Superintendent's Message

A Message from Superintendent Dr. James Gallagher

2007-08 School Year

Welcome to the Evergreen Park Community High School Web site.  We hope that you find the information provided here to be helpful and informative.

At District 231, we are committed throughout our organization to ensuring that the young adults receive an excellent education and enjoy their experience in Evergreen Park Community High School.  Ideal teacher-student ratios in conjunction with a focused academic program with appropriate support services and a variety of extracurricular activities are designed to guarantee that every young adult has a successful experience.

During the 2007-08 school year, I will be working with Dr. Beth Hart, District 231 assistant superintendent/principal, for a smooth and successful transition into the District 231 superintendency.  Dr. Hart will assume the superintendency on July 1, 2008.
 
Over the past few years, we have continued to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), improve our curriculum design and instructional delivery, upgrade our technology, provide support programs in reading and math, and increase student enrollment in our advanced placement courses.  The dual-credit program with Moraine Valley Community College has allowed a number of students to earn college credit while taking courses in high school.  We offer students opportunities for future learning through college and career course sequences.  We're making good progress in helping all students to be successful and at the same time, achieving the district's vision of developing future leaders.  During the 2007-08 school year, we will be implementing the Professional Learning Community concept, a new teacher evaluation system, a new course in forensic science, and reading strategies across the curriculum.

We continue to renovate our facilities through the support of our community and appropriate building and financial planning.  In addition to providing a new desk and chair for each teacher, the following renovations will be completed in September 2007:

• Update of the band area with new lockers, storage closets, floor and ceiling replacement.
• Asbestos removal, replacing carpeting with tile, and painting in many classrooms.
• Replacement of an outdated air conditioning unit with more efficient and cost effective units.
• Repair and resealing of both parking lots.
• Resealing of floors in both gyms.
• Replacement of outside doors.
• Cleaning and fireproofing of the stage curtain.

During the winter break, new windows will be installed in the cafeteria/commons area.  Some roof repairs will also be done at this time.

Thanks to the dedication of our faculty and staff, strong support from the school community, supportive and involved parents, and leadership from the Board of Education, we are proud of our consistent recognition for high academic student achievement while establishing and maintaining a stable, fiscally efficient, sound organization that is a responsible steward of public funds. 

We are very fortunate to be in a community that places a very high priority on supporting our young people and a first-rate educational and extracurricular program.  Please take the time to learn more about Evergreen Park Community High School District 231.  Your feedback is always welcome and please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance to you.

Yours for Young Adults,

James J. Gallagher, Ed.D.
Superintendent
708/398-1230
jgallagher@evergreenpark.org