District outlines staffing and safety staffing plan estimated at about $708,111; board approves productivity plan

The Cook County School District 130 superintendent presented a productivity and staffing plan at the April 21 board meeting that proposes new positions to support specialized student programming, safety and supervision, and operational efficiency, and the board approved the measure.

The superintendent said the plan focuses on three priorities: expanding intensive communication program (ICP) staffing, strengthening student safety and supervision by adding an assistant director of school safety and safety liaisons, and improving building systems management through a building automation systems manager. The presentation said the district would add paraprofessionals and a social worker in targeted programs to reduce caseloads and deliver mandated services.

The superintendent described the financial estimate as "approximately $708,111," and tied the positions to program growth and compliance needs. On the proposed safety staffing the superintendent said adding roles would improve coverage during arrival and dismissal, support de-escalation and on-site responses, and provide oversight for safety personnel.

A board member expressed support for the ICP admissions expansion, a motion to approve the productivity plan was made and seconded, and the chair called for a roll-call vote. The meeting record indicates the motion carried in open session.

The public transcript did not provide a full, named roll-call tally printed in the open portion of the record; implementation details and exact hiring timelines were described as subject to further administrative scheduling and budget processes.

The plan will require follow-up by district administration for position descriptions, precise budget coding, and timelines for hiring and training.