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CUSD 200 previews communications, engagement work plan; district to pilot unified 'Rooms' platform and expand print outreach
Summary
The board received an early presentation of the district communications and community engagement work plan, which includes consistent construction updates, expanded print newsletters, a district-wide rollout plan for the Rooms communication platform (with Soppa compliance), branding work at middle schools and continued mobile food pantry efforts.
CUSD 200’s administration briefed the school board on a communications and community engagement work plan that will guide district outreach over the coming year, highlighting a planned districtwide rollout of the Rooms communications platform, increased print newsletters and branding updates tied to middle-school construction projects.
A district communications leader said the district will begin more consistent construction updates this week tied to the three middle-school projects and other facility work at 15 of 21 buildings this summer. The board heard the district plans to expand print newsletters twice a year to reach community members who do not receive electronic communications.
The administration said Rooms — an app the district piloted with athletics and activities at both high schools — will be the focus of a measured rollout. Staff reported a year-long pilot produced useful feedback from coaches, staff and families; the provider has made changes and the district will emphasize staff and parent training and SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protection Act) compliance during implementation.
Board members asked how the platform rollout should be governed. Administration said a number of communications and social-media policies already exist and that the district will prioritize training, compliance with records-retention and FOIA rules, and a phased rollout over the next 12 months. Staff also noted one recent intern — a recent Wheaton North graduate — will help document construction progress as part of a career-pathways opportunity.
The plan includes continuing the district’s monthly mobile food pantries (noting volunteer shortages over summer months), and the administration drew the board’s attention to an annual summary of donations: for the 2024–25 school year the district accepted nearly $500,000 in community donations and in-kind support, largely from PTAs and booster organizations.
Administration said the communications work plan will be finalized through the usual July–August cadence: the board will review priorities in July and act on the finalized work plan in August. Staff also said they are developing internal-communications indicators following a district communications audit and expect to return with measurable targets later in the year.
Board members asked whether the Rooms rollout or branding changes would require policy action; staff said much of the governance is operational and will rely on existing communications and branding policy, with additions as needed.
