Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Superintendent Laurie Heinz is inviting interested community members to volunteer for appointment to a Community Relations Council she is forming as the new school year gets underway.
“Ensuring that stakeholders in our community have a clear understanding of what District 64 is striving to accomplish, while also ensuring the District is aware of the thoughts and desires within the larger community is a priority to me,” Dr. Heinz said.
“During my first year as superintendent, I placed significant emphasis on learning about the District from being present. As I begin my second year, I still plan to be visible and fully invested in every aspect of our school system, but I also want to focus more energy on the larger Park Ridge-Niles community,” Dr. Heinz noted.
“This council will help me extend new lines of communication and strengthen relationships between District 64 and local residents beyond our staff and parent families,” she added.
“I hope to assemble a diverse group that provides a balance of stakeholder voices from throughout the school community,” Dr. Heinz stated. “The primary goal will be to increase two-way communication flowing from stakeholder groups directly to me and vice versa,” she added.
The council will be composed of approximately 20 members representing a cross-section of District residents. The group will meet three times a year. The kick-off meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Other meetings will be held on Tuesday, January 12 and Tuesday, April 12, 2016 also from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
“As we meet during the year, I anticipate that council members will serve in an advisory capacity and share their external perspectives on District 64’s strategic objectives and areas of focus, finances, educational as well as demographic trends, and on other critical school-related issues,” she noted.
“Members will act as communication ambassadors to increase the community’s understanding of District 64's mission and to provide me with feedback about how the District is meeting the expectations of the community,” Dr. Heinz added.
Interested District 64 residents should complete a short application available on the District 64 website to be considered for membership. Members will be appointed to serve for up to two years.
“We anticipate that volunteers would demonstrate a willingness to openly communicate, work toward positive outcomes, and have the best interests of both District 64 and the larger community at the center of their volunteerism,” Dr. Heinz noted.
Applications should be submitted on or before Monday, August 24. More information is available on the District 64 website.