On behalf of the Board of Education, I welcome you to the 2023-24 school year. If you are new to our schools, it is a pleasure to have you as part of what I know you will find to be a wonderfully diverse and child-centered District. For those of you returning, welcome back. I know I speak for our entire staff when I say we look forward to continuing to develop a strong home/school partnerships. New or returning, I am filled with anticipation for a new year of learning and growth for our students.

District 15 educates over 12,000 students in 20 schools from early childhood through eighth grade. While each school has its own unique characteristics, there are many policies and procedures that help anchor us as a District. The 2023-24 Student-Parent Handbook was designed to serve as a comprehensive reference guide for all things District 15. You will find nuts and bolts information on communication, safety, academics, and behavior to name just a few. Please take time to review the handbook and bookmark it on your favorites list for easy future reference. 

As the second largest elementary District in Illinois, District 15 is well regarded within the educational community. I can confirm that it has earned its reputation through our curricular as well as extracurricular offerings, focus on ensuring all students receive what they need to grow as learners, access to support services, talented staff, and collaborative partnerships that help enhance our desire to do what is best for our students. 

In addition to our student handbook, the District 15 website and mobile app are additional ways to stay connected and access information. They are both designed for ease of use on your mobile device, so you can find the information you want most about your school and District. 

My commitment to you is to listen and learn from staff and families in order to advocate for the needs of all students. An active and engaged community is the foundation of a strong school system. Each of you plays an important role in what makes District 15 a great place for students to learn and grow. That said, please know my door is always open. I want to hear what’s working and where we have room to improve. Continuous improvement is what we are striving for in District 15, so keep ideas, concerns, and compliments coming.  

Please take a moment to view our Portrait of a Graduate, which as a result of a District 15 education, we wish every D15 graduate embodies before heading off to high school. In addition to our Portrait of a Graduate, we will be unveiling a new Strategic Plan this year that will further focus our work around the following four priorities:

1. Success and Belonging

2. Staff Engagement and Retention

3. Family and Community Engagement

4. Facility Improvement and Moving 15 Forward Transition

We are equally committed to safely educating every student every day—over 11,000 learners from early childhood through eighth grade. As a result of our successful referendum, we have added 360 degree cameras around each building exterior as well as cameras within select areas within the schools. Layered security enhances our learning environments while also maintaining an elementary feel. 

As the Superintendent and an educator at heart, I am happy to take an active role in ensuring we continue to grow and exceed your expectations as a school system. On behalf of the Board of Education and administration, it is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the 2023-24 school year. I look forward to the coming year as we continue to focus on the academic and social emotional growth of every child every day. 

Your partner in education,

Laurie Heinz, Ed.D.
Superintendent