D46 Board Members Adopt-A-School

Grayslake schools have each been 'adopted' by a school board member in a new program that hopes to increase board understanding and awareness at the school level.

The "Adopt-A-School" program was the idea of board member Shannon Smigielski. All but two board members, Karen Weinert and Sue Facklam, supported the initiative.

Smigielski said the program is "all about building bridges" between the board members and the schools. She made the statement at a Special Board Meeting held with the school principals to determine the parameters and specifics of the program.

Board members will be invited by the school principals to attend school events during both day and evening hours that will fit into their various work schedules. The board member activities will range from being a 'Guest Reader' in a classroom to attending school celebrations to evening concerts.

"If we limit the invitations to the day only, members like Keith wouldn't be able to attend because of his job," Facklam said.

"It would also be nice if we're all invited to these events in case the assigned board member can't attend, other board members may want and be able to go," she said.

were concerned that the board member's presence in the schools would put added pressure on school adminstrators and staff.

"We will not be leaning over anyone's shoulder. That is never the intention," said board president Ray Millington.

principal Vince Murray stressed the importance of communicating the program's goals to school staff and board members.

"Walk-thru's do raise the stress level of teachers. I can't say enough about letting them know why you're there," said Murray.

Proponents say the idea behind "Adopt-A-School" is to support and understand the efforts of the schools, so that board members can make better informed decisions. It is not designed to evaluate the school's performance.

Board members will be invited to activities through weekly newsletters announcing upcoming events, the district website and invitations from the their school's principals and PTO.

CORRECTION: An incorrect name was originally given for Meadowview School. Patch regrets the error.