This Tuesday voters within Community Consolidated School District 15 boundaries have a unique opportunity to change the direction of their school district. Don't let it pass you by.

Because of the efforts of your fellow citizens and 7,508 signatures on a petition, there is a referendum question on the ballot. 

"Shall the Board of Education of Palatine Community Consolidated School District Number 15, Cook County, Illinois be authorized to issue $27,000,000 bonds for a working cash fund as provided for by Article 20 of the School Code?" 

A "Yes" vote gives the district the authority to borrow $27 million that can be used for anything at any time in the next three years. The monies could be spent on capital projects only – and only $16 million – as recommended by the superintendent.  Or it could be spent to pay for day-to-day operating expenses.

Bottom line - you have no control over what happens and neither does the superintendent. Only the elected school board members will decide if the referendum is approved.

However a "No" vote does give some of the control back to you.

At a recent meeting with residents who oppose the referendum, District 15 Superintendent Scott Thompson talked about Navigate15, an initiative to involve residents in helping to shape the district's future.

Navigate15 will be a series of community meetings beginning two weeks after the election. It is a move to involve the full force of the community in decisions affecting the future direction of the school district.

As stated in a press release, the Navigate15 facilitating team will seek the opinions and insights of the entire community – parents, residents and business leaders. The hope is to open the lines of communication between the district and the communities it serves. The plan is to use that feedback to create connections resulting in meaningful recommendations for District 15.

And everyone is invited to participate in these monthly meetings. 

This is welcome news to someone that has attended school board meetings for years. It gives the community the opportunity to have their voices heard with respect. It gives them the chance to give input with the hope that their elected officials will really listen this time.

If it is implemented with sincerity, Navigate15 can be a step in the right direction.  It can be exactly what is needed at this time, in this district. 

But let's be honest, this program didn't just happen by itself. It took the leadership and vision of a new superintendent - and 7,508 signatures on a petition.

Those signatures took the control away from the school board majority and put it squarely in the hands of the voter this Tuesday.  

Those signatures also have given District 15 the chance to pause and think about how they communicate with their residents.

Vote "No" to the District 15 bond referendum Tuesday, Nov. 2

Let's give our community and district the opportunity to move toward educational success together – and with transparency and accountability in the process.

If you would like to participate in Navigate15, or for more information, call 847-963-3210 or email navigate15@ccsd15.net