We believe that, for students to receive the best education possible, there needs to be active participation by teachers and administrators, parents, the students themselves, and even the greater community.  The task is a difficult one, made more difficult these days by the "distractions" of society, the time-starved nature of family life, and the variety of necessities competing for scarce resources.  But together, we can make a difference in the lives of our young people and give them the tools they need to lead a happy and successful life, however they may define it.

Please know that you are always welcome to attend our Board of Education meetings, which are held the first Tuesday of every month in the Lower Media Center of the high school.  The first agenda item is always our "Audience of Citizens," a time specifically set aside for us to hear what you have to say.  Agendas for the meetings are always posted on this web site, so you can see if there’s an issue scheduled to be discussed that you may want to provide input on.  (Please note that you can only provide input during the Audience of Citizens, not during the Board’s discussion of the issue which you are, of course, welcome to observe.)

Finally, if you have any type of problem with the school system, please let the appropriate person(s) know about it.  If the issue is a classroom-related issue, we encourage you to speak to the teacher.  If it deals with a particular school, feel free to call or write to the principal of that school.  And if it’s a system-wide issue, the Superintendent’s door is always open.

Thanks to everyone for the role you play in helping the children and young adults in our communities.  Together let’s work for a brighter tomorrow – for their sake.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Baranoff
Chair
Regional School District #17 Board of Education