Mississippi. Green is fighting an air ambulance company, which transported her late husband to a Jackson hospital after he
suffered a fatal fall in their home. This “nightmare,” as she calls it, is a bill from the transport company that claims it’s outside her insurance network, and says she owes them $50,950. “I am 63 and will have a devastated retirement if this is upheld,” Green said. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, the administrator for her insurance carrier the State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan, paid $7,192 of the $58,142 the transport company billed. Blue Cross has told Green that she should be held harmless and should not be charged for the “balance after payment of the Allowable Charge has been made directly to that provider.” Green is raising a ruckus and has taken her case to state and national media, members of Congress, the state attorney general and the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program. The company has told her it will begin collection efforts. In both cases there’s a legislative solution. The three-day rule can be fixed by counting all the time a patient spends in the hospital whether they’re classified as an “in” or as an “observational” patient.The ambulance problem can be fixed by changing the 1978 airline deregulation law that prevents states from interfering with fares, services, and routes. But money and politics block the federal changes that would help people like Rutledge and Green. “It’s like playing a game of health insurance roulette,” Bell says. “Your coverage exposes you to these gaps that have been normalized. It’s become the way of doing business.” A resurgent consumer movement could change all that. What consumer problems have you had with balance billing? the rural health News Service is funded by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund and is distributed through the Nebraska press assn. Foundation, Colorado press assn., South dakota Newspaper assn., hoosier (IN) State press assn. Foundation, Illinois press Foundation, wyoming press assn. and California Newspaper publishers assn.
foR WHen you WanT To Take 5 minutes foR youRSelf Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.coM
Aries
MARcH 21 TO ApRIL 20
Enthusiasm and the ability to stand up for yourself are your best attributes. Even so, you might offend if you forget to say “please” and “thank you.” Focus on being more considerate in the week ahead.
gemini
M Ay 2 2 T O j U n E 2 1
Think before you act. You may be challenged to exert your authority in the early part of the week. Ask for advice from family members or wiser souls before you deliver ultimatums.
leo
j U Ly 2 3 T O A U G U S T 2 1
Jumping into action is fine as long as you don’t jump in over your head. You may be challenged to perform physical activities but must remember to measure twice and cut once in the week ahead.
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66 THEy MAy BE InTAnGIBLE 67 SETTInG pIEcE
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librA
SEpTEMBER 24 TO OcTOBER 23
Follow the lead of a model of industry. Discussions with intimate companions can become heated if you assert yourself. A “go-getter” can achieve positive results in the second half of the week.
sAgittArius
nOvEMBER 23 TO DEcEMBER 22
Your boundless enthusiasm can breathe life into humdrum routines but don’t get carried away. Wait until at least mid-week to start new projects or spend large amounts of money.
AquArius
jAnUARy 21 TO FEBRUARy 19
You may change your mind later, so don’t be too eager to jump on the bandwagon. Powerful and ambitious ideas could develop during the week ahead. Sit on your hands until the time is ripe for success.
Sudoku
tAurus
A p R I L 2 1 T O M Ay 2 1
Teach others what you know and learn something from others in the process. In the week ahead you can easily join forces and make progress by sharing knowledge, ideas, and expertise.
cAncer
j U n E 2 2 T O j U Ly 2 2
You value dependability and reliability above all things. Someone close may prove his or her true worth this week. Pursue important goals but remember to be appreciative of loyal partners.
virgo
AUGUST 22 TO SEpTEMBER 23
You know more than you think you do. Your good judgment and sound assessment of circumstances will help you make wise decisions in the week to come. You can see the writing on the wall.
scorpio
OcTOBER 24 TO nOvEMBER 22
Nail down networking skills. You may open up some new avenues to travel upon and do business in the week to come. Opinions voiced in the outer world may persuade you to take important steps.
cApricorn
DEcEMBER 23 TO jAnUARy 20
You are truly quick on the uptake this week, easily absorbing information and making astute observations. File these away for future reference. Maintain perfect manners when dealing with the public.
pisces
FEBRUARy 20 TO MARcH 20
Follow your first instinct after checking in with your closest friend. You’ll make the right choice when faced with tough decisions in the week ahead if you follow the lead of wiser souls.
