Dear Winnetka Public Schools Community,

We would like to share some exciting news.  As a result of the October 23, 2018 Board Meeting, we have an approved Educational Master Facility Plan (EMFP). The EMFP is a facility plan and vision to guide our decision-making and priorities over the next 10 years. The implementation planning has commenced.

The Board committed to include the following components in the EMFP:

• K-4; 5-8 Grade Level Configuration with consolidation to a single (1) 5-8 grade campus at Carleton Washburne School and a 5-year utilization plan for The Skokie School. This model upholds the neighborhood schools configuration.
• Baseline facility needs that recognize priorities for:
• Health, Life Safety items/projects
• Safety and security enhancements
• ADA accessibility upgrades
• HVAC upgrades with improved indoor air quality and temperature regulation
• Domestic water pipe replacement
• Electrical capacity upgrades
• Updated and multi-tiered modernized instructional and common spaces to afford greatest flexibility in future planning. This includes multi-purpose cafeteria and gym space renovations or additions to serve District needs and community use.
• Sustainability planning  for Air Quality, Student-Centric Design, Sustainable Operations, and Energy Consumption as some of the high priority items among a range of important topics addressed in the EMFP.
• Redistricting Plan (shared no later than spring 2019) in consultation with School Board, District administrators, community leaders, and Village and safety officials, to determine changes to the elementary school attendance boundaries and the implementation timeline to achieve optimal enrollments and elimination of the short-term Kindergarten plan.  

We are extremely grateful for the many ways parents, staff, and community members have dedicated time and expertise to help the Board reach this decision. We would especially like to acknowledge those who served on the Core Team to help the District address complex challenges and determine wise solutions.

As planning begins immediately to define the first phase of our long-range EMFP, we are also looking ahead to an April 2, 2019 referendum. You may continue to follow the process by accessing future dates and meeting materials at www.winnetka36.org.

Again, thank you for the collective energy you have invested on behalf of our students. The District and School Board believes the EMFP will help support the needs of all students for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Trisha Kocanda                Kristen Hertel

Superintendent                School Board President

The Winnetka Public Schools community empowers every student to flourish in 

an innovative, experiential environment. We support and challenge all learners 

to actively engage in continual growth and achievement to make 

a meaningful difference in the world.