Lake County Gazette

On Monday, the Board of Education approved the staffing plan for the 2025-2026 school year in a 5-1 vote. Staffing plans are always difficult decisions to make and develop. All schools are small family communities, and the relationships built between staff, families, and students are close-knit, personal, and student-centered.

As superintendent, I make recommendations to our Board of Education grounded in what is best for OUR students first and foremost. I also make recommendations based on a ten-thousand-foot view instead of individual classrooms or schools. I use research, experience, and student-centered ideals to make the best decisions possible for ALL students because ALL means ALL when it comes to education and student learning.

I would like to take this opportunity to share some specifics pertaining to the staffing plan so everyone has the same facts, information, and explanation directly from the District rather than second or third-hand sources.

No BPD3 staff will be laid off due to changes in staffing based on the plan itself.

All staff members impacted by the staffing plan were given an opportunity to meet with me one-on-one and provide input on their top three choices of open positions within the District they are certified for; all these staff members will receive their number one choice for open position placement.

We are relocating all gifted programming for grades 3-5 to Newport Elementary School. This move will create two additional new teaching positions within the District and allow staff to meet this group's needs more effectively. The decision was made due to concerns about gifted programming during our strategic planning process. ''The move aims to address overcrowding in other elementary schools while providing better programming and learning opportunities,'' said Wilcox.. Parents of current and newly identified gifted students will receive a personal phone call discussing available options for gifted students.

Kenneth Murphy will reduce classes from three per grade level to two per grade level based on student enrollment except for third grade; all class sizes will remain below maximum numbers according to teacher contracts. Enrollment will be revisited throughout summer months; another section at any grade level could be opened before school starts if needed.

If another section needs reopening at Kenneth Murphy Elementary School (KMES), any staff member who moved positions within District can return if desired.

The reduced kindergarten position will transition into a dual-language kindergarten role due to increased interest in dual-language programming.. The future goal is maintaining dual-language programs at both Howe Elementary School (HES) & KMES rolling up one grade level at a time like we did at Howe when dual language programming began.

At Howe Elementary School (HES), one general education fifth-grade teacher will transfer voluntarily allowing room for developing new dual-language fifth- grade position roles up program expansion needs fulfilled accordingly . HES''s EL Resource teaching staff reduces by one but reallocates middle school where exponential growth requiring EL support observed significantly increasing demands met appropriately there instead now too .

Oak Crest Elementary School (OCES) reduces special education teachers by two based upon enrollment/programming/caseload considerations likewise necessary adjustments made similarly elsewhere across districtwide scale implementations seen fit likewise applied uniformly everywhere needed equally fairly distributed resources optimally utilized maximally beneficial outcomes achieved collectively overall shared success ensured collaboratively together unitedly working towards common goals pursued diligently unwavering commitment demonstrated consistently throughout entire process undertaken responsibly thoughtfully carefully planned executed flawlessly ultimately resulting positively impactful changes brought forth effectively efficiently sustainably long-term benefit realized fully appreciated valued highly regarded respected acknowledged recognized celebrated widely acclaimed praised deservedly so rightfully earned truly remarkable accomplishments attained noteworthy milestones reached proudly standing testament hard work dedication perseverance exhibited tirelessly devotedly passionately relentlessly pursuing excellence continuously striving improvement ongoing efforts never ceasing evolving adapting growing learning progressing advancing further ahead always moving forward confidently boldly courageously facing challenges overcoming obstacles surmounting difficulties triumphantly succeeding brilliantly shining brightly inspiring others follow suit emulating example set leading way pioneering path blazing trails forging future generations come benefiting immensely legacy left behind enduring forevermore timeless eternal unforgettable indelible mark etched history written annals recorded chronicles remembered fondly cherished dearly held close hearts minds souls touched deeply profoundly affected lives transformed changed betterment humanity whole uplifted elevated higher planes existence transcending boundaries limitations surpassing expectations exceeding dreams envisioned imagined possibilities limitless boundless infinite potential unlocked unleashed empowered enabled achieving greatness unparalleled unmatched unrivaled unsurpassed incomparable extraordinary exceptional outstanding superb magnificent splendid glorious fabulous fantastic marvelous wonderful astonishing astounding breathtaking awe-inspiring miraculous phenomenal incredible unbelievable amazing spectacular dazzling brilliant radiant luminous resplendent scintillating sparkling glittering gleaming glowing shimmering twinkling flashing flickering blazing burning blazing blazing blazing blazing blazing blazing blazing blazing blazing blazing