Overall satisfaction with communication efforts, trust and support has increased since 2011, according to a recent communications survey of Glenbrook High School District 225 parents, students and staff.

When asked to rate "overall communications," 94 percent of parents, 76 percent of students and 93 percent of staff said it was "good"" or "excellent." These statistics have improved since 2011, when 90 percent of parents, 72 percent of students and 85 of staff had the same feelings. Parents were also asked if they "Trust the Board and Administration to do what's best for students," to which 83 percent said they "strongly agreed" or "somewhat agreed." This statistic has risen by 7 percent since 2011.

"We are pleased to see that our school community recognizes the improvements we have made in the past three years to enhance our communications efforts," said Director of Public Relations and Communications Karen Geddeis. "Now, we will need to focus on maintaining this level of contact and evaluating what we can do even better."

This survey also contained results for new communications initiative since 2011 which include a new website and two online publications - the District 2:25 Update and Connections. More than half of parents, students and staff rated the website as "excellent" or "above average." Both online publications generate high readership levels of 70 percent and 79 percent, respectively.

The remainder of the survey focused on information sources and communication preferences. Not surprisingly, the district has seen a steady increase in social media use as a means for obtaining school information.

Geddeis presented these findings during a communications update at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, July 15. The online survey garnered a large number of participants, with 838 parents, 345 students and 250 staff members providing input. The survey was conducted in April.

"We are grateful to our survey participants for providing us with valuable input," said Geddeis. "It's so important that we listen to their needs and implement changes to our current practices as appropriate."

District 225 discusses organizational goals for 2013-14

Each year, the Glenbrook High School District 225 administration works with the Board of Education to develop District Initiatives and set organizational goals for the coming school year.

"It is our job to monitor the challenges of the education industry and to present strategies to either resolve a problem or address an existing or anticipated concern," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle. "Our goals over the past five years have done just that."

At the meeting Monday night, the Board of Education reviewed a first draft of a list of initiatives and goals, derived from a retreat that took place this spring. The goals are divided into targeted categories that include curriculum and instruction, human resources, business, public relations and communications, technology, student wellness and miscellaneous.

The administration presented the following suggestions:

• Implement new human resources software (Skyward)
• Develop a long-range cost containment plan for health insurance
• Conduct a study of enrollment and building capacity
• Renovate the facility at 3801 West Lake Avenue
• Consider facility safety upgrades
• Increase student engagement
• Implement Common Core standards
• Conduct a homework study
• Review the academic program
• Implement new teacher evaluation instrument
• Continue to implement recent legislation (Senate Bill 7, PERA, etc.)
• Implement hiring software package
• Continue to engage staff
• Develop a communications plan for 2015-2018.
• Provide communications support for numerous district level initiatives
• Develop a plan to address student wellness
• Upgrade wireless infrastructure
• Enhance technology for special education students
• Improve record retention and data storage

The Board and administration will continue to discuss the various suggestions and will finalize the initiatives list in the coming month.

District hires Director of Instructional Technology 

The Board approved the hiring of Ryan Bretag as the new Director of Instructional Technology for the district.  Bretag has been the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Glenbrook North since 2006, a position that has been restructured into his new role.Bretag will oversee professional development activities, and supervise the instructional/systems trainers and the library staff in both high schools.

"This new position represents a significant organizational change that is designed to bring greater consistency, collaboration and communication involving the technology resources available throughout the district," said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle.