Office of the Superintendent

This letter from Superintendent Dan Bridges is part of
News & Views, Summer 2012

On behalf of the Board of Education, District Administration, and everyone at Naperville Community Unit School District 203, welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! If you are new to our school system, it is an honor to have you join us. For those of you returning, we are happy to see you in our schools again. I look forward to working with all of you this coming year.

Following my appointment as interim superintendent last spring, I engaged in a “learning and listening” tour of the District. Individual and small group conferences for the purpose of hearing from our school’s stakeholders were held with teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders to learn more about our schools and their needs. One thing I wanted to hear from a variety of perspectives was: What are we, as a school district, doing well? Although there were many responses, there was one resounding area of agreement.

You spoke to the quality of the education students receive in each of our schools.

I am proud to hear that our curriculum continues to challenge our students and that the quality of instruction in the classrooms is strong. With a sound curriculum in place and talented educators in our schools, District 203 is positioned well as we prepare for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards.

The Common Core represents both promise and opportunity for our students. Adopted by 46 states, the Common Core Standards provide end of year benchmarks for each grade level. The standards are internationally benchmarked to high performing countries to help our students succeed in a global economy. The promise of the Common Core is that our students will be better prepared for college and career upon graduation from high school. It is this promise that opens the doors to opportunity for our school district. Already a high achieving school system, we view the Common Core as the opportunity for our schools to reach higher, allow our students to achieve more, and continue to build a passion for lifelong learning.

Of course, the best thing about our school district is our students. We are fortunate to have more than 17,000 talented students supported by wonderful families and a strong community. I am thankful for our partnerships with the Naperville Education Foundation, Home and School Associations, School Family Community Partnerships, HURRAH, booster organizations, business partnerships, and individual community members that provide support for our students.

A strong school system is dependent on an active and engaged community. Each one of you is an important part of what makes District 203 great. My promise to you is to continue listening to you and learning from you as we begin the 2012-2013 school year. Together, we have the opportunity to make this year the best ever for our students, our schools and our community! 

Superintendent's Employment Contract