Briefs: Dist. 214 call for entries

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 is seeking entries from residents within its boundaries for its annual Arts Unlimited Community Writing and Art Contest. One entry per person can be made in the three categories: poetry, prose and visual art. Prose entries are limited to 1,500 words. Visual art entries must be in two dimensions, in color or grayscale, and submitted as a photograph or copy. Two copies of each entry are required, with the entrant's name, address and telephone number, and title of work on the back of one copy and the title only on the other copy. Entries will not be returned. Submit entries to Liz Schrenk, Arts Unlimited 214, Elk Grove High School, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Deadline is Feb. 15. An awards presentation and reception will be April 15.

District 54 sets 2008 levy

Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 officials have approved their 2008 tax levy, a 3.69 percent increase from the 2007 levy. Officials arrived at their levy estimation of just over $147 million by applying the previous year's equalized assessed valuation of property within the district to an estimated tax rate. Tax cap laws limit property tax increases to 5 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. But levies are intended to estimate the full amount of property value within a taxing district. In addition to the published levy for its programs and services, District 54's aggregate levy will include an amount retiring the principal and interest on its life safety bonds. The aggregate levy will be $8.7 million, a decrease of 7.39 percent from the 2007 extended levy.

Library set for director vote

Schaumburg Township District Library trustees hope to approve a new director Monday to succeed the retiring Michael Madden, who's overseen operations for more than 40 years. Trustees had a closed session meeting with one of the two finalists Wednesday night and plan to meet with the other Friday, Trustee Robert Lyons said. Board members hope to get far enough in discussing their thoughts about the two finalists at the end of Friday's closed session in order to make an appointment at Monday night's regular meeting at the Hanover Park branch. Madden, who's retiring Dec. 31, said another item for discussion Monday will be on how to bridge the gap between his departure and when the new director will be able to start. Both finalists are currently employed, one in Illinois and the other out of state.

Literary fund honors teacher

A fund to promote literacy in children has been set up in memory of Eleanor "Elly" Taheny, who spent nearly 40 years as a teacher and reading specialist in Palatine Township Elementary District 15. Taheny, a Lake Zurich resident, died of cancer Nov. 25. District 15 literacy director Maria McClurkin said Taheny "had such a heart for children who didn't necessarily have access to books because of poverty." Donations can be sent to Elly's Literacy Fund, c/o American Chartered Bank, 459 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. For more on Taheny and the fund, contact District 15 Assistant Superintendent Mary Zarr at (847) 963-3106.