This year, School District 21 held three State of the Schools presentations during the opening weeks of October, one at each middle school.

Each evening began with fantastic performances from our middle school performing music students. From there, the annual State of the Schools video was shown. This year's video focused on two facets of District 21's instructional program (cross-categorical special education program & technology) as well as on the District's finances.

Following the video, Daniel Schuler, Assistant Superintendent for Planning, presented an overview of school funding in Illinois, and he provided specific projections for the state of District 21's finances over the next five years.

The remainder of the each State of the Schools event was open for audience members to ask questions and comment on District 21's financial situation now and in the future before panels that consisted of Superintendent Dr. Gary Mical, Daniel Schuler, and representatives from the Board of Education's Finance Committee as well as from the District 21 Education Association, the union that includes both certified and non-certified staff members throughout District 21. With insightful questions and comments, these events left audience members with a deeper understanding of finances in Illinois and in School District 21.