Board Brief - 06/10/2025
June 10, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Lake Louise Elementary School - Bucket Band
At the June Board of Education meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Lake Louise Bucket Band, a group of talented and energetic 4th-grade students under the direction of comprehensive music teacher Mrs. Brittany Marquez.
Lake Louise Principal Mrs. Jennifer Riehman opened the presentation by expressing gratitude to the Board for their service and partnership in #Moving15Forward. She was joined by Assistant Principal Mrs. Lauren Green, and proudly introduced the Bucket Band, a long-standing Lake Louise tradition.
This year, the Bucket Band met weekly to build their percussive skills and prepare for their performance, choosing to focus entirely on the music of Imagine Dragons. The group serves as both a performance ensemble and a fun, engaging entry point into the 5th-grade band program. Their involvement fosters creativity, collaboration, and dedication.
Following the pledge and a spirited performance of the national anthem, students were gifted "high five highlighters" from Dr. Heinz to celebrate their musical achievement and mark their transition to fifth grade.
Participating students included: Aidan T., Zaid A., Deonta H., Jake G., Ben Z., Asees K., Cassidy H., Andrew K., Kensi J., Tobey H., and Evan G.
We are incredibly proud of these young musicians and because, as Principal Riehman reminded us, Life is better at The Lake.
Student Recognition: Special Olympics Summer Games - Track & Field and Soccer (Athletes and Coaches)
At the June Board of Education meeting, we proudly recognized a remarkable group of student-athletes for their participation in this year’s Special Olympics Spring Games, which included Track & Field and Soccer Skills events.
Dr. Larry Sasso celebrated the achievements of these students, many of whom participated in both events and demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Several athletes medaled at Regional competitions, and a number of them have qualified to represent District 15 at the Special Olympics Illinois State Competition at ISU later this month.
Coach Jeff Donatowicz and Coach Melissa Souden introduced the student-athletes in attendance, highlighting their individual efforts and growth. Special recognition was given to James L., who earned Gold Medals in both Track & Field and Soccer Skills, and to Dayton B., who was commended for her exceptional encouragement and sportsmanship during competition.
Athletes recognized included:
James L. – Gold, Track & Field and Soccer Skills
Adith L. – Gold, 100M Walk
Muhammad H. – Gold, Softball Throw and Soccer Skills
Maggie W. – Gold, Standing Long Jump | Silver, Regionals | State Qualifier
Cameron S. – Silver, Track & Field
Suhab A., George D., Gavin B., Garrick N., and Dayton B. – Soccer Skills participants
Dr. Sasso and the coaching team emphasized that this program is about much more than competition—it’s about building confidence, inclusion, and leadership.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated coaches, including Melissa Souden, Jeff Donatowicz, Colleen Rogers, Christopher DiVito, Allyson Gitelson, Sidney Rosenblum, Julia Davis, Dawna Schuster, Mattie Schwantz, Gary Simonian, Ana Garay, and Maria Chiodo, whose tireless efforts empower every athlete to shine.
Congratulations to all our student-athletes! Your accomplishments have inspired us all and truly make us #ProudToBe15.
Student Recognition: Middle School State Bound Students
At the June Board of Education meeting, we proudly celebrated the achievements of District 15 middle school athletes who competed in the 2025 IESA State Track & Field Meet.
Instructional Coordinator Mrs. Julie Crawford shared that over 190 District 15 student-athletes participated in the sectional meet on May 17, representing all five of our middle schools in the highly competitive Class 4A division, which includes the largest schools across Illinois. Based on their exceptional performances, 10 individual athletes and 4 relay teams advanced to the state meet held in Peoria.