Jumble
Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2016
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS
Jumbles:
• BATHE • GUARD • SUBMIT • FORMAL
Answer:
WHEn THE ScULpTURE WAS UnvEILED, cRITIcS SAID IT WAS -- FOR THE “BIRDS”
Thursday, May 26, 2016
page 7
>> INSIDE: Kovacevic headed to state tennis meet page 8
track and field
Relay Maine South 4x8 squad earns all-state honors By Scott Taylor sports editor
staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports
CHARLESTON — The Maine South 4x800-meter relay squad snuck into the finals after coming in the 12th and final spot Friday. The team of Kalina Gardiner, Laura Downey, Casey Bomrad and Olivia Niziolek clocked in with a time of 9 minutes, 23.74. “It was a really tight race, a lot tighter than we expected,” Bomrad said. “There was no gap and it was close. It was really tight to make it to finals.” “I just wanted to make it so bad,” Downey said. “There were a lot of good teams there. It was really cool to be here as a freshman. I’m just inspiring to be like them. I was nervous, but I realized I had to run it like any other race.” That hard work paid off as Gardiner, Bomrad, Niziolek and Julia Sirvinskas grabbed the ninth and final all-state spot Saturday, finishing with a time of 9:24.25. “It meant a lot,” Bomrad said of medaling. “We’ve been working for this all season. It would have been heart-breaking if we didn’t make it.” It was a strong improvement over the previous year where they finished in the 9:40s. “Today was a lot better than last year, even though we weren’t happy with it. We did improve,” Gardiner said Friday. “Last year we were happy to be here and this year we came with a goal to make finals and
medal.” Niziolek ran the anchor leg and her opening kick was enough to get make the qualifying time. “All I wanted to do was get out and go fast,” Niziolek said. “It was hard because there were a lot of people bunched together. I know I tried my best and it worked out. I’m proud of how we did and it was a really cool experience to be here and have a common goal. It means a lot.” Niziolek also competed in the 1600, finishing 13th in her heat with a time of 5:13.12. The Hawks’ Madeline Dingle competed in the 3200 run, finishing 27th with a time of 11:22.07. “It was definitely not the time I wanted,” Dingle said. “It was the most competitive race I have ever been in, which I wasn’t prepared for this time. This was the first time I have ever qualified at track state. They came out a little fast. I’m just happy I pushed through it and gave it all I got.” Niles West senior Jazmine Rafanan finished sixth in her heat with a time of 15.67. “I could have done better,” Rafanan said. “I tried my best like always but I feel like I could have ran harder. I feel like through the hurdles I got a little off balance and it slowed me down. It was a good run overall. I’m so proud that I could finish my year off here for the third time. It has been a great experience to be down here and it has been
see medals | page 9
photo by scott taylor
Maine South’s Olivia Niziolek was a member of the ninth-place 4x800-meter relay team.
TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport
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Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
roundup
Kovacevic statebound after placing 2nd in sectional Maine South sophomore Danilo Kovacevic advanced to the state tennis meet by placing second at the Niles West Sectional. Kovacevic opened play with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Max Newman of Evanston before beating Don Carreon 4-3 before Carreon retired. In semifinal play, Kovacevic beat Tom Bickel of New Trier by default before falling to Scott Bickel of New Trier 6-2, 6-2 in the championship. As a team, the Hawks were third in the sectional with 14 points and Niles West was fourth with 12, whie Maine East was seventh with six and Notre Dame was 10th with two.
SOCCER All local soccer games were eliminated from the IHSA playoffs in the regional round. Niles West won its first match, defeating Niles North 1-0, but lost 6-0 to Evanston in the Niles
North Regional final. Maine South competed in the Elk Grove Regional and defeated the hosts 4-0 in the regional semifinal. In the championship match, the Hawks fell 4-0 to Glenbrook South. Maine East did not advance past the first round, falling 9-0 to New Trier in the New Trier Regional.
SOFTBALL Maine South moved to 15-9 on the season with wins over Evanston, Waukegan and Ressurection. In the 10-0, five-inning win over Evanston, Maine South’s Maddie Rog did not allow a hit to a Wildkit batter, striking out nine. She also drove in a pair of runs to help her own cause. Julia Bork tallied two hits and one RBI, while Stefanie Guercio (3 RBI) and Richardson each had
see roundup | page 9
PHOTO by scott taylor
Danilo Kovacevic is headed to state after placing second at the Niles West Sectional.
