McHenry School District 15 earns Golden Achievement Award

The National School Public Relations Association has chosen McHenry School District 15 as a top national recipient for the Golden Achievement Award, which recognizes exemplary work by school districts that engage in meaningful strategic planning, public relations and communications with its stakeholders.

District 15 was selected because of the success of its multiyear construction plan, which included a goal of tearing down old mobile units, creating innovative learning spaces and designing new classrooms for full-day kindergarten.

NSPRA gave District 15 the Golden Achievement Award at the same time the district was being honored by leading educational organizations – including the International Society for Technology in Education and the Future of Education Technology Conference – for delivering cutting-edge digital learning experiences to its students.

“We are very proud to have been recognized by NSPRA for being fiscally responsible and transparent throughout our multiyear construction project,” District 15 Superintendent Alan Hoffman said in a news release. “Specifically, we are thrilled that the Golden Achievement Award identified how our school district fosters engagement, interaction and community partnership to achieve our goals.”

NSPRA selected District 15 based on research that identified program needs as well as activity goals for its students and families. Evidence of thoughtful planning to address students’ needs was evaluated, and careful attention was given to how the school district communicated the implementation of the project with its stakeholders.

“Success was measured by the district’s engagement with our community partners during the course of the construction project,” District 15 Assistant Superintendent Josh Reitz said. “As a result of this relationship with our families, we have been able to watch our students flourish academically and experience education through new research-based innovative instruction.”

District 15 has made it a goal to set a bold vision for education, transforming its schools with friendly learning environments that support all students. NSPRA has identified how District 15 has inspired learners to reach their greatest potential and communicate to their students, parents and community along the way.

“It takes a community to effect meaningful and sustained change,” said Fred Laudadio, executive director for learning and technology. “It is our goal to empower all of our stakeholders through informed decision-making so we can maximize our impact on a child’s education.”