The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community-wide event focusing on the state of education in our community, particularly Highland Park and Highwood. Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent - North Shore School District 112; Dr. Bruce Law, Superintendent - Township High School District 113; and Dr. Kurt Schneider, Superintendent - Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) will address the current and future health of each of the school districts.

The quality of education and educational services are critical to the quality of life in a community, including property values and the business community. “Just as there is a relationship between real estate values and schools, there is a relationship between the vibrancy of a community and its economic and social well-being,” says District 113 Superintendent Dr. Bruce Law. “District 113 values its role in the success of the Highland Park community.”

In Illinois, a state with the largest net loss of students K-12 in the past decade, it’s imperative for local business and local education leaders to partner on creating sustaining communities. In the past decade, Texas gained more than 600,000 school children and Illinois lost 105,000 (National Center for Education Statistics). 
“A strong community is built and sustained where there is a neutral understanding of partnership between various government agencies and the business community. As a public school superintendent, I am looking forward to engaging with our local Chamber of Commerce and community members as we discuss the state of education,” says District 112 Superintendent Dr. Michael Lubelfeld.

When it comes to supporting Illinoisans, there are many ways in which the state has excelled, but there is significant room for improvement. Only 7% of those with intellectual disabilities are working in paid integrated employment, compared to a national average of 20% (caseforinclusion.org), and is one of the many reasons the state consistently ranks 40^th or lower nationally in most disability related categories (State of the State in Developmental Disabilities), and why the disability community is ultimately the most segregated. To address this, NSSED Superintendent Dr. Kurt Schneider says, “We are partnering with our 18 member districts on our strategic plan with a vision to be a national leader and highly valued partner with a courageous commitment to inclusive communities that equally value all people and inspire them to be active participants in our world."

“By putting our convening powers to use, we can bring our leaders, businesses, and community members together for a conversation about one of the most important issues in our community – educating our children,” says Virginia Glasner, Chamber President & CEO. “For business owners, there will be an opportunity to learn how you or your business can engage with the schools,” she added.

The program will be held Thursday, March 12, 8:30-10:30am at The Art Center, 1957 Sheridan Road.

Seating for this event is limited; RSVP’s are required at chamberhp.com or 847-432-0284. Attendance is complimentary. 
The program is graciously sponsored by Real Deb Realty, First Bank of Highland Park, theCoderSchool, Ravinia Festival, Academic Approach, and Gilbert Orthodontics.

About the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce:
The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce purpose: To help build a stronger, more prosperous community. As an economic driver, the Chamber is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders, and a champion for a stronger community. We do this by assisting businesses with gaining exposure, advancing their collective interests, creating partnership opportunities, and staying knowledgeable about issues and challenges affecting their business.  For more information, visit chamberhp.com.