Friends of Schurz Kick-off Meeting Set for Wednesday

OLD IRVING PARK — Dan Kramer is looking to make as many friends this week as possible.

Kramer, the principal of Schurz High School, is hosting a planning meeting for a proposed Friends of Schurz, the first step toward creating an official organization that would provide the school and its 2,000-plus students with a community-wide support system.

"Friends of" groups typically help schools with fundraising, grant writing, marketing and general boosterism.

Neighbors, parents of current or potential students, alumni and other interested individuals are invited to attend the informational session from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave.

On the agenda: successes and areas for development at Schurz; timeline and requirements for creating a "Friends of" nonprofit; and discussion of board of directors, committee members, etc.

After a dust-up over a planned athletic field at Schurz, Kramer said at a meeting in March that he was eager to press the reset button with the surrounding community.

Though Schurz is Old Irving Park's neighborhood high school, it's been decades since it was considered the school of choice by area families.

"I've got wonderful kids and we've got to set up ways for you to meet them," Kramer said.

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