Lake County Gazette

The District 64 Board of Education held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 20. The agenda and report packet are available on the Board Meetings page, with a replay accessible on YouTube.

During the meeting, several recognitions took place. Sarah Kurian was honored as the winner of the 2025 D64 District Spelling Bee. Kurian, a sixth-grader at Emerson, secured her second consecutive victory. Micah Cronin, also from Emerson's sixth grade, claimed second place, while Roosevelt's Alexandra Apostol, a third-grader, finished third.

The Park Ridge Community Fund reported contributions totaling $10,000 for the 2024-25 campaign. District employees donated $6,800., with retirees adding over $3,000. "The '2025' campaign was truly in the spirit of giving," said Roosevelt Principal Dr. Kevin Dwyer., who co-chaired the effort alongside Lincoln Assistant Principal Timothy Gleason.

Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins praised staff and students at Emerson Middle School for their recent achievements., highlighting recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education. "It takes a lot of people to make sure that we can run a school on a daily basis," he said.

Committee reports included an Education Committee update by Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Dr. Samantha Alaimo on Channels of Challenge eligibility and Health Curriculum review processes. The Policy Committee discussed updates to policy "4:110" regarding transportation requirements.

Construction updates outlined summer projects across various schools:

- Jefferson - Playgrounds only

- Carpenter - Playgrounds only

- Roosevelt - Chiller and playgrounds

- Field - Second floor addition., remodel., parking lot

- Franklin - No construction until March '2026'

- Washington - Remodel and playgrounds

- Emerson - Wrapping up RFP process

- Lincoln - First floor and north end of third floor

Dr.Collins., Chief School Business Official Dr.Adam Parisi., and Director of Facility Management Noel Mendoza provided updates on referendum-related projects at Field and Washington schools."We're doing everything we possibly can to make sure we're being good neighbors to surrounding residents," said Dr.Collins regarding parking lot plans.

Preliminary enrollment projections for '2025'-'2026' indicate a decrease of "167" students bringing total projected enrollment to "4","316". This will result in seven fewer classroom sections compared to previous years.Savings from staff reductions will allow funding for special education support including one Board Certified Behavior Analyst., one Special Education Inclusion Coach., and two Student Services Coordinators.

A Student Learning Update revealed changes in Channels of Challenge (CofC) eligibility criteria using multiple data points such as MAP and Cogat assessments instead of isolated measures.The Renzulli teacher rating scale has been removed due to its subjectivity.More information about these changes will be shared with families soon.

The approval motion passed for K-"5" Health Curriculum using Quaver Ed which aligns with state standards while offering cost savings.Dina Pappas,District K-"8" Health/K-"5" Science/Social Studies Curriculum Specialist explained how Quaver Ed is more engaging than previous curriculums.

Consent Agenda items approved included:

Bills,PAYROLL & Benefits

Financial Update ending December "31","2024"

Personnel Report

Vision "2030"

Meeting Minutes from January "23","2025" Regular/Closed Meeting & January "25","2025" Special Meeting

Resolution #"1361" Transfer from O&M To Capital Projects

Second Reading Pending Adoption Policy Manual & First Reading Policy "4:110"

Emerson Flooring Contract