Several students not only placed in the Top 10 statewide, but also achieved personal records (PRs) in their events. Honored athletes included:
Travis G. (WC) – 4th Place, 7th Grade 400M (PR: 56.51)
Emilio P. (PG) – 5th Place, 7th Grade 800M (PR: 2:14.00); 4th Place, 7th Grade 1600M (PR: 4:59.00)
Keenan W. (WC) – 10th Place, 7th Grade Long Jump (4.97m)
Christian M. (WRS) – 3rd Place, 8th Grade 100M (11.45); 3rd Place, 8th Grade 200M (PR: 23.47)
Adelynn M. (PG) – 2nd Place, 7th Grade 800M (PR: 2:22.97); 3rd Place, 7th Grade 1600M (PR: 5:20.20)
Kendall H. (PG) – 6th Place, 8th Grade Shot Put (PR: 9.49m)
Relay teams from Winston Campus also shined at State:
8th Place – 4x200M (7th Grade Boys): Keenan W., Isaac B., Blake S., Travis G. (PR: 1:45.38)
8th Place – 4x400M (7th Grade Boys): Joshua Q., Matthew C., Travis G., Isaac B. (PR: 4:02.50)
Mrs. Crawford expressed appreciation to families and coaches for their tireless support, as well as to the Board for continued investment in middle school athletics. Special thanks were given to coaches Buelow (CS), Smith (PG), McTague (TJ), Soto (WC), and Clarke (WRS) for their dedication during both the Sectional and State meets.
We commend these outstanding athletes for their determination, teamwork, and drive, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!
2024-25 Year in Review
Presented by:
Dr. Laurie Heinz, Superintendent of Schools
At the June Board of Education meeting, Dr. Laurie Heinz delivered a thoughtful and exciting Year in Review, celebrating the milestones of the 2024–2025 school year and outlining key priorities for the upcoming school year. Grounded in our District’s four strategic priorities, which include:
Success and Belonging;
Staff Engagement and Retention;
Family Involvement and Community Engagement; and
Facility Improvement and Moving 15 Forward Transitions.
Dr. Heinz reflected on what has been a truly transformative year for our District and the many accomplishments that were accomplished by the entire staff.
She shared that this year measurable gains in student achievement, expanded programming, and targeted support were among what we are most proud of. Schools set and met rigorous school improvement goals in the areas of either Reading and Math and then Attendance or Behavior. District launched a 3–5 literacy review. Full-day kindergarten showed strong early outcomes, and new curricular resources in core content areas helped align instruction to grade-level standards. ACCESS exit rates exceeded state averages, particularly at the middle school level, and student engagement increased through STEM expansions, inquiry-based library learning, and a growing Special Olympics program. The district’s investment in data infrastructure and MTSS tracking furthered its ability to support student needs in real time.
Community partnerships and family engagement also flourished. Multilingual literacy nights, college readiness events, and a growing parent mentor program strengthened home-school connections, while communications saw improvements through the districtwide rollout of ParentSquare, enhanced social media branding, and crisis communication planning. Partnerships with POC, local agencies, and our villages expanded the district’s community reach.
In terms of facilities and operations, the district made significant progress on life safety improvements, library and middle school upgrades, and expansion of early childhood and bilingual programming. Dr. Heinz also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including increased mental health needs, chronic absenteeism, transportation shortages, and fiscal constraints. Despite these areas of more intense focus, the district remains focused on reducing contract agency reliance, being even more fiscally stringent, and managing rising costs while preserving high-impact services.
Looking ahead, key initiatives for 2025–2026 include strengthening phonics-based reading instruction, implementing the smartphone and instructional technology guidance, expanding restorative practices, and launching PowerSchool Unified Insights. Year two of building-based school improvement planning and attendance efforts will continue, alongside preparations for the early childhood launch in 2026–2027.
Dr. Heinz closed by expressing gratitude to the Board, staff, families, and students for their partnership and dedication.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Moving 15 Forward & Beyond Enrollment Analysis
Presented by:
Mr. Robert Schwarz, CEO at RSP & Associates
As part of the June Board of Education meeting, Mr. Robert Schwarz from RSP & Associates presented a comprehensive enrollment analysis to support long-term planning following the implementation of the Moving 15 Forward initiative. Their findings highlight that overall district enrollment is expected to increase slightly, from approximately 11,250 students to 11,350 students, by the 2029–30 school year. While elementary (PreK–5) enrollment is projected to grow modestly, middle school (6–8) enrollment is anticipated to remain stable with only minor fluctuations.
