Fox Valley briefs

Meet new special ed director:

Community Unit District 300's new director of public personnel services, Barbara Kelley, will meet with district residents at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Westfield Community School, 2100 Sleepy Hollow Road, Algonquin. Kelley, a former administrator in Northwest Suburban High School District 214, took over the post that oversees special education from Laura Frankiewicz in July. Kelley will present on special education and field questions from parents. Call (847) 551-1780.

REC center hosts open house:

The Huntley Park District's REC Center is hosting an open house this week. Through Saturday, Sept. 19, you can use the REC Center's exercise equipment and participate in fitness classes free of charge. The center, 12015 Mill St., is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Visit huntleyparks.org or call (847) 669-3180 ext. 311.

Judson climbs top tier:

Judson University in Elgin ranked in the top tier of schools in U.S. News and World Report's Baccalaureate-Midwest division in its 2009 edition of America's Best Colleges. The magazine, which has rated the country's colleges since the early 1980s, rates by test scores, peer reputation, selectivity and alumni giving. Judson first appeared in the Top Tier by ranking 54th in the U.S. News and World Report's 2005 Best Colleges survey. Last year, the university climbed higher in the Top Tier by jumping to 21st in the rankings and now has earned the 18th spot. The 1,200-student school costs about $23,500 in tuition and fees each year to attend.