District highlights communications gains, sets 90% engagement target for next year

District officials on Sept. 22 presented the first metrics report tied to goal four of the district strategic plan, describing recent communication and engagement work and setting a target of 90% for two core measures next year. Superintendent Dr. McHugh said the district—s spring survey showed 84% of respondents agreed “District 41 communicates with me effectively” and 83% agreed the district “provides opportunities for me to provide feedback.” He said those results were “pretty good” but the board should aim higher and set a goal of 90% or above for both measures next school year. Erica Scribe, chief communications officer, outlined current and planned efforts: expanded social-media activity, a newly launched website with a dedicated welcome center, a district calendar called “We Are D41” for cabinet and administrators to share local events, and communications-and-engagement guidelines for staff that recommend response timelines (48 hours for non‑emergencies) and regular teacher communications. Scribe also noted a range of community partnerships, including Rotary, the Lions Club and the Glen Ellyn Police and Fire Departments, and pointed to analytics showing recent increases in web and app traffic. Dr. McHugh and Scribe said the district already engages with families through superintendent councils, staff training on relationship‑building, and an expanded presence at community events such as the Fourth of July parade and a back‑to‑school fair. Dr. McHugh emphasized relationships as central to the plan: “If the three most important things in real estate are location, location, location, the three most important things in education are relationships, relationships, relationships,” he said. Board members asked about metrics and channels; Scribe said the district is monitoring website analytics and social-platform performance (she reported 35,000 visits to the new website in August and that the district app has more than 1,200 downloads). The district plans three upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings to spotlight topics intended to engage community interest. The presentation concluded with a request that the board continue to support outreach and to consider community-facing engagement such as packed-house committee meetings and expanded partnerships with local foundations and PTAs.