Community Unit District 300 news

The Community Unit District 300 School Board has launched a special new effort aimed at establishing a more personal and direct relationship with the taxpayers they represent.

In the district's 2006-07 strategic plan survey, the public expressed a desire to better connect with elected representatives.

As a result, the board started a series of town hall-style community gatherings. The first meeting was March 15 at Hampshire Elementary School.

Residents are welcome to stop by and casually visit with board members at any or all of these gatherings about any questions or concerns they have.

The gatherings will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with the dates and locations as follows:

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

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

Board President Joe Stevens said he is excited about this new avenue to visit with local citizens.

"This is a sincere effort to learn more about what is on the minds of local residents," Stevens said. "Feedback and questions are welcome and wanted. We hope everyone will take a few minutes to come chat with us about the present and future of District 300."

The district is sending home community invitations with every student. The invitation also will be e-mailed to all District 300 staff and to members of district panels such as the Community Leadership Council, the Community Building Committee, the Community Finance Committee, PTO/PTC Presidents Council, and others.

The invitational flier will be in English and Spanish. A translator will be available at each of the three gatherings.

For details, call the office of the superintendent at (847) 426-1300, ext. 310; or department of communication services, at (847) 426-1300, ext. 344.