Parent raises concerns to CHSD 94 board about "distinct decline" in school communication

An electronic comment from a parent expressing frustration over a "distinct decline in communication" was read to the Community High School District 94 Board of Education during public participation.

Chair read the message from Joanna Hamilton on behalf of multiple parents, who said communication from the school in areas including counseling, certain teachers, clubs and athletics has deteriorated over the last two years and that relying solely on students to relay information is insufficient. "We need to get back to partnering together as parents and educators for the best interests of these students," the comment said.

Hamilton asked the board for better advance notice of schedule changes and events — citing a political protest departure that she said merited more than an email sent three hours earlier — and offered to organize a parent group to help improve communication. The message said parents would be willing to assist with outreach and requested a response from the district and a list of parents interested in helping.

Board members did not engage in a back-and-forth with the commenter at the meeting (public participation rules prohibit dialogue during the period), but the chair said that, "when appropriate, we will direct the administration to follow up." The board has a regular agenda that included business items and asked administrators to follow up on public participation items when appropriate.

Next steps: The board did not take immediate action during open session. Administration was available later in reports and board discussion to receive follow-up assignments; parents requesting a response were told their concerns would be forwarded to the administration for follow-up.