May 19, 2013
It's not uncommon for a school superintendent to hold a public forum, but what about an invitation-only forum?
Well, there was one Tuesday night in Niles. Superintendent Richard Weigel is trying what he says is a new approach to public input.
About 40 community leaders were invited to hear a short presentation about the state of Niles Schools, and then participate in roundtable discussions.
Each table was like a little think tank, Weigel called the invitees his "thought partners.” He says it improves the quality of public input over more traditional methods.
“I'll send out a note to someone or even do an online survey, but you don't always get the conversation,” said Richard Weigel the Superintendent of Niles Community Schools. “That's the key. You want the conversation. Then you can do a follow-up question, or ask for clarification, and you can hear other people too.”
The thought partners discussed how to improve everything from new tech high school, to alternative learning programs and other topics.
