District 99 Seeks Community Input about Facilities

Submitted by Community High School District 99.

District 99 will hold two sessions to collect input from residents about the current facilities at Downers Grove North High and Downers Grove South High, and to determine priorities for the future:

• North High Facility Review and Input Session - Monday, December 8 at 7 p.m.
• South High Facility Review and Input Session - Wednesday, December 10 at 7 p.m.

The public is invited to attend either or both sessions; visit www.csd99.org/d99buildingfutures to register.

“It’s our responsibility to envision how our buildings will continue to support our students and provide them with a challenging, high quality education,” says Dr. Mark McDonald, superintendent of District 99. “Technology continues to make fundamental changes to how we teach, and to be prepared, we need to start the conversation of how our facilities should evolve.”

In 2010, District 99 gathered input from over 300 people in the community to create a detailed, five-year strategic plan. Many who participated in those feedback sessions cited concerns about school facilities; as a result, the district is developing a Master Facility Plan that addresses the educational program needs of 21stCentury learners and teachers.

During the input sessions, officials will briefly review the history of each building and current state of facilities. Architects who conducted interviews with faculty and staff last spring will share what they’ve identified as areas of opportunity for improvement.

Attendees will then share their ideas by participating in small group discussions, and creating a list of priorities on which to focus.

“We’ve studied our buildings and infrastructure in detail, and know where some of our opportunities for improvement exist,” says Director of Facilities Jim Kolodziej. “We want to start sharing our ideas with residents and hearing their ideas, and to partner together to develop a long-term plan.”

Each Facility Review and Input session will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., after which a tour of key areas in each building will be held for those who are interested. Refreshments will be served.

To watch a video, learn more about the Master Facility Plan project and register for the input sessions, please visit www.csd99.org/d99buildingfutures and follow #D99buildingfutures on Twitter.