Parents say they want more from District 46 board

Some parents say they have concerns and want more than just a few minutes of microphone time at Grayslake Elementary District 46 board meetings.

District 46 resident Shannon Smigielski said she and other parents want elected board members to host a proper forum so there can be give-and-take on major issues such as spending. Smigielski said the effort has been unsuccessful so far.

"We don't want to have a 'their side' and 'our side.' We don't want there to be such a great divide between the district board and us," said Smigielski, who estimates she now has about 50 parents involved in an online group for District 46 issues.

District 46 Superintendent Ellen Correll said officials aren't against having a board forum. Board members tabled discussion on the idea at a meeting Monday, but it may arise in June.

Similar to other school systems, the District 46 board doesn't interact with audiences at public meetings. Speakers generally get about three minutes and return to their seats without comment from their elected officials.

However, some school districts hold special forums so taxpayers can address issues with board members in an informal setting.

Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50 scheduled three forums for the 2008-09 academic year. Results of community and food-service surveys, as well as a question-and-answer period for visitors, were part of an April 23 board forum.

District 46 resident Sharon Hetz said spending and budget cuts would be areas she'd like to address in depth with the school board. Hetz also said she has questions about Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Awards given to two schools by a South Carolina education consultant hired by District 46.

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Inc.-related expenses totaled $65,528 for District 46 over 2007 and 2008, records show. District 46's tab includes consulting services and all employee travel-related expenses to two South Carolina conventions.