District 200 launching community engagement process

I am happy to report that as a result of board action last month, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 will be launching an extensive community engagement process, Engage200, in January.

Through a series of workshops, community members will have an opportunity to learn about all aspects of the district, including student achievement, technology, facilities, finances, communications and other topics.

More importantly, district residents will be able to provide input and feedback regarding the opportunities and challenges facing the district in these areas.

Information gathered from the workshops will serve as the basis for a summary report that will be presented this summer to the board of education. I invite all District 200 residents to participate in this community process that will help inspire and guide the direction of the district in the future.

Our first community engagement session is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Monroe Middle School, 1855 Manchester Road, Wheaton.

I am excited to share with you that Liz Corry and Scott Brown will serve as co-chairs of Engage200. These co-chairs will head a citizen-led facilitating team that will coordinate and oversee the entire community engagement program.

Corry and her husband, Bill, have lived in Wheaton for 24 years and have four children who have graduated from District 200 schools. As a former Wheaton City Council member who served from 2003 to 2011, Corry understands the importance of connecting with the community and building consensus for the future.

Corry said she believes Engage200 is important because any time we can create a meaningful dialogue between citizens and elected officials, we can find solutions to issues we face and plan appropriately and creatively for the future.

Brown has lived in Wheaton for 27 years. He and his wife, Jennifer, are both graduates of Wheaton Warrenville South High School and have two children, one of whom is a student at Longfellow Elementary in Wheaton.

A partner at Retirement Advisors since 2009, Scott is a graduate of Wheaton College. He said he appreciates that his children have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in our community — just like he did. He looks forward to the community conversations and hearing what our community would like to see out of our schools in the future.

For details, or to make sure you receive a personal invitation to the Engage200 sessions, email engage200@cusd200.org, call (630) 682-2469 or visit cusd200.org.

Ÿ Brian Harris is superintendent of Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200. His column appears monthly during the school year.