Maria Arroyo

The strategic plan for Las Escuelas Públicas de Joliet Distrito 86 focuses on providing a high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education, reducing disparities in student performance, and increasing overall performance in district and state assessments. It aims to foster student growth, leadership, and prosperity by empowering staff, collaborating with families, and embracing the diverse community. The plan includes strategies for cultural responsiveness, equitable practices, family engagement, staff recruitment and development, and improving school buildings and innovative spaces.

The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for Joliet Public Schools District 86 is focused on providing a high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education. Key areas of focus include cultural responsiveness, equity, curriculum implementation, family engagement, staff development, and facility improvement. The plan aims to reduce achievement gaps, increase overall performance, improve student behavior and attendance, and foster collaboration with families and the community.

This plan outlines Joliet Public Schools District 86's return to full in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year, utilizing ESSER III - ARP funding. It focuses on four key areas: Academic and Digital Learning Supports (addressing learning gaps through testing, research-based curriculum, interventions, technology, and family engagement); Social/Emotional Supports for Students and Staff (implementing SEL programs, providing counseling, and offering professional development); Health/Safety Resources (maintaining cleaning protocols, mask-wearing as needed, and providing training); and Capital Improvements (improving air quality, purchasing technology, and enhancing security). The plan aims to ensure student safety, address unfinished learning from the pandemic, and create a supportive learning environment.

The Communications Committee meeting focused on a presentation of "Let's Talk," a new communication tool designed to facilitate 24/7 feedback from community members, parents, and employees. The tool offers various methods of access and allows users to select from trending topics or contact specific departments. The committee discussed how inquiries will be handled and the future integration of the tool with the Board. The presentation also highlighted the tool's ability to track communication volume, response times, and customer satisfaction.

The Policy Committee reviewed and discussed revisions to several board policies. These included updates to policies on accounting and audits (adding measures to prevent fraud and losses), curriculum content (mandated cursive instruction before 5th grade), the accelerated placement program (early admission for kindergarten and 1st grade), field trips (fee waivers), community resource persons and volunteers (crisis intervention services), and school admissions and student transfers. Discussion also included clarification on the advanced placement program recommendation process and whether the All City Music Trip is considered a school field trip.