INSTAGRAM: Readers, attending a game in your area? Take a photo and tag @buglenewspapers for a chance to be featured! Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com roundup | from page 8 a hit. Not to be outdone, Guercio tallied a no-hitter of her own the next game, as Maine South defeated Waukegan 18-0 in five innings. He posted 13 strikeouts. Offensively, Sarah Hoffman racked up a whopping eight RBI on four hits, as Bork drove in three and Guercio added two. With the two previous outings, Resurrection looked successful earning a run and taking the game seven innings, but still fell to Maine South 7-1. Olivia Frink led the way for the Hawks with a pair of hits, while Rog earned the win, striking out seven.
BASEBALL Maine East earned a 3-0 win
medals| from page 7 better and better each year.” Teammate Merina Mackic ran the 800 in a time of 2:29.83. In the pole vault, Niles West’s
over Von Stuben behind 11 strikeouts from Jusuf Zvizdic in 6.2 innings of work. •Niles West dropped a pair of games to Glenbrook South, falling 3-2 and 11-6. In the opener, Bryan Maldonado and Sam Rukin led the way for the Wolves with two hits each. Rukin pitched six innings for Niles West. In the second game, the Wolves fell 11-6 despite three hits from Rukin. •Maine South dropped three games in a row, falling in two games to New Trier, 15-3 and 10-0 and losing 8-2 to Evanston. In the 15-3 loss to New Trier, Nick Cecela tallied a pair of hits for the Hawks. Against Evanston, Tim Schau racked to three hits and a walk.
Nicole Cho did not make qualifying height. Maine South’s Katie Dingle and Maine East’s Keren Parra both missed entry height in the high jump.
OAKTON Oakton Community College’s baseball team swept the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) individual awards and placed 10 players on the league’s all-conference teams. Owls pitcher Brandon Nowak (Notre Dame High School) was named ISCC Pitcher of the Year, outfielder Mike Miller (St. Lawrence High School) earned ISCC Player of the Year honors and head coach Bill Fratto was selected Skyway Coach of the Year. Nowak, who compiled a 4-0 record with 33 strikeouts in 25 innings and posted a 2.16 earned run average in ISCC play, also was named First Team All-Conference along with hurlers Jake McCabe (Richmond Central High School)
BOYS The Niles area were the lone qualifiers out of the 800-meter run Thursday at the Loyola Sectional.
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and Cody Pazik (Niles West High School). McCabe finished league play with a 2-0 record and three saves, striking out 12 batters in 15 1/3 innings and boasting a miniscule 1.17 ERA. Pazik went 3-1 in the conference along with 29 strikeouts and a 3.53 ERA in 20 1/3 innings. Miller and infielders Logan Beaman (Cardinal Ritter High School) and Alex Niecikowski (Rolling Meadows High School) also were awarded First Team AllConference honors. Miller batted .431, scored 23 runs, knocked in 13 RBIs and collected 19 hits (six for extra bases) in conference play. Beaman’s ISCC stats included a .380 batting average, 14 RBIs and 16 hits. Niecikowski recorded 13 hits, scored 15 runs and batted .361 in just 36 plate
appearances. Infielder George Karavidas (Glenbrook South), catcher Matt Delavega (Niles West), outfielder Devin Rybacki (Lake Park High School) and catcher Seth Dvorak (York High School) received Second Team All-ISCC honors. Oakton completed league play with a 12-2 record while outscoring opponents 102-37, marking the second consecutive year the Owls have won the ISCC. “We sure cleaned up with the awards,” said Fratto, who also earned coach of the year honors in 2006 and 2012. “That was a testament to the dedication of all the players. Without their work, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to achieve this distinction again.”
Maine East’s Torrain Haughton won the race with a time of 1:54.58. Behind him was Frankie Santa of Niles West with a time of 1:57.43. Maine South’s lone state qualifier
was Reese Jordan, who advanced in the 1600 with a time of 4:18.02. Maine East’s Tim Gurdzibeev advanced in the pole vault with a vault of 13-feet, 7-inches.
