Dist. 62: We've done our best to keep public informed
On Friday, Aug. 13, the Daily Herald editorialized about the impact of the recent strike by the Chicago Laborers District Council and Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers on construction projects in Des Plaines School District 62.
This piece called upon school administrators to make an immediate decision regarding the opening of Algonquin Middle School or the announcement of an alternate learning site for the school's 700 students.
It is important for parents and community members to know that, since the three-week strike was settled on July 19, District 62 has been proactive and transparent in our communications and decision-making. We have tried to balance the media's desire for clarity and resolution of this matter, with the educational priorities of our students, families and faculty. Classes will resume as scheduled, with the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 23.
We firmly believe that the best-case scenario for all parties is for Algonquin Middle School students and staff to return to that location and we are working toward that goal. Soon after the strike was settled, construction crews began working seven days a week in multiple shifts at all District 62 construction sites to ensure that all schools would be safe and conducive to teaching and learning for the start of school.
However, severe weather in the region further impacted the ability to complete certain elements of the work. While legal agreements with contractors required that crews remain at their designated work site, additional workers were called in for Algonquin, which was most severely impacted by the strike delays. Contingency planning, which began in early July when the strike was announced, continued in earnest after work resumed on July 20.
District 62 was fully planning for an alternate learning site for all Algonquin students and intended to announce this decision on Wednesday, Aug. 11 to coincide with student registration for that school.
However, during a special update meeting on Monday, Aug. 9 with the district's architect and construction management firm, we learned that significant progress had been made since our last weekly meeting. They advised that there was a real possibility for all students and staff to return to Algonquin on the first day of school.
Therefore, our announcement to parents and the community on Aug. 11 provided a detailed summary of the status of work at Algonquin and informed them of the scheduled Aug. 18 inspection of the facility for student and staff occupancy by the Regional Office of Education and the Des Plaines Fire Inspector.
This communication, which was also posted on the District's website, distributed to the media and e-mailed to parents, announced our decision to use the Des Plaines Park District's Prairie Lakes Community Center and Oakton Community College in Des Plaines as alternative learning sites should Algonquin not be approved for occupancy by the Regional Office of Education and the Des Plaines Fire Inspector.
A final announcement regarding the status of Algonquin Middle School, including specific information regarding transportation pickups and drop-offs, food service, extracurricular activities and other relevant updates will be provided on August 18 - five days before the start of school - to parents electronically by phone and e-mail via AlertNow, as well as posted on the District 62 website at d62.org and on Twitter at @D62Supt.
Parents may also obtain copies of this information at the District 62 Administration Center during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Should alternate learning sites be required, specific information will be included, as well as the anticipated length of the displacement.
Questions or concerns can be emailed to build@d62.org. Beginning Aug. 18, the district will also activate its construction update hotline at (847) 553-0612 for up-to-the-minute, school-specific information regarding construction status and its impact on students and staff.
During student registration at Algonquin on Aug. 11, Principal John Swanson and I talked with many parents and staff members who agreed that, while the uncertainty is a challenge, all would prefer for students to return to Algonquin on Aug. 23.
As professional educators, entrusted by the community to protect and advance the quality of education provided in District 62 schools, we are confident in the decisions we have made, which have consistently prioritized the integrity of the district and the teaching-learning process.
Jane Westerhold, superintendent
Des Plaines District 62