EducationFirst will implement a standard policy for evaluating students with behavioral or special education needs or other at-risk students. These students must be identified early and receive the special attention or services that they need. At the recent EducationFirst public forums, a large number of people were critical of the way in which the Board interacts with the public and with how it governs District 97. Governance includes the Board's procedures and practices, its interaction with the superintendent, and the superintendent's administrative characteristics. It also includes the interaction between the central administration and principals in relation to the professional teaching staff, as well as with other district employees.
Governance is a concern for three reasons.
First, many found the Board to be too insular, consulting only with the administration before setting school policy. Many people believe that the Board does not seek adequate input from the community when making decisions, particularly when the community includes a wide range of individuals with professional expertise on topics ranging from education to finance and diversity. Second, parents often feel that they are at odds with the administration when trying to resolve problems with their children. Third, as it currently operates, Board meetings frequently last until midnight and include lengthy presentations from the administration. This has led some to complain that the administration plays too large a role in setting Board policy.