District 200 to Involve Community in Planning Effort

As a result of Board action on Wednesday evening, November 13, District 200 will be launching an extensive community engagement process beginning early in 2014.

Through a series of community workshops and other events, community members will have an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the District including such areas as student achievement, curriculum, technology, facilities, finances, communications and other topics. More importantly, District residents will be able to provide input and feedback regarding the opportunities and challenges facing the District in these areas. Information gathered from the workshops will serve as the basis for a summary report that will be presented to the Board of Education in June or July. All District 200 residents are invited and encouraged to participate in this engagement process that will help guide the direction of the District in the future.

The engagement effort will be citizen-led. “It is vitally important for our entire community to participate,” commented Board Secretary Brad Paulsen and Community Engagement Committee Member. “Only with diverse and informed voices can we develop an effective plan for our District’s future.”

A group of citizens will be working with District staff over the next few weeks to finalize details regarding the schedule and location of the workshop sessions. The citizen leaders will be using every means of communication available to announce the date, time and location of the first community-wide session tentatively planned for mid-January. However, in the meantime, to make sure you receive a personal invitation you may register your desire to attend the sessions and get on our community engagement contact list by contacting communications@cusd200.org or 630-682-2469.

“I look forward to these being very productive sessions where our District 200 residents can have meaningful dialogue with their neighbors regarding District issues, challenges and opportunities,” said Board Vice President Jim Vroman, who is also a member of the Board’s Community Engagement Committee. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for anyone in our community interested in having an impact on the future of our school district.”