Summers Academy of Dance continues to grow Business, F1
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013
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BLACKHAWKS • SPORTS, C1
THE DAILY SHOW • PLANIT SCREEN, D1
Musick: Hossa’s goal dispels warning signs for Hawks
In Jon Stewart’s absence, John Oliver fills in as anchor
Jonathan Toews
Enthusiasm low on special session Representatives doubt Quinn, prospects of pension deal By KEVIN P. CRAVER kcraver@shawmedia.com McHenry County’s representatives in Springfield are not sure what, if anything, will be accomplished in a special session later this month to address the pension
crisis. Gov. Pat Quinn announced Thursday that he is calling the General Assembly back to Springfield on June 19 to again attempt to fix the state’s crushing $100 billion unfunded public pension liability. Lawmakers adjourned May 31 with-
out approving a fix, and Quinn’s announcement came shortly after that inaction prompted Illinois’ second credit downgrade in four days. “Time and time again over the past two years, I have proposed, asked and pushed members of the General Assembly to send me a
comprehensive pension reform bill,” Quinn said in his announcement. “Time and time again, failure to act by deadlines has resulted in the bond rating agencies lowering our credit rating, which hurts our economy, wastes taxpayer money and shortchanges the education of our children.”
What it means Gov. Pat Quinn is calling the General Assembly into special session June 19 to deal with pension reform. His announcement came shortly after Illinois received its second credit downgrade in four days because of inaction on the pension crisis.
See PENSIONS, page A6
Mendoza Summer not a time for brain freeze resigns as D-47 head Board president: Decision was mutual By JOSEPH BUSTOS jbustos@shawmedia.com
Photos by Lathan Goumas – lgoumas@shawmedia.com
Jack Littel and Matthew D’Amore, both 11, construct a “space probe” during a simulated space shuttle mission May 28 at Challenger Learning Center in Woodstock.
Camps keep local youth engaged By SHAWN SHINNEMAN sshinneman@shawmedia.com
Gaby Cabanelas, 11, acts like a spacecraft communicator May 28 during a simulated space shuttle mission at Challenger Learning Center. The center is holding summer programs to help keep kids mentally active.
The summer camp curriculum at Kids R Kids in Crystal Lake doesn’t quite compare with the rigidness of a school curriculum – it’s more like learning in disguise. Kids go to places such as the zoo, Medieval Times and Star 105.5 – field trips fit into a camp learning schedule that’s relaxed, yet still emphasizes keeping the wheels turning while school is out.
“I think it’s important to continue their mental growth throughout the summer because it will make it easier when you come back in the fall,” said Ed Kulach, owner of Kids R Kids. “It expands their minds, their creativity, their imagination.” From summer camps to reading programs to parks courses, McHenry County is packed with opportunities to keep children mentally active over the summer. Students who take the same tests at the beginning of the school year score lower than they did a few months earlier, according to research reports compiled by the National Summer Learning Association.
See SUMMER, page A6
CRYSTAL LAKE – In a mutual decision, District 47 Superintendent Donn Mendoza resigned Thursday to allow the district and its school board to head in a different direction. “This decision was made based on discussions between the board and Dr. Mendoza and the future direction of the district,” Board President Jeff Mason said in a news release. “Following those discussions, the board and Dr. Mendoza mutually agreed that it would be in the best interest of District 47 to Donn move forward with a Mendoza new superintendent.” Mason would not elaborate on the reasons after the meeting. Mendoza earned $167,225 this school year. As part of the resignation agreement, the board approved a severance package. Mendoza will receive two months of pay, which is about $27,870. His family health insurance will continue through June 2014. Kathy Hinz, who serves as the assistant superintendent of Student Service and Professional Development, was named acting superintendent while the board discusses its next step in finding a replacement for Mendoza. “The board has full confidence in the leadership team in the district, and we are grateful for Kathy’s continued leadership role in her new capacity as acting superintendent,” Mason said. The board plans to meet June 17 to discuss the process of choosing a replacement, Mason said after the meeting.
See D-47, page A6
LOCALLY SPEAKING
CRYSTAL LAKE
AFFRUNTI SHOOTS WELL IN PGA RETURN Crystal Lake native Joe Affrunti made his first PGA start in nearly two years at the FedEx St. Jude Classic on Thursday. Affrunti shot 2-under-par 68 for the day and is tied for 18th place heading into Friday’s 8:39 a.m. tee time. He’s currently two shots behind six leaders. For more, see Sports C1.
Andy Kartheiser Kyle Grillot – kgrillot@shawmedia.com
HIGH
LOW
68 50 Complete forecast on A8
JOHNSBURG: Pistakee Yacht Club opens up its sailing classes to increase interest in the sport. Local & Region, B1 Vol. 28, Issue 158
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