Briefs: Career, GED training

The Early School Leaver Program is currently accepting applications for the 2008 spring semester, which begins in mid-January at 301 S. Swift Road, Addison. The program offers free GED preparation, workplace skill-building and specific career training for DuPage residents ages 17 to 21. For details or to register, call (630) 691-7577 or visit www.tcdupage.org/esl.html.

District eyes new post

Villa Park-based Elementary District 45 is looking to add a new supervisory position to save money in the long run. The school board is considering a proposal to hire a maintenance and energy supervisor to keep an eye on district buildings and figure out ways to save on energy costs. Administrators expect to pay the individual between $45,000 and $70,000 a year in salary, plus $15,000 in benefits. But they expect to recoup the costs partly by reducing a consultant's contract by bringing some work in-house, as well as through energy savings. Disparities in energy costs exist among the district's various buildings, which signal some likely opportunities to save "significant" amounts of money, district Business Manager Jay Tovian said.

Reading program to start

Kids can get on the trail of the great dogsled race in Alaska in Naperville Public Library's "IditaREAD" winter reading program. For children through grade 5, the program starts Jan. 7 at all three library buildings -- Nichols, Naper Boulevard and 95th Street -- where they can pick up their reading logs and welcome prize. Participants have a chance to win tickets to a Chicago Wolves hockey game and other prizes. A highlight of the program will be a visit from a Wolves player at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive. The six-week program ends Feb. 17. For details, call (630) 961-4100.

Trinity honors students

Trinity Lutheran School in Roselle recently launched its own chapter for the National Junior Honor Society. Ten seventh- and eighth-graders were inducted during a candlelight ceremony this month. They were Sarah Blackwell, Deborah Ebbinghaus, Zachary Gross, Rachel Hasler, Jonathan Knittter, Christopher Lozano, Rachel Race, Katherine Schoield, Benjamin Stone and Jacob Vance. The organization's goal is to promote enthusiasm for scholarship and leadership, stimulate a desire to render service, develop character and encourage good citizenship.