Lake County Gazette

The District 64 Board of Education held its regular meeting on Thursday, April 17. The session included various recognitions, updates, and approvals pertinent to the district's operations and future plans.

Student/Staff Recognition

During the meeting, six out of seven "Those Who Excel" Award Winners were celebrated for their achievements recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Additionally, 118 fourth- and fifth-grade students who participated in the Science Olympiad on April 5 were acknowledged.

Carpenter School's D64 Shining Stars - fifth-grader Genevieve Suh and School Technologist Ben Pfander - were also honored.

Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins reminded everyone that Educator Appreciation Week begins on May 5. He said, "It takes a lot of people to get through the school year, and if you’re looking to brighten up one of your educator's days, just send them a quick note. To them, it makes a huge difference, and they very much appreciate it. "

Superintendent Update

The Protect D64 website was launched as a central resource for key information about each school's project with ongoing updates.

Construction Groundbreaking

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for May 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Carpenter Elementary School. This event marks the commencement of referendum-related projects set to begin this summer.

Approval of Student Device Purchasing Plan

The Board approved changes following a comprehensive Student Device Evaluation by the District Technology Department:

- Move all students in grades 2-8 to touchscreen, clamshell Chromebooks.

- Equip all grade 2-8 Chromebooks with hardshell protective cases with embedded carrying handles.

- Keep grade 2 Chromebooks in classrooms until the end of the school year.

- Maintain K-1 students on iPads that stay in classrooms but purchase new cases for increased functionality.

Approval of Middle School Schedule 2026-27

A committee comprising school staff and district representatives recommended adopting a new middle school schedule starting in the 2026-27 school year. The primary changes include moving to a common bell schedule for all grades and shifting classes to a trimester system (except Health). Core instructional times will be adjusted: ELA and Math will have 80-minute periods while Science and Social Studies will have 40-minute periods.

What's unchanged:

- Start/end time

- Lunch/recess period

- Four core content areas (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies)

- Twelve elective choice slots for seventh/eighth grade

- Sixth-grade exploratory classes

- Team configurations

- Homeroom/Advisory programming

Changes:

- Common bell schedule for all grades

- No large core or elective blocks in succession

- All classes rotate on a trimester basis (except Health)

- Three elective periods for seventh/eighth grade

- Different lengths for core classes

Next steps involve creating mock schedules during the 2024-25 school year and providing professional development along with Parent University sessions in preparation for these changes during the 2025-26 school year.

Other Approvals

The Board approved several other motions:

- Principal Employment Contract (2025-2027)

- Assistant Superintendent Employment Contract (2025-2029)

- IFT/SSC Collective Bargaining Agreement

- First Amendment to Superintendent’s Employment Contract (2024-2028)

Consent Agenda:

- Financial Update ending February 28, 2025

- Hold or Release of Closed Minutes

- Recommended Personnel Report

- Minutes from March Regular and Closed Meetings

- Student/Parent Handbook (2025-2026)

- Consolidated District Plan

- Lincoln Construction Contract with Midwest Mechanical

You can watch or listen to a replay of the meeting here on YouTube. The agenda and report packet are available on the Board Meetings Page.