Lake County Gazette

The Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 is preparing to start the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendent Dr. Denise Wilcox welcomed students, staff, and families back, emphasizing the district’s ongoing strategic plan and Vision 2030 goal of becoming a Blue Ribbon School District.

"This year, we continue the momentum of our strategic plan and Vision 2030 goal of becoming a Blue Ribbon School District - an honor earned by schools that demonstrate excellence in learning, leadership, and opportunity for all students. That vision is more than a destination; it is a daily commitment to high expectations, strong relationships, and meaningful learning experiences," said Dr. Wilcox.

The district’s theme for this year is “Spark Curiosity, Ignite Core Memories.” Dr. Wilcox referenced the movie ‘Inside Out 2’ to highlight the importance of building core memories for students as part of their development.

"Our theme this year, 'Spark Curiosity, Ignite Core Memories,' invites us all to reflect on what makes school unforgettable. From the wonder of learning something new to the bonds formed between classmates and teachers, we believe these core moments shape who our students will become. With your support, our staff are ready to create environments where curiosity leads and lasting memories are made. In the movie, 'Inside Out 2,' Joy realizes that all of a person’s core memories are valuable and important, regardless of whether they are good or bad, positive or negative, because all of our core memories build us into the people we are meant to be. We want to help our students build those core memories and do our part in helping them to grow into the people they are meant to be in the future," she stated.

Dr. Wilcox also shared key dates for families: The Board of Education meeting will take place on August 11 at Beach Park Middle School Cafe at 6:30 p.m., open houses will be held on August 19 (elementary schools from 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., middle school from 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.), and classes begin on August 20.

Student schedules were provided for each school in the district:

- Beach Park Middle School: 7:25 AM – 2:35 PM

- Kenneth Murphy Elementary & Newport Elementary: 8:30 AM – 3:10 PM

- Howe Elementary & Oak Crest Elementary: 9:05 AM – 3:45 PM

Families will receive transportation details from Durham Bus Company before classes begin. Additional information about bus routes can also be found on the district website.

Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 includes five schools serving Lake County—Beach Park Middle School, Howe Elementary School, Kenneth Murphy School, Newport Elementary School, and Oak Crest School (source). The district employs about 149 teachers with an average salary of $63,553; most teachers are women (78.6 percent), while men make up about one-fifth (21.4 percent). No teacher has recorded more than ten absences per year (source).

According to state data from ISBE (source), student demographics include approximately 54 percent Hispanic students; Black students make up about one-fifth; White students account for nearly sixteen percent; Asian students represent just over two percent.

District spending per student was $22,192 in fiscal year 2020 with total expenditures reaching over $46 million (source).

Dr. Wilcox concluded her message by encouraging partnership among families and staff as they work toward another successful academic year.

"As your superintendent, I am honored to serve our students and our Beach Park community. My door remains open as we move forward and continue to build our partnership. I look forward to a joyful, successful school year full of meaningful learning and memorable core moments," she said.