Improvement & Innovation

D428 logo. Text on the logo reads: D428.

Improvement & Innovation

A message from the Director of Improvement & Innovation

Welcome to the Improvement & Innovation(I&I) Department of District 428!

Thank you for visiting our page. The I&I Department is proud to be entering a new chapter in District 428. Everything we do is grounded in the district's Inclusive Education Plan and Strategic Plan, which guides our strategic priorities through 2031. Our five core values: Engaging Families & Community, Equitable & Inclusive Environments, Academic Excellence, Centering Students, and Unity & Collaboration; are the underpinnings of our work. 

Today, the I&I Department leads the district's work in assessment and data. We help staff build data literacy so that decisions in every classroom and building are grounded in evidence, and we facilitate the strategic planning process that keeps our district moving toward its long-term goals. We support families from the moment they register with the district through their ongoing engagement, including helping keep students consistently attending and connected to school. We also support staff with state reporting and our Student Information System, ensuring our data systems run smoothly at every level. Our aim is simple: every student should have access to strong instruction, supportive learning environments, and educators who bring out the best in a diverse community.

The Board of Education, Superintendent, and staff are committed to an educational experience where student achievement, community engagement, financial stability, and strong staffing are all approached with care and intention.

I'd love for you to be part of this work. Whether you're a family member, community partner, or student, your voice helps shape where District 428 goes next. Come to a Community Conversation, join one of our District Administrative Committees, or reach out about volunteering in our schools.

I'd be glad to have you alongside us.


DeKalb’s Dynamic I&I Director
Amonaquenette Parker, Ed.S

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I&I Department Vision & Mission

Our vision is to develop and nurture a community that positively impacts students' lives. We provide resources that promote equal access and opportunity for all people while supporting each student to achieve their full potential. We advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion at the local, state, and national levels. We empower all members of our community and engage their voices and diverse perspectives in order to remove barriers to education.

Our mission is to provide an equitable and inclusive education that supports students holistically. We will embrace the rich perspectives and experiences that arise from racial, ethnic, socio-economic, ability, sexual orientation, gender expression, and religious diversity within our community. We will provide the tools our students need to thrive by partnering with families and supporting staff to meet the needs of each of our students. In this spirit, we are eager to serve our students and staff in the following capacities:

Developing Cultural Competence
Providing Equitable Access
Partnering with the Community
Promoting Equitable, Safe, and Unified Learning Environments

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