Office of the Superintendent

On behalf of the Board of Education and all of us at District 15, I welcome you as we begin a new school year. If you are entering our schools for the first time, it is a pleasure to have you as part of what I know you will find to be a wonderfully child-centered District. For those of you returning, welcome back. I am confident that the entire staff joins me in saying we look forward to continuing to develop strong home/school partnerships again this year. 

We know that when we work together, we can accomplish anything. New or returning, this year will be transformational as we see the benefits of Moving 15 Forward come to life at our schools. At the start of every school year, I am always filled with so much hope and anticipation of the year ahead. This year, the feeling is even more so, as this year will be like no other.

District 15 educates close to 12,000 students in 20 schools from early childhood through eighth grade. 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 dedicated staff working with families to meet the needs of our students, our strong curricular experience for all learners, as well as extracurricular offerings that enrich the student experience. We are deeply committed to ensuring all students receive what they need to grow as learners, which includes support services that help us deliver on our commitment to do what is best for every student, every day. 

I invite you to explore our Portrait of a Graduate, which showcases what we wish every D15 graduate embodies before heading to high school. In addition, our new Strategic Plan, Moving All Learners Forward, Now and Into the Future, focuses our work around the following four priorities: Success and Belonging; Staff Engagement and Retention; Family and Community Engagement; and Facility Improvement and Moving 15 Forward Transition. These two documents are the foundational underpinnings that inspire our shared focus and inform our daily work.

District 15 is not only about our students, though. My commitment to you is to listen and learn from families and staff so that I may advocate effectively for the needs of all students. An active and engaged community is the cornerstone 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.  

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. 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 of Schools