Field-Stevenson Intermediate School has set specific goals for the new school year which focus on math, ELA, and social and emotional learning. The goals were required as the school was designated by the state as needing improvement as part of an annual review process.
The goals were set by Susan Bogdan, the school’s principal, and her staff, said Robert Hubbird, the District 91 interim superintendent at a school board meeting on Aug. 14.
Hubbird said so-called SMART goals are used in school improvement planning and must objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
The goal setting was required by the state after Field-Stevenson received a designation of “targeted” in the annual school report card process. In Illinois, there are four designations within the statewide school accountability system: exemplary, commendable, targeted, comprehensive and intensive.
Forest Park’s three other public elementary schools – Betsy Ross, Garfield and Forest Park Middle School – were all classified as “commendable.”
Schools designated as targeted, comprehensive, and intensive receive can receive additional federal funding and support if they set and achieve goals.
“Because of Field-Stevenson’s rating that they received of ‘targeted,’ they have to develop SMART goals in order to get additional federal funding,” Hubbird said. “Principal (Susan) Bogdan met with her team and these are the goals that they came up with for the year.”
Those goals include improvements at Field-Stevenson in ELA, general education, math, social and emotional learning, and the 5Essentials survey.
At the meeting Hubbird, who is doubling as the district’s “chief business officer” as well as interim superintendent, presented a fourth quarter financial report. The report reflected the financial activity of the district from March 1 – June 30, 2025.
The district’s fund balance increased because it received additional tax revenue that was owed to the district from previous years. Expenses were also cut by 4%.
“It was a good quarter,” said Hubbird.
Hubbird said there will be a delay in the receipt of property tax revenues from the county. He said the revenue, which the district normally receives in July or August, is not expected until December.
“So it’s good that we’ve planned and built up a reserve to help us out during these situations,” Hubbird said.
A tentative annual budget was also presented, which will be posted for 30 days and voted on during the board’s next meeting on Sept 11.
Another topic covered by Hubbird during the meeting was talent, recruitment and development. Presently, District 91 is looking to fill six positions: middle school math teacher, youth interventionist, permanent substitute, instructional assistant, lunchroom monitor, and school engagement coordinator.
“Please help spread the word,” Hubbird said. “We offer great insurance, tuition reimbursement and opportunities for advancement.”
With the new school year beginning this week, Hubbird emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to easing the financial burden on families by providing free school supplies—a practice that has been in place since 2014.
“So thank you, board members, for ensuring that all students have equitable access to be successful,” he said.
Steven Rummel, the board’s vice president, wrapped up the meeting by expressing gratitude for District 91’s teachers.
“I just want to reiterate that we really appreciate the work that the teachers have done to prepare for this year,” Rummel said. “There’s been a lot of changes during the last five years and you guys have rolled with all of it, and you’ve done a great job – and we’ve seen it and we recognize it.”
