First of town hall meetings in District 300 on Saturday

People who address the Community Unit District 300 school board at their bimonthly meetings usually don't get a response on the same night.

The board's policy is to respond to questions after board meetings.

This Saturday, when you ask the board a question, there's a good chance you will get an answer.

On Saturday, the district will host the first of three town hall meetings designed to improve communication between district residents and board members.

"Our goal is to try to be as accessible, as available … as possible because we cannot do it at a regular meeting," board President Joe Stevens said.

In last year's survey of students, employees, parents and residents, respondents said they wanted better communication with the district's elected officials.

"Those who responded indicated they would like to know the school board members better than what they see at a formal meeting," Superintendent Ken Arndt said.

At the town hall meetings, board members will be on hand to hear community members' concerns and answer questions in a more informal setting. A translator will be available for Spanish speakers.

Three dates have been set for the town hall meetings, which all will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• Saturday at Hampshire Elementary School, 321 Terwilliger Ave.

• April 19 at Dundee Township Senior Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville.

• May 17 at Neubert Elementary School, 1100 Huntington Drive, Algonquin.

Because of privacy issues, parents should not discuss specific students, district officials said.

Arndt said the town hall meetings were a first for District 300.

"We've never tried anything like this before," Arndt said. "We just hope there's more people than board members."