The Superintendent's Citizen Finance and Facilities Advisory Committee (SCFFAC) has met three times as a large group, and is now beginning to meet in smaller subcommittee groups in addition to monthly whole-group meetings.  The 60-member committee is comprised of staff, parents and other community residents, and its purpose is to conduct an in-depth study of the district's facilities, with the goal of recommending options that will be presented for broader community input.  After soliciting input, the committee will write a report of its findings to share with Superintendent of Schools David L. Behlow, who will in turn incorporate the information into recommendations for the Board of Education.

        Many of the district's 12 school buildings are very old and in need of considerable repair.  Because the number of district buildings is large for the number of students served, the committee will be examining options that may include closing one or more schools and/or reconfiguring grade levels served by the buildings.  The district has not yet developed any specific recommendations for repairs or for building closures or building consolidation, and those decisions are still a long way down the road.  

        "The issues here will be complex and emotional, and it is very important that our community be well-informed about the state of our facilities and our finances, and be involved in brainstorming options that could be viable," Dr. Behlow said.  "It is important that the community take its time and understand the issues and options, so we can make informed decisions that will ultimately have a positive impact for the next generation of our students."

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        North Shore School District 112 is embarking on a new and innovative effort to engage all segments of the community and increase involvement in discussions on how to improve schools. The first of a series of planned communication initiatives will be launched in February in the form of a District Climate Survey. Early next month, parents and other community residents will be invited to share their perceptions about the district, and offer suggestions for improvement.
        The first survey will focus on the public's experience with and perception of the district as a whole.  Anyone who resides within the district's boundaries will be invited to participate.  Future initiatives are planned to gather information about parent, staff and student experiences at their individual schools.           

        The survey may be taken in either English or Spanish, and all parents who have shared their email address with the district will receive an invitation to the survey that includes a direct link to participate. Parents and residents who don't have computer access may request a paper copy of the survey by calling their school office.  Postcards with a link to the survey will also be mailed to district residents.   

        North Shore School District 112 works closely with the Highland Park and Highwood police departments to ensure the safety of our students, staff and visitors.  A new joint school security initiative with both police departments will provide more police presence at our schools, and ensure that police officers are familiar with the school buildings and with staff.
        All district schools will be visited at least twice a month by a neighborhood patrol officer.  The officer visits will be unannounced, and will consist of a 15-minute walk-through of the common areas of the building, including hallways, cafeterias, and libraries.  Officers will NOT walk into individual classrooms.  The officers will also take care not to disrupt any educational activities, such as testing, that may be taking place during their visits.  The officers will gain entry to the building just as any visitor would, by being buzzed in at the main entrance and signing in with the front office.
       "We are pleased that these visits will allow officers to get to know our staff, become well-acquainted with the layout of our buildings, continuously monitor school security procedures, and offer suggestions for improvement," said Superintendent Behlow.