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TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport
Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
bhs athletics @bhsraiders “Congrats to Varsity Baseball on their 18th win of the regular season, a record for Bolingbrook H.S.! Way to go boys! #TheBrook” Milesplit Illinois @MilesplitIL “One of the best to ever lace them up for 800 ----> Michaela Hackbarth” Scott Kasik @ScottKasik “Congratulations Jaida Green. State Champion in High Jump. Today is Jaida Green Day at North HS. #WeAreDGN” John Fitzgerald @mrfitzhistory “Congratulations Ali Munson State Pole Vault Champion. Emma, Lucy and rest of team and coaches on 12th place #redwingnation #studentathletes1
News about local businesses in your community
Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
health
Advocate, Walgreens launch 56 in-store health clinics Officials mark openings with ribbon cutting at Park Ridge store By jonathan samples Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
When faced with a sudden illness such as the flu or a severe cold, oftentimes the only option for immediate care is the emergency room of a nearby hospital. That pricey and time consuming option presents challenges to many families and individuals who lack timely access to quality healthcare, according to Dr. Rosa Perez, family medicine specialist for Advocate Medical Group. “I have seen the anxiety that parents face when their child has a bad cold [or] painful ear infection and don’t know where to go for such a short term illness,” Perez said during a May 18 ceremony marking the launch of 56 Advocaterun healthcare clinics at Walgreens stores throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. “I think the clinics here atWalgreens will provide a great opportunity for that.” Ribbon cuttings were held at various Walgreens locations in the area, including the Park Ridge store, to celebrate the transfer of operations of Walgreens’ Chicagoland in-store health clinics to Illinois’ largest health system.
photo by Jonathan Samples | Bugle Staff
Advocate-run health clinics opened at 56 Walgreens May 18. Branded as Advocate Clinic at Walgreens, the convenient neighborhood locations will expand access to affordable, high-quality care, the Downers Grove-based healthcare provider said. “This is an exciting opportunity for healthcare consumers, who can now have access to one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems in one of the nation’s most popular drugstore retailers,” said Rick Floyd, president of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. “The clinics will advance Advocate’s efforts in population health management, creating an even more integrated healthcare delivery system.” Perez, who spoke at a ribbon cutting in Downers Grove, said the clinics will provide vaccinations, physicals and acute care for various injuries and common illnesses, such as strep throat, migraines, cold and
flu, sprains and upper respiratory infections. Patients can expect to pay a flat fee of $89 for many of the services offered at the clinics, which will also accept the same broad insurances as providers throughout the Advocate Medical Group. Boardcertified nurse practitioners and medical assistants employed by Advocate Medical Group will staff the in-store clinics, most of which are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Park Ridge resident Debbie Mech spoke about the new clinic during the Park Ridge grand opening, adding that convenience makes all the difference during common health emergencies. While individuals who visit the Walgreens clinics do not need to be a current Advocate patient to receive care, the clinics will be integrated
with Advocate’s electronic health record and billing systems. This, according to the hospital system, will create a seamless patient experience and increase continuity of care. “It also helps us to fulfill our commitment to creating an innovative healthcare system, which ultimately will improve care coordination, access to electronic medical records and increase our patient experience,” said Elizabeth Beranek, director of physician practice management at Advocate Medical Group. As a part of the Advocate system, clinic patients have the option to schedule appointments, review medical records, receive test results, chat with physicians and refill prescriptions through the MyAdvocate portal. “These clinics have the opportunity to transform healthcare throughout the Chicago region to all the patients we serve,” Beranek added. “This model will bring the necessary healthcare to our patients when and where they need it.” By the start of next year, officials hope to expand care offerings at Advocate Clinic at Walgreens to children as young as 6 months. In addition to Park ridge, individuals can visit clinics in Morton Grove, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Northfield, Buffalo Grove and Palatine, among other Advocate Clinic at Walgreens locations in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.
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deadline for classifieds: friday at noon Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
Business & Private Party Classified Ads: $16 per week, 20 words or less. Weddings, Births & Engagements: Black & White - $25, Color - $35. Obituaries: $35.
Phone: 815.436.2431 web: buglenewspapers.com/classifieds email: classifieds@buglenewspapers.com
Upcoming events for Seniors in the community Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
MAY 26
A Podcast Listening Party. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. If you are an avid listener of podcast like The Moth, Serial, Fresh Air, Reply All, The New Yorker Radio Hour, or Wormwood: A Serialized Mystery, then come to the library to hear the true stories, radio
dramas, and story-telling, plus receive recommendations for new podcasts to try. For more information about this event, visit www.mgpl.org or call 847965-4220.
MAY 29
The 1st Michigan ReEnactors. 1:30 to 2 p.m. at Niles
Historical and Cultural Center, 8970 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Chris Mantas & The 1st Michigan Engineers Civil War Reenactors will reprise their role as US soldiers of the 19, 20, and 21st Century. There will be a full bivouac of a World War II U.S. Army display in front of the museum. This year they will also have a Vietnam War reenactor. Chris will also be talking about women in the Wars.
JUNE 4
Bicycle Safety Rodeo. 10 a.m. to noon at the Niles Township Office, 5255 Main St., Skokie. Participants can take part in the bike safety check, helmet fitting, ride the skills course and compete in the slow/fast race competition. Free treats will be given to participants enjoying the festivities.
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Senior Expo will feature hundreds of products and services designed specifically for seniors. Offerings include health care, retirement communities, assisted living, financial, insurance, legal, estate planning, home care, travel, consumer products, government programs and more. No registration is required and regular admission to the event is $2. Free admission coupons will be widely available and attendees can obtain a free admission coupon by visiting www.activeseniorexpo.net. Parking is free.
JUNE 17
JUNE 11
Movies After Dark! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. 6:30 p.m. at Grennan Heights, 8255 Oketo, Niles. In addition to the movie, bring dinner or purchase provided food for a picnic. For more information, contact the Howard Leisure Center at 847-9676633.
JUNE 15
Taste of Des Plaines. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 17 and noon to 11 p.m. June 18. Downtown by the Metra Train Station in Des Plaines. Free admission. Featuring eight local restaurants.
Bike Niles Fest. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Notre Dame College Prep, 7655 W. Dempster St., Niles. Outdoor family event set to encourage biking, outdoor activities and fitness.
Active Senior Expo. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Eagle Banquets, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles. The Active
JUNE 17-18
JULY 4
4th of July Niles Parade and Celebration. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parade will begin at Notre Dame College Prep and proceed to Grennan Heights Park. Follow the parade to Grennan Heights Park and enjoy the post-parade festivities. Children’s games, pony rides, face painting and raffle.
JULY 8
Penny Carnival Night & Wild Daisy. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Oak Park, at Main and Ottawa streets. Come out and enjoy the first concert of the season with Wild Daisy and a Penny Carnival. Wild Daisy plays upbeat country music with a few pop and rock songs thrown in. Children will enjoy playing Penny Carnival games created by Niles Park District Campers.
JULY 15
Vehicle Adventure and Associates Band. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Oak Park, at Main and Ottawa streets. The interactive Associates Band, a Midwest premiere Motown and variety band plays for your entertainment. While enjoying the music take a look or sit in the Niles Park District and Village of Niles large vehicles for your family to explore. Niles Police Department will also be offering free car safety seat inspections by a certified technician during the concert.
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Vanacora Helen Vanacora, nee Bufano, age 93, formerly of Niles, beloved wife of the late Joseph; loving mother of Joseph (Debra) and Ronald (Suzanne); dear grandmother of Lindsay (Justin)
Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com Dale, Cheryl (Emmett) Ryan, Lisa, Michael (Katrina), Gina and Nicole; great grandmother of Nolan and Reagan Dale, and Conor and Eleanor Ryan; and dear aunt of many. She was preceded in death by her two sisters. Visitation was at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, May 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral
was May 16 at 9:15 a.m. to St. Isaac Jogues Mass at 10 a.m. Entombment: All Saints Mausoleum. For more information, call 847-966-7302 or visit www. skajafuneralhomes.com.
Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com Thursday, M ay 26, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com
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Area school districts react District 219 names to Obama Administration’s new superintendent bathroom access directives By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff
nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews
In June 2015, the Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education approved a revision of the district’s Equal Educational Opportunities policy to address the rights of transgender students. The revisions were based on existing state and federal laws, as well as guidelines issued by the U.S. Office of Civil Rights and the Department of Justice. The policy states that each transgender student may request certain accommodations, and one of those possible accommodations is access to locker rooms and restrooms matching their gender identity. The accommodations must be managed on a case-by-case basis by the school principal and/or complaint manager, according to the policy, which adds that figuring out the proper accommodations may be tricky. “Determining appropriate accommodations is difficult because school officials must balance the rights of transgender or gender nonconforming students to freedom from discrimination and freedom of expression with the rights of other students to freedoms of religion and expression,” the policy states. “The board attorney is an indispensable member of the team that will identify accommodations for a specific student.” David Beery, District 207’s director of communication, said that from his employer’s perspective, the directives issued May 13 didn’t present anything new. “They are essentially the same as the guidelines issued some time ago by the Office for Civil Rights,” he said. “So, the new guidelines will not have any effect.” Niles Township District 219 adopted its own policy on accommodating transgender students on July 13, 2015.
