Administration recommends renewing NIU contract for graduation after stakeholder survey
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Summary
Based on a survey emphasizing visibility, acoustics and accessibility, administration recommended bringing a multi‑year NIU contract to the board for approval and to continue evaluating other venues; concerns remain about travel, scheduling and staffing at local venues.
District staff recommended renewing a multi‑year contract with NIU to host graduation ceremonies, citing survey feedback from students, families and staff that prioritized visibility, sound and accessibility.
Administration summarized a survey of underclass students, parents and staff that ranked ceremony quality factors: visibility and acoustics, ample seating without strict ticket limits, accessibility and efficient parking/traffic flow. Two arena‑style venues (NIU and NOW Arena) and a local event center (Willow Creek South Barrington) were evaluated for capacity, timing and operational support. The high school building itself was ruled out for the full ceremony because of seating limits.
Administrators recommended a three‑year contract with NIU to provide schedule certainty, professional sound and lighting, and large‑screen accommodations, while continuing to pursue alternatives should scheduling or staffing needs change. They noted that some arena time slots in nearby venues occur on weekdays in the school day or at inconvenient times, and that staffing and volunteer needs are a constraint for local venues.
Next steps: Administration will bring a contract for board consideration at the next meeting; if approved the district will finalize dates and operational staffing plans.