The Oracle asked the District 225 Board of Education to summarize their goals for upcoming school years. Superintendent Charles John and Board of Education President Bruce Doughty collaborated on these responses on behalf of the entire board, which consists of Peter Glowacki, Sandra Muhlenbeck, Matthew O’Hara, Michelle Seguin, Skip Shein, and Marcelo Szatainberg. Here is what they had to say!
Q: What is the overarching mission and vision of Glenbrook South, as outlined by the board of education?
A: The District’s mission statement, as listed in Board Policy 1:30, is: The Glenbrook High Schools are a learning community dedicated to students and committed to quality of thought, word, and deed. This policy is further clarified by Board policy 6:10 is the Statement of Philosophical Goals and Objectives. The District is developing a vision statement as part of the current strategic planning process.
Q: How does the board foster communication and collaboration with parents, students, and the broader community? What are some of these outlets for engagement?
A: According to Board Policy 2:220, the Board generally holds two monthly meetings. The Board welcomes members of the public at those meetings and encourages them to share their thoughts during the public comment portion of the agenda. In addition, members of the community write to the Board of Education to ask questions or provide feedback on a variety of topics related to District 225. The Board generally requests that Dr. Johns respond to these inquiries on its behalf. The Board also directs the administration to ensure that information about the schools is readily available on the website, is included in the Weekly Updates to students and families, and appears in comprehensive stories in The Glenbrooks publication that is mailed to 40,000 homes in our communities two times per year. Further, the Board seeks input and conversation from students, families, and community members for initiatives, such as principal searches, strategic planning, various working group and task force meetings, and school events.
Q: What specific short-term goals has the Board set for the Glenbrooks in the current academic year? What can we expect to see in the next school year (24-25)?
A: In 2022, the Board of Education and administration developed Goals and Initiatives that guided the district’s work through 2023. To continue the momentum and transparency created by the Goals and Initiatives, the district launched a strategic planning process in the fall of 2023. This months-long process has engaged stakeholders including students, staff, families, and the community through surveys, focus groups, and small group meetings. Currently, the Core Planning and Design Teams are developing focus areas and priorities that will be presented to the Board of Education over several meetings in the spring. The goal is to create a comprehensive strategic plan that will help continue to propel the district forward over the next 3-5 years. This plan is expected to go to the Board of Education for approval later in the spring.
Q: What message would you like to send to readers of The Oracle?
A: The Board of Education is passionately student-focused, fostering excellence on every level. From our enriched curriculum to our myriad programs in athletics, activities, and the arts, we strive to support each student’s journey of well-rounded growth, in preparation for a rewarding life ahead. The success of these efforts is only possible because of the special partnership of our schools, families, and communities, who all contribute in countless ways to our students. The Board is grateful for this collaboration, as together we continue to honor the tradition of Glenbrook excellence.