The presentation emphasized the importance of strategic capacity planning. District 15 uses target capacities, set at 85%, to maintain learning environments that allow room for unexpected growth, while ensuring flexibility up to the buildings’ maximum capacities.
Several demographic and housing trends were also shared. While live birth rates in the area have declined, District 15 continues to attract young families, with growing participation in early learning, including PreK and full-day kindergarten. The student yield from single-family housing remains steady, while multi-family housing has seen a more notable decline in yield. Key geographic areas to watch include neighborhoods near Willow Bend, Plum Grove, and any future developments in Schaumburg and tied to the potential Arlington Park redevelopment.
The analysis also confirmed that strategic redistricting and redistribution of special programs such as English Learners, Special Education, and gifted services have improved balance across buildings.
Continued monitoring of intradistrict transfers, program placement, and local development proposals will be critical in maintaining this balance. Overall, the data reflects the success of the district’s long-term planning and construction efforts and reinforces the value of annual modeling to support ongoing enrollment, facility, and programmatic decisions.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Smartphones at Schools Committee Findings and Recommendations
Presented by:
Mrs. Mary Jane Warden, Chief Technology Officer
The District 15 Smartphones at School Committee, composed of school leaders, instructional staff, and technology experts, conducted extensive research to evaluate the impact of smartphones in the classroom and propose a responsive action plan. The committee found that smartphones are a clear source of distraction, citing research that shows students perform better when devices are out of reach. Student advisory feedback revealed a nuanced view that while students recognize the distraction smartphones cause, they also voiced concerns about emergencies, cyberbullying, and a desire for consistent Teacher expectations across classrooms.
In alignment with Senate Bill 2427, which mandates smartphone restrictions during instructional time by the 2026–27 school year, the committee recommended that personal devices be silenced and stored in middle school lockers or backpacks at the elementary level during the school day.
The recommendations prioritizes student mental and physical well-being by integrating digital citizenship and healthy technology habits into SEL days and PE/health classes.
A partnership with families will include a film screening this Fall, a Learn15 workshop series on digital well-being and safety, and consistent communication to reinforce expectations and promote healthy device use at home.
Finally, the district emphasized that technology should be used intentionally, for learning’s sake, encouraging staff to assess whether digital tools enhance instruction and to balance screen time thoughtfully in the classroom.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
FY26 Tentative Budget
Presented by:
Mrs. Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Officer
Mr. Anthony Fashoda, Director of Fiscal Services
Chief School Business Official Diana McCluskey and Director of Fiscal Services Anthony Fashoda presented the FY26 Tentative Budget, which reflects District 15’s ongoing commitment to aligning resources with the goals of its Strategic Plan. The district continues to use a zero-based budgeting approach, requiring departments to justify spending tied to strategic initiatives. As part of this process, departmental budgets remained flat for FY26.
Increased investments in programming as part of the Moving 15 Forward (M15F) initiative, such as full-day kindergarten and expanded middle school offerings, have driven expenditures upward, as anticipated, with the addition of additional staff required for doubling Kindergarten staff and increasing middle school staff to support a team structure within our five middle schools.
Additional financial pressures include the sunset of ESSER funds, a decrease in the CPI from 5% to 3.4%, a 50% drop in Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT) revenue, short-term reductions in Medicaid reimbursements, increased insurance costs, and increased reliance on contracted agency staff to fill hard to fill positions such as special education, related service staff and bilingual educators.
To offset some of these challenges, the FY26 budget incorporates a $2M revenue increase from the Palatine Downtown TIF and reflects cost savings from the reduction of 50 FTEs through attrition, retirements, and non-renewals. Most contracted service positions were also converted to district staff, supported by an increase in the starting teacher salary, as part of a significant increase to starting teachers/certified staff salaries to make District 15 more likely to be able to attract and retain quality staff.
Revenue assumptions include a projected $9.4M increase in property tax revenue, steady funding levels for Title I and IDEA grants, and a small increase in Evidence-Based Funding. On the expenditure side, salary increases were aligned with union contracts. health insurance premiums will rise by 10.7%, and the district will continue investing in curriculum and technology. Improvements this summer to facilities of $11M is scheduled and funded from non-operating funds through M15F bond proceeds.
The tentative budget projects a possible $7M operating fund deficit. District leaders will continue to analyze expenditures and staffing models to ensure efficient use of resources and to work toward long-term financial balancing of revenue and expenditures.
The final budget will be presented for adoption at the September Board of Education meeting, following the required 30-day public display period and formal budget hearing.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Strategic Plan Update: Priority 1a KPI Review
Presented by:
Dr. Tom Edgar, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Dr. Laura Swanlund, Director of Comprehensive Mental Health
Dr. Pamela Radford, Director of Intensive Intervention
Dr. Tom Edgar, alongside Dr. Laura Swanlund and Dr. Pamela Radford, presented an update on Priority 1a of the Strategic Plan, focused on fostering student belonging. The team highlighted how District 15 is developing systems to both address student needs and proactively create environments where students feel seen, supported, and connected.
Key initiatives from this year included revamped onboarding for student services staff, expanded trauma-informed and restorative practice training, a district-wide attendance campaign, and how best to allocate roughly $1.6 million in grant funding. Partnerships with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, The Bridge, and Partners for Our Community (POC) are helping to deliver robust and necessary support for our diverse student body.
Progress was shared through key performance indicators across attendance, discipline, and behavioral supports with most showing strong movement toward 2028 Strategic Priorities. Additionally adjustments are being made to better focus on disparities among specific student groups.
Family engagement was also a focus, with improved communication on unexcused absences and increased access through text-based outreach. A tiered intervention model was introduced to support families with attendance challenges.
Looking ahead, the district plans to deepen restorative practices, strengthen mental health supports, expand community partnerships, and align MTSS efforts across schools to ensure timely, equitable student support.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Resource Recommendation for K-5 Health
Presented by:
Dr. Lori Lopez, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Kristen Orlando, Assistant Director, Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
At the June Board meeting, Dr. Lori Lopez and Ms. Kristen Orlando presented a resource recommendation for K-5 health instruction following a yearlong review and pilot process.
The Teaching, Learning, and Assessment team collaborated with a small group of educators to evaluate and pilot QuaverEd, an interactive and engaging health curriculum designed to meet Illinois Learning Standards and state mandates. The proposed resource includes six modules:
General Health
Healthy Practices and Hygiene
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Disease and Illness Prevention
Safety and Accident Prevention
Substance Abuse Prevention.
QuaverEd materials are offered in both English and Spanish and emphasize music, movement, and student-centered learning—elements that resonated even with older elementary students.
The team highlighted the curriculum's alignment to state standards, age-appropriate coverage, and focus on real-world application. Implementation plans for 2025–26 include professional development during August Institute Days and throughout the school year, as well as summer curriculum writing to develop a scope and sequence. Additional enhancements will address environmental health topics and a review of the fifth-grade Human Growth and Development unit, with continued opt-out options for families.
Board members expressed appreciation for the clarity of the resource comparison and the committee’s thoughtful process.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Resource Recommendation for Middle School Algebra
Presented by:
- Dr. Lori Lopez, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Tiffany Costa, Director for Teaching, Learning & Assessment
At the June Board meeting, Dr. Lori Lopez and Ms. Tiffany Costa presented a recommendation to adopt EdGems Math as the new core instructional resource for middle school Algebra. This recommendation follows the earlier adoption of Carnegie Learning for Grades 6–8 math. The Algebra subcommittee requested additional time to ensure a resource that closely mirrors the high school Algebra scope and sequence.
