Lake County Gazette

North Shore School District 112 marked the reopening of Ravinia Elementary School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 13, following a major renovation. The event drew students, staff, families, and community members to see the updated building, which was redesigned to improve learning environments, safety features, sustainability measures, and accessibility.

The renovation was made possible through a referendum approved by local voters as part of the district’s ongoing facilities improvement plan. The project included new flexible classroom spaces, an upgraded technology infrastructure, improved safety systems, and specialized instructional areas.

“We are so proud to welcome our students back to a space that reflects the excellence and care they deserve,” Ravinia Principal Courtney Gilkison said. “This building is not just modern, it’s meaningful. And it’s a symbol of what we can accomplish together when we lead with purpose, listen with empathy, and invest in the future.”

A significant feature of the renovation is a geothermal heating and cooling system that uses three underground wells located near the playground. This system takes advantage of stable underground temperatures to help control indoor climate throughout the year while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

Superintendent Michael Lubelfeld recognized the community's support for making these improvements possible. “This is about more than bricks and mortar. Our community didn’t just approve a project. You invested in opportunity. Ravinia is a cornerstone of Phase 2 in our long-term facilities work, and it stands as a visible milestone in our district-wide commitment to equity and excellence.”

Board of Education President Art Kessler also thanked those involved: “We are grateful to our community for your trust and investment that made this day possible,” he said. “To our staff and families, we thank you for your flexibility and your dedication to our children's future.”

After speeches from district leaders, attendees participated in the ribbon-cutting before touring classrooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces designed for play and hands-on activities.

Ravinia Elementary School is one of several schools within North Shore School District 112 in Lake County; other schools include Braeside Elementary School, Edgewood Middle School, Elm Place School, Green Bay School, Indian Trail Elementary School, Northwood Junior High School, Oak Terrace Elementary School, Red Oak Elementary School, Sherwood Elementary School, and Wayne Thomas Elementary School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

The district employs 325 teachers who earn an average salary of $79,315 prior to pension contributions; about 81 percent are women while nearly 19 percent are men. No teacher had more than ten absences in one school year according to state data (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The student population consists of approximately 64 percent White students; Hispanic students make up nearly 27 percent; Asian students comprise just over three percent; Black students represent almost two percent (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020 North Shore District 112 spent $27,611 per student—totaling over $107 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

The first day for students at Ravinia will be August 21.

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