Because it drew on the same sources as District 207, their policies are virtually identical. Jim Szczepaniak, the district’s director of strategic partnerships and community relations, told the Bugle that staff wasn’t quite sure if the policies would have any effect on District 207 schools. “Our administration and board attorney are still reviewing the new federal directives, so we cannot yet give a definitive answer on whether those directives will have any effect on the district,” he said. Park Ridge Niles District 64 doesn’t have any policies that deal with accommodations for transgender students. However, it does have a nondiscrimination policy, which includes language saying that students can’t be “denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits” based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In a statement to the press, district Superintendent Laura Heinz emphasized that the district intends to abide by its current policies, as well as state and federal law. At this time, the district isn’t sure how the new directives will affect its practices. “Our Board of Education and administration will be reviewing the new guidance on Transgender Students from the Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights and will review our internal practices accordingly,” said Heinz. East Maine District 63 doesn’t have any policy dealing with transgender students, either. Janet Spector Bishop, the district’s director of communications, told the Bugle that staff doesn’t expect any problems. “District 63 hasn’t yet experienced any issues in this area, but if we do we will comply with the law and focus on keeping all children safe and comfortable,” she said. “Educating our parents would, of course, be a priority should the need arise.”
Steven Isoye will begin transition at district May 23
The Niles Township High School District 219 Board of Education approved the hire of the district’s next superintendent during a special meeting May 19. Steven Isoye’s employment with District 219 is set to begin May 23. As part of a transition plan, he will serve as co-interim superintendent through June 30 before assuming the title of superintendent July 1. His contract runs through June 20, 2019. “We are thrilled to bring to our community an educational leader who has such a rich portfolio of experience,” District 219 Board President Mark Sproat said in a news release announcing the hire. “We had an outstanding field of finalists for the superintendent position, and Dr. Isoye stood out for his focus on students, his experience, his character, and his leadership.” Since 2010, Isoye has served as superintendent of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200. He was principal of Maine East High School in Park Ridge from 2007-2010, during which time he was named 2010-11 Illinois High School Principal of the Year by the Horace Mann/Illinois Principals Association. Isoye has also served on the Illinois Math and Science Academy Board of Trustees since 1998. “Dr. Isoye has been providing excellent leadership at Oak Park and River Forest, which is a highly progressive district,” Sproat added. “Not only does he have solid classroom experience as a teacher, he was named Illinois’ top teacher. Not only did he establish a wonderful reputation as a principal, he was named our state’s principal of the year.” During his stint as co-interim superintendent, Isoye will transition up to five days with co-interim superintendents Mark Friedman and Steve Griesbach. His actual first day as
Submitted Photo
superintendent is set for July 6, following a scheduled vacation in early July. “I am excited to have this opportunity to serve the Niles Township High Schools community and the Board of Education,” Isoye said. “I am thrilled to work with an excellent group of educators, staff and students. I realize that I will need to take the time to listen and learn, but, given the support for schools I see from your community, the possibilities are endless.” Before his leadership at Maine East, Isoye was principal of Warren Township High School’s freshman-sophomore campus in Gurnee, where he also served as head of the division of science, industrial technology, and family and consumer sciences from 2000 through 2003. In 1998, he was named the Illinois State Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education and received the Milken Educator Award. Sproat noted that the board of education’s decision was heavily influenced by the comments provided by school community
members who participated in focus groups early in the selection process. An online survey for the search was completed by 590 students, parents, teachers, staff members, administrators and community members. Once the candidate field was narrowed to three finalists, each was interviewed by three different groups: one made up of students and parents, one of teachers and support staff, and one of administrators. “We really appreciate the time and energy of all the people in our schools and community who participated in the process,” Sproat said. “Their input played a critical part in our decisionmaking.” Isoye has a Doctor of Education, Educational Specialist degree and a Master of Science in Education degree from Northern Illinois University; a Master of Arts degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University; and a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Northern Illinois University.
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