EdGems was selected for its alignment with Illinois Learning Standards, bilingual resources (English and Spanish), and strong family engagement components, including home guides and instructional videos. The program features explicit skills instruction, real-world inquiry tasks, tiered practice levels, and built-in flexibility to support classroom pacing. Teachers also appreciated the digital tools for instruction alongside ample student workspace in the consumable workbooks.
Implementation support will begin with professional development in August and continue throughout the year. The district is confident this resource will ensure a strong Algebra foundation for middle school students as they transition into high school mathematics.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
First Reading and Approval of Press 118 (Part 1)
At the June 10 meeting, the Board conducted a first reading and discussion of PRESS Issue 118, Part 1.
Part 2 of PRESS 118 will be presented at the August Board of Education Meeting.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Education Research Development (Ed-RED) Committee
Board Vice President Frank Annerino provided a legislative update from the recently adjourned spring session. Several notable bills did not pass both chambers, including the proposed classroom cell phone ban, changes to FOIA regarding AI-generated records, and the elimination of the PE waiver—all of which may be revisited during the Fall veto session. A proposal to limit suspensions and expulsions for students in grades K–2 was also paused for further consideration.
Passed legislation included a flat state budget, a new requirement for three-point seatbelts on school buses (effective July 1, 2031), and Senate Bill 1799, which restricts the use of emergency third-party contracts to two 90 calendar day periods. This bill will impact transportation services, as any additional renewals would now require union approval.
Additionally, House Bill 22 was amended to allow developer donations and impact fees to cover costs associated with constructing new school buildings—potentially relevant if future developments, such as the proposed Bears stadium project, move forward. For more information, visit Ed-RED website.
one-five Foundation
Board Member Eric Bachmann shared his first update as the Board liaison to the one-five Foundation. The Foundation’s annual meeting is scheduled for August 14 at 5:00 p.m. During this meeting, the group will plan key events for the upcoming school year, including teacher mini-grants and the 50/50 raffle. Board Member Bachmann expressed enthusiasm about getting started with the Foundation’s work.
For more one-five updates, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.one-five.org, which is also now linked on the District 15 website under the "Our Community" tab for added accessibility.
Finance Committee
Board Member Lisa Szczupaj shared that the Finance Committee had no additional updates, as the Finance team had already presented the FY26 Tentative Budget earlier in the meeting.
Equity Committee
Board Member Zubair Khan shared that the Equity Committee did not meet this month, but plans to reconvene soon to determine which elements of the previous committee’s work to continue and explore potential new directions. He also attended an IASB webinar titled Advancing Equity: The Equity Journey Continuum, which highlighted how districts are using Illinois Report Card data to inform strategic planning. He noted that while District 15 is already engaged in several of these efforts, the session offered additional ideas that could support performance indicators and equity planning.
9.1 Approval of Administrative, Non-Union, and Non-Administrative Salary Increases - APPROVED
9.2 Approval of Personnel Report: Administrative, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff - APPROVED
- 9.3 Approval of Bid Award 25-026 Fresh Bakery Products - APPROVED
- 9.4 Approval of Bid Award 25-027 Fresh Produce - APPROVED
- 9.5 Approval of Bid Award 25-028 Cafeteria Packaging - APPROVED
- 9.6 Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Funds from the Operations and Maintenance Fund of Community Consolidated School District 15, Cook County, Illinois, to the Debt Service Fund - APPROVED
- 9.7 Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Interest from the Debt Service Fund of Community Consolidated School District 15, Cook County, Illinois, to the Educational Fund - APPROVED
- 9.8 Approval of Revised Calendar for the 2025-26 School Year - APPROVED
Next meeting of the Board of Education
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at Walter R. Sundling Middle School, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine, on Wednesday, August 13 2025, at 7:00 PM as we do not meet during the month of July. Have a great summer!
Key Dates for the 2025-26 School Year
Wednesday, August 20: First Day of School for ALL students
Monday, December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
Monday, March 23 - 27: Spring Break
Tuesday, June 2: Last Day of School
Have a sun-filled and relaxing summer!