Lake County Gazette

The Queen Bee Board of Education has been actively working over the past eight years to enhance the facilities within its district. The board tasked the Superintendent and administrative team with improving school environments, enhancing program opportunities for students, and ensuring campus safety.

Efforts have included upgrading playgrounds and Learning Materials Centers across all campuses, constructing elementary gymnasiums, and creating safer parking loops for student drop-off and pick-up. These projects have been funded through savings rather than borrowing.

Glenside Middle School, the district's largest attendance center, is undergoing a series of improvements under the "Renew the Raider" initiative. This program aims to modernize the school, boost student safety, and enrich educational offerings.

Dr. Joseph R. Williams Superintendent at Queen Bee School District 16 | Official Website

Recent updates include relocating and remodeling spaces for Band, Choral, and General Music programs. A new recess area was also added for 5th Grade students. Future plans involve remodeling the Main Gymnasium, building a Production Kitchen to enhance food services, and updating the Student Cafeteria by Summer 2025.

In Summer 2026, further renovations will address the Upper Gymnasium and locker rooms while relocating the Main Entrance to improve security. Structural changes will also add an elevator for better accessibility.

By Summer 2027, work will conclude with commissioning an elevator and redesigning the school's front entrance to create a safer pedestrian plaza. This area will facilitate circulation during events hosted at Glenside Middle School.

Superintendent Joseph R. Williams emphasized that these improvements would be financed through savings without incurring debt. Community members are encouraged to contact his office with questions or feedback.

Information from this article can be found here.