Board Briefs

The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education meeting was held on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The full meeting agenda can be found on Diligent, while a livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

The Board of Education recognized eight staff members through the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, honoring their excellence, leadership, and commitment to students across a range of roles. Representing three award categories—Award of Excellence, Award of Meritorious Service, and Award of Special Recognition—these individuals reflect the strength and dedication of our district’s educators and staff.

The Board also celebrated 18 students from London Middle School who were selected for publication in "Fright Club: The Hidden Presence," a national anthology organized by Young Writers USA. The students earned this distinction through a rigorous on-demand writing challenge, crafting 100-word stories within a single class period. Their selection highlights not only their creativity, but also their ability to write with precision, purpose, and audience in mind.

In athletics, the Board honored our sectional and state wrestling qualifiers, recognizing their discipline, perseverance, and success at the highest levels of competition. Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly also reflected on the girls volleyball season, commending student-athletes for their teamwork, growth, and commitment throughout the year.

Dr. Meg Schnoor, superintendent of the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization, and Gavin McGinn, assistant superintendent of business services, joined virtually to present an overview of the organization’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The board voted in favor of the budget as part of its consent agenda.

Janelle Hockett, director of professional and community learning, highlighted the Education Academy Pathway Program, a partnership between the district and Township High School District 214 that provides high school students with hands-on experience and exposure to careers in education.

Ania Figueroa, director of language services, and Alexandra Jewell, language services coordinator, shared an overview of the Language Services Department, including key celebrations, a review of district demographics and data, and ongoing areas of focus for continuous improvement.

Amy Breiler, director of literacy, and Sherri Massa, director of student services, outlined the district’s plan to offer two sections of foundational kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year. The program is designed to support age-eligible kindergarten students who would benefit from additional development in school readiness within a structured, supportive environment.

Melissa Scaletta, director of early childhood, provided an update on current preschool enrollment, along with a review of the creative curriculum pilot, its outcomes, and potential next steps.

• 8.9: 2025-2026 Last Day of Classes - APPROVED
• 8.10: 2026-2027 Student Fees Waived - APPROVED
• 8.11: 2026-2027 Regular Board Meeting Dates - APPROVED
• 8.12: Approval of Central Office Support Personnel Salaries 2026-2027 - APPROVED
• 8.13: Approval of Baker Tilly Annual Audit Contract - APPROVED
• 8.14: NSSEO 2026-2027 Budget and 2025-2026 Amended Budget - APPROVED
• 8.15: Approval to Publish Notice for Permanent Budget Transfer Hearing - APPROVED
• 8.16: 2026-27 Food Service Management Company Contract Renewal Agreement with OrganicLife - APPROVED
• 8.17: Approval of Moving Bid #2601 - APPROVED
• 8.18: Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Developer Donations - APPROVED
• 8.19: Resolution Authorizing or Reauthorizing Participation in the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus - APPROVED
• 8.20: Approval of Employment Agreement - Special Education Coordinator - APPROVED
• 8.21: Approval of Employment Agreement - Assistant Principal of Frost Elementary School - APPROVED
• 8.22: Approval of Employment Agreement - Assistant Principal of Longfellow Elementary School - APPROVED

The Board approved the appointment of Tara Lenhoff as the new principal of Riley Elementary School, following a thorough and competitive search process conducted by district administration. Lenhoff has served for the past three years as assistant principal at Prairie Trail School in Gurnee School District 56 and previously worked as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, instructional coach and Thinking Maps trainer. District officials said Lenhoff is known for her collaborative approach and commitment to supporting all members of the school community.

Board Member Bill Harrison provided an update on a committee meeting held earlier that evening, during which members reviewed proposed revisions to Board policy as recommended by the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Vice President Debbi McAtee provided an update on the “Stakeholder Engagement” component of the district’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, noting efforts by Cass Young, director of communications and community engagement, to meet with fundraising professionals, community members, alumni and donors to strengthen the district's relationships and deepen community engagement.

McAtee also referenced a recent organizational meeting, noting discussion surrounding ongoing negotiations as well as the potential development of a resolution and related signage concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, among other updates.

Harrison recapped the organization's monthly meeting, which included a discussion on unfunded mandates and the legislative proposal downstate to extend unemployment benefits, among other updates.

Harrison recapped the organization's Advocacy Day in February, which included presentations and meetings with several legislators, among other updates.

Board member Arlen S. Gould mentioned the organization's proposal to build its new community center has been approved, among other updates.

The student representatives to the Board of Education shared updates from their respective schools and discussed the middle school perspective on artificial intelligence.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Community Service Center and Administrative Office, 959 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling.