District 214 unveils new Web site

District 214 recently launched its new Web site, d214.org, providing a standardized, fresh look and feel for web visitors, along with an easier tool for district staff to manage web content.

According to Keith Bockwoldt, District 214 director of technology systems and Support, there were several main goals in the redesign: to provide an easily navigated Web site, to match its professional look with the degree of educational excellence found in District 214, and to offer the community comprehensive and easy-to-find information. Picture galleries of events occurring throughout the district are another exciting feature. The individual school and library sites will be launched in mid-December.

Over a nearly two-year research period, District 214's Technology Services department carefully selected Americaneagle.com from numerous possible vendors to help set up a Content Management System (CMS). The CMS is used to manage and refresh the new district site.

Paul Navarro, District 214's webmaster, commented, "This project was a team effort with all nine building webmasters working together to produce the new district and upcoming school sites."

Together the group considered the best way to define the Web site's navigation, main page categories, and other elements. Another important choice was a new color scheme, moving away from the stark contrast of white, red, and black.

The individual schools' Web sites will also have an attractive new presentation, incorporating the school colors of each one into the standard templates. Parents will be able to find all the teachers' schedules as well as contact information on the school Web sites.

"Our schools are some of the best in Illinois and we want this reflected (on our Web sites) when people are looking at moving to the area," said Bockwoldt. "Community outreach and communication with students and parents is critical to our success."