Welcome to Sycamore Community Unit School District #427. It is my pleasure to serve our community and school district as your Superintendent. I am proud to lead a dynamic team of educators who are student centered. Our actions will be centered around the young people that we serve as we do everything within our power to maximize the educational opportunities available to each and every student.

The Sycamore Community Unit School District was formed in 1950 and encompasses 80 square miles. Our rapidly growing K-12 enrollment is approximately 3800 students. The district is located 60 miles west of Chicago and 9 miles from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, the Sycamore community supports a vibrant and healthy business climate and our parents and community have high expectations for their children and the schools. In regards to our facilities, there are five elementary schools (K-5), one middle school (6-8), and one high school (9-12). In 2005, the Board of Education began a facility improvement process that resulted in additions and renovations to all of the district’s elementary schools. This also included the construction of North Grove Elementary School which opened its doors in August of 2009. Most recently, Sycamore Middle School has been under construction for the past 18 months to receive much needed additional space and renovations. The newly remodeled facility will be completed when school opens in August of 2011.

Initiatives within the Sycamore Schools are based on a common purpose, a common sense of direction, and effective and efficient use of human and fiscal resources. We support the belief that every person has worth and deserves respect, and that all students can learn as outlined in our strategic plan design. It is also our belief that high expectations promote improved student achievement. We clearly believe that our greatest asset is our people and our highest priority is our students. A team of parents, community members, and educators recently identified 10 core values that, in my opinion, serve as the basis for everything that we do. They provide a foundation of ethical and moral behavior for all of our students and staff as we move through the challenges of our daily lives. It is also my opinion that strong educational systems provide the foundation for democracy, and that these values are imperative in promoting a literate and ethical society. As your Superintendent, I pledge to personally model each one of these values and will have the same expectations for all of our students and staff.

Again, welcome to Sycamore Community Unit School District #427. If you ever need assistance, please contact the appropriate person(s) as I am confident that you will receive a warm response. Additionally, if I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me at the district administration office.

Have a great 2011-2012 school year!

Respectfully yours,

Dr. Wayne Riesen, Superintendent of Schools
Sycamore Community Unit School District #427