District 202's community discussion to focus on facilities

Participants in Lisle Unit District 202's next Vision 202 community engagement session will discuss the district's facilities and whether they effectively support the instructional needs of teachers and students.

All parents and residents are invited to attend the Vision 202 Session 4, which runs 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Lisle Junior High School, 5207 Center Ave.

The community's input is an important component in the discussion about the next steps for District 202's facilities and will serve as a starting point for the master facilities plan to be developed in the fall.

Mark Jolicoeur and Steve Turkes of Perkins+Will, an architecture and design firm, will preside. The presentation will include an overview of the current Lisle facilities, as well as an introductory look at effective school environments for 21st century learning.

The discussion is the fourth community engagement session of a planning initiative that began in January. The collaborative community engagement process between the community and school district is designed to ensure the continuation of a successful educational experience for future Lisle students and to help guide the direction of the district for the next several years.

Vision 202 is led by district residents and co-chairmen Susan Stears and Bill Buchelt.

Vision 202 Session One began with a collaborative discussion about "The State of the District," which provided an overview of the facts, celebrations and challenges currently facing Lisle Unit District 202 and an opportunity for community members to provide input for upcoming sessions.

The next session focused on "Student Achievement and Programs of Study," during which parents, residents, community members and district staff identified factors they believe students need to be successful at school.

Last month, participants took an in-depth look at the district's finances and the future financial outlook. This month's session will focus on district facilities.

The final session is in May and will be a review of the project's key findings and recommendations for future improvement planning. Key findings and recommendations will be presented to the school board at the conclusion of the project in June.

All district residents are invited to participate in Vision 202. The success of the project relies on participation from a broad-based representation of the community. RSVP is appreciated, but not required, at bit.ly/vision202rsvp. Child care will be provided for children ages 4 to 12. Visit the website to reserve a spot for your children.

For information about Vision 202, visit vision202.org, find us on Facebook at Lisle Vision 202 and follow us on Twitter @Vision_202.

To sign up for the Vision 202 email newsletter, go to bit.ly/lislevision202enewsletter.