Indian Prairie CUSD 204 reports expanded volunteer program, new website and app; referendum outreach wins national recognition

Lisa Berry, communications director, and Jeanne Dina, assistant director of community relations, briefed the Indian Prairie CUSD 204 Board of Education on July 7 on communications work tied to Strategic Priority 3, highlighting growth in partnerships, an expanded volunteer program, improved digital tools and continuing referendum outreach.

Berry and Dina said the district reached nearly 100 partners and sponsors during the 2024-25 school year and that the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation served as the presenting sponsor for a Mental Health and Wellness Symposium that drew more than 600 attendees across six districts. They credited partners (including Green State Credit Union and Rival 5) with supporting prize programs, a districtwide volunteer expansion and a volunteer recognition program. Dina described the Raptor-based volunteer intake process (applications and consent forms are available in English and Spanish) and noted awards supported by Green State Credit Union: $1,000 to each recipient school for volunteer-of-the-year, most involved volunteer and most involved school.

The presentation reviewed volunteer metrics: Springbrook Elementary logged 8,884 volunteer hours; one volunteer (Catherine Izzo) logged 355 hours; Sarah Stevens of Neuqua Valley was Volunteer of the Year. The communications team said monthly and annual recognition and tracking of volunteers helps program growth and that training takes place to ensure accurate logging (some discrepancies occur when visitors are logged as visitors rather than volunteers). The presenters said Jeanne Dina reviews every volunteer application.

Berry reviewed referendum communications tied to the Safer, Stronger 02/2004 bond: the district ran nearly 100 community informational meetings, digital outreach, targeted mailings and videos; the referendum passed with nearly 74% approval and the communications campaign received a 2025 Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association. Work supported by the referendum includes new secure vestibules, auditorium renovations and flooring projects; Dr. Talley noted $40,000,000 in summer construction spending tied to the bond.

The communications team also previewed website and app changes: a new website with enhanced photo/video capabilities, AI-powered translations in the top 10 languages, embedded accessibility checks and a district app launching in August that will translate messages into each user's preferred language. Staff said they will continue to report construction progress and promote the superintendent search and other district initiatives through these channels.

Board members praised the volunteer report and referendum communications. Staff committed to continued training to improve reporting accuracy and to expand app and web adoption.