Niles Community Schools benefits from having a community that is passionate and dedicated to the success of its children — a community of parents, residents and business owners willing to chip in whenever and wherever to support our schools and the children that we, as educators, are privileged to serve. A community that is willing to voice its opinion on matters vital to our students, our schools and our future.

During my many years as a superintendent, both here in Niles and elsewhere, I have found that by working collectively and not in opposition — even when there is disagreement — we will have our greatest impact.

For this reason, I encourage the entire community to increase its involvement with our schools, but urge that such involvement continue to be conducted in a positive manner that fosters insightful and constructive conversation as well as effective problem solving.

We are in the midst of the communications age, with social media providing a wonderful platform to share information, ask questions and offer opinions immediately. Such immediacy allows Niles Community Schools and its constituents to participate in a healthy dialogue focusing on a variety of issues essential to further strengthening our vibrant and growing community. Still, social media isn’t the only way to communicate with our schools and educators. Traditional communication channels still exist and many times such channels are best utilized for sensitive topics and to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

One initiative that is sure to increase conversation within the Niles community is the bond referendum that we have introduced and which you will have an opportunity to vote on this spring.

The wide-sweeping and critical improvements to our schools contained within the referendum seek to position Niles as the community of choice for decades to come. Much thought has gone into the improvements that have been recommended, but given the far-reaching impact of such changes we want to hear from all corners of the community.

No voice within our community should go unheard, whether it’s regarding the Bond referendum, our curriculum or a service provided by our schools. Thus, I hope you will join us at upcoming meetings focusing on the bond and regular school business.

An informed community working together is sure to succeed.

 

Dr. Michael Lindley is interim Superintendent at Niles Community Schools.