Unit 5 begins strategic planning

Mark Daniel
Unit 5 superintendent Mark Daniel said transportation will be a key issue in the district’s strategic planning. (WJBC file photo)

By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Unit 5 wants the public’s help as it begins strategic planning.

Superintendent Mark Daniel told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he believes Unit 5 can be one of the best district’s in the Midwest and can play a greater role in attracting people to the community.

“We have the assets here in our community to be a ‘district of destination,’ ” Daniel said. “How do we work with our community, how do we work with our local government, how do we work with our local economic development folks.”

Daniel said the district will emplore all sorts of ideas, including pushing back the start of high school to moving to a two-tiered busing system for kindergarten through fifth grades and six through 12.

“What about instead of a 7:15 start time for high schooler could (we) look a little later,” Daniel said. “All of thats on the table.”

The district has scheduled a public meeting on Oct. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Chiddix Junior High, 300 S. Walnut St., in Normal.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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