Wants District 57 to rethink its processes

The Jan 31 letter “Dist. 57's standards not high enough” criticized the district board without outlining solutions. But the criticism is justified as it's grounded in experience.

I want to make sure that there's progress and change beyond raising taxes or cutting programs. Please look at neighboring communities sold similar stories; taxes raised, but no fundamental paradigm shift in educational quality. Years later, the same story is retold.

I want fundamental change. This is the only way I sacrifice more of my dollars.

When Gabby was enrolled, it was a struggle to hold the Lions Park staff accountable for much because there is hardly a system set up for it. I'd like a three-tier structure that allows parents to be truly involved and allows us to hold the school formally accountable.

First, D57 needs a structure for developing and managing plans. This sounds basic, but how have they managed without one? This is basically a “How we work” as an organization plan. How does the district plan, monitor, review, control and manage processes? This is NOT a strategic plan. It is a process plan.

Second, schools need to better communicate guidelines in classrooms. What are the grading standards (weighting, homework loads, etc.) Is there a monthly syllabus? Weekly assignment list? During the parent-teacher conference, we should discuss how the educator adhered to a syllabus, to a grading scheme, to a teaching plan and to assignment plans.

Finally, D57 already communicates formal guidelines online that the schools must adhere to, pertaining to programs and specific policies: regulations, curriculum, transportation, procurement, etc.

I met with Sann Knipple and she explained that the district leadership was doing and planning great things and intends to shift the current paradigm. But we know what is said about intentions, so we should keep up the pressure.

Joseph Plata

Mount Prospect