For anyone who has wondered what it really takes to run a school district, or wanted a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes to support nearly 20,000 students and thousands of staff members every day, School District 51 has a way for you to find out.

The school district is taking applications for its 2026-27 Leadership D51 cohort, which is designed to give parents, community members and local partners an inside look at District 51. Throughout the year, participants hear directly from district leaders, visit schools and programs, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the many pieces that come together to serve District 51’s students.

The district said participants will dive into academics, student support, safety and security, finance, facilities and operations, workforce readiness and more. And it emphasized this isn’t just a series of presentations.

“We want participants to see the work firsthand, ask questions, meet the people doing it and better understand the opportunities and challenges of serving our community,” the district said in a news release. “Each session builds on the last and culminates in a behind-the-scenes experience that brings everything together, giving participants a much fuller picture of D51 than most people ever have the opportunity to see.”

For more information or to apply, go online to: www.d51schools.org/departments111/communications/leadership-d51. The deadline to apply is Oct. 9.