High School District 214 is inviting residents to take part in a community-wide conversation about the future of its school buildings. Through an online survey and a series of public engagement sessions, the district is gathering feedback to guide the development of a responsible, long-term facility plan.

The online community survey is open through November 3. In addition, the district will host virtual sessions at 6:30 p.m. on October 27 and 12:00 p.m. on November 3 and an in-person session on November 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Rolling Meadows High School, where participants can learn about current facility conditions, ask questions, and share their priorities for the future. Details and registration links are available at www.d214.org. 

A comprehensive facility condition assessment that began in 2022 identified approximately $850 million in needs over time across the district’s six comprehensive high schools and specialized schools. These needs include critical infrastructure repairs, accessibility improvements, and modernization of learning environments to support current and future programs.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Rowe emphasized that the process is focused on long-term planning and community input.

“Our goal is to listen to our community and develop a responsible plan that keeps our schools strong for generations to come,” Rowe said. “As part of this process, we will review all financial options to ensure that any future recommendations are both fiscally responsible and aligned with community priorities.”

District leaders noted that no funding decisions have been made, and the focus remains on understanding facility needs, exploring solutions, determining the community’s priorities, and identifying the most responsible financial path forward.

The effort aligns with the district’s Future 214 Strategic Plan. District 214 has not gone to referendum in more than 50 years, reflecting the community’s long-standing fiscal responsibility and the district’s careful and responsible management of taxpayer funds.

District leaders acknowledge that the discussion is taking place amid economic uncertainty, including the possibility of delayed Cook County property-tax bills that could affect the timing of school funding. They say these factors reinforce the importance of maintaining financial stability while preparing for the future.

A community report summarizing all feedback from the survey and engagement sessions will be presented to the Board of Education in November. That report will inform potential next steps in developing a long-term, community-informed facility plan.

“Working together, our community can help create a thoughtful plan that balances educational excellence with long-term financial responsibility,” Rowe said.