District 64 recently launched its “Vision 2020” community-driven strategic planning effort with the formation of a 40-member Strategic Planning Steering Committee. With the District’s current five-year strategic plan coming to a close, the committee this spring is working to identify what priorities the District should support over the next five years, according to Superintendent Laurie Heinz.
Meeting in February with plan consultant Robert Ewy, the committee focused on local, state, national and international trends in education. Based on this analysis, the committee is moving out into the community in March and April to offer local residents several opportunities to directly contribute their ideas and vision.
The committee has arranged “avenues of opportunities” for community members to participate:
- A brief questionnaire is available through Tuesday, March 17 for community members to share their priorities for education in District 64. Enter the survey here. The survey focuses on four fundamentals, including: What are the greatest challenges or issues District 64 will face over the next 5 years? What are the most important skills and abilities students must master to be prepared for a successful future? What do you use to evaluate the quality of education in District 64? What are the financial priorities that District 64 should focus on over the next 5 years? A paper copy also is available by calling the District 64 office, 847-318-4300.
- Park Ridge-Niles community groups and organizations are encouraged to invite a steering committee member to visit with them in March. Please email Dr. Heinz (or phone her at 847-318-4300) to arrange a short presentation followed by time for your group to share their views.
- Building on this input and its own continuing research, the committee will assemble the plan and will preview a working draft with the community on Wednesday, April 15 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. at Emerson Middle School, 8101 N. Cumberland, Niles.
“On behalf of the committee, I encourage all community members to take time to look ahead to 2020 and share their vision for District 64,” Dr. Heinz stated.
The committee is expected to complete its work so that a plan can be presented to the Board of Education in June, and the District can begin implementation in the 2015-16 school year.