Glenn Wood Pens 1st Letter To Community As D202 Superintendent

PLAINFIELD, IL — Glenn Wood is getting ready to begin his first school year at the helm of Plainfield School District 202.

The new superintendent replaces Lane Abrell, who retired in June after a 36-year career in education, eight spent in District 202's top spot.

In the letter, Wood, who has worked in the Plainfield school district for 13 years, said "starting the school year safely, honoring the past, and leading into the future" are the three things he's committed to as he begins his first year as superintendent.

Wood also prepared readers for the 70th anniversary of the Community Homecoming Parade Oct. 8. The theme for this year's parade, kicking off at 9 a.m. in downtown Plainfield, is "movie adventures."

Below is Wood's first community column in its entirety:

Dear District 202 Community,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I hope you had an opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the summer break.

I am honored to be the 20th Superintendent of Schools for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District #202.

Having already served 13 years here, I am more convinced than ever that District 202 is a wonderful teaching and learning community; and I am excited for the opportunity to help lead it to even higher achievements both in and out of the classroom.

In my first year as Superintendent, I am committed to starting the school year safely, honoring the past, and leading into the future.

The community and school district should share incredible pride for having navigated the past few years while showing the ability to adjust and adapt. We have demonstrated the flexibility, determination, resilience, and teamwork that gives me confidence we can handle the many challenges that will inevitably come our way.

Now it is time to take the next step in our journey together.

My top priority is to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. Our health and safety protocols will support full in-person instruction. Information regarding these is available at https://www.psd202.org/page/school-safety.

Every year we adjust and update our safety protocols and procedures to continue to ensure a safe environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and success in the world beyond our classrooms.

In honoring tradition and moving forward I encourage you to mark your calendars for October 8, 2022, for you to join in celebrating Plainfield at the 70th Anniversary of the parade.

As we keep marching into the future, our mission statement "District 202 is committed to preparing our learners for the future" is truer now than ever before.

This fall we will continue our strategic planning process and present a 5-year Strategic Plan that will guide the district. I encourage you to get involved as more information becomes available this fall. I am grateful for the chance and proud to do my part to continue that journey.

Thank you, and very best wishes. I wish everyone a great first day and a productive school year. As always, we remain committed to preparing our learners for the future.