Palatine Dist. 15 flier ban hurting some groups

The idea that parents would take only a cursory glance at the stack of colored fliers stuffed in their child's backpack before tossing them has prompted a new approach to distributing information at one local school district.

In an effort to become greener, Palatine Township Elementary District 15 this fall began posting e-fliers on its Web site in order to promote nonprofit organizations, intergovernmental agencies and business partners putting on district-sponsored programs.

But the spared trees -- not to mention saving an estimated 2,000 hours per year sorting the materials -- are coming at a cost: participation. Some local groups are reporting lower enrollment because of a struggle to get the word out.

Last year, Cub Scout Pack 339 in Palatine signed up 28 new members after fliers about an informational meeting went home with students at Paddock, Sanborn and Virginia Lake schools. Just four boys have joined this fall.

"It has had a negative impact on our organization as it relates to recruitment efforts," said Cathie Johnson, a den mother and activity chair. "Boy Scouts of America is truly a nonprofit organization from the top down and we just can't afford to pay for advertising."

Palatine North Little League President Roy Ori is also concerned at the lack of registration forms coming in from kids wanting to play America's pastime.

"We rely almost exclusively on our schools because we don't have the funds to do mass mailings," Ori said. "I just don't think the alternative being presented is as effective because parents have to take the time to seek out the information."

District 15's new paperless policy closely mirrors the "Take Back the Backpack" campaign launched a year ago in Naperville Unit District 203. Communications Director Melea Smith said she heard complaints at first from the park district, children's museum and others, but that they've stopped.

The virtual backpack Web page is one of District 203's most viewed, and e-mails go out reinforcing the online listings.

"Our kids aren't carrier pigeons," said District 203's Smith, who thinks the economy may be adversely affecting participation in some groups. "Our job is education and it took about 2,000 staff hours each year stuffing those backpacks."

District 15 Assistant Superintendent James Garwood said the e-flier initiative was first explored a year ago and that support from parent groups and schools was overwhelming.

District 15 sends out twice monthly E-News reminding parents about the online flier postings. And magazine racks have been installed in every building so that people without computers can still get hard copies.

"Apart from a few groups, the transition hasn't been that rocky," Garwood said. "We have 53 fliers posted right now. Can you imagine how much paper that would be going out?"