05-20-2026

Dear D128 Community:

As we close another school year in Community High School District 128, I want to take a moment to reflect with gratitude and pride on all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. From the classrooms and performance stages to athletic competitions, service projects, and leadership opportunities, this year has been filled with moments that truly showcase the spirit and excellence of Libertyville High School, Vernon Hills High School, and Transition Pathways.

Throughout the spring, our students earned impressive recognition at the state and national levels, demonstrating the talent, hard work, and dedication that make District 128 such a special place. A few highlights from the second semester include:

• LHS and VHHS Wind Ensembles -- state champions in their respective classes at the 2026 Illinois SuperState Competition.
• The D128 Unified Basketball Team -- state champions, reflecting our district’s continued commitment to inclusive opportunities for all students.
• VHHS Science Olympiad -- school-record third-place finish at state.
• LHS HOSA -- 12 state qualifiers, with nine students earning multiple honors, including a state championship performance.
• The LHS Debate Team -- Novice State Championship.
• The LHS Science Olympiad Team -- sixth-place state finish and nine individual event honors.
• D128 German students -- Gold Medal recognition on the National German Exam, placing them among the top 10 percent nationally.
• VHHS Business Professionals of America -- National Leadership Conference qualifiers and medal recipients.
• The VHHS Boys Swim and Dive -- seven state honors, including the program’s first-ever individual state champion with two state titles.
• The VHHS and LHS Math Teams -- placed third and eighth respectively in the state competition.
• LHS and VHHS Student Newspapers -- received awards at​ the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association ​(NISPA​) conference with both publications placing "Silver" overall.
• LHS Wildcat Productions -- received numerous honors at the 33rd Annual Midwest Media Educators Association (MMEA) High School Video Festival & 2026 Chicago/Midwest National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) High School Student Production Awards.
• The VHHS fall production of Seussical -- nominated for Best Ensemble by the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards.
• The VHHS Library -- 2026 National School Library of the Year by the American Association of School Librarians.

These achievements represent far more than awards and titles. They reflect the passion of our students, the dedication of our educators and staff, the leadership of our coaches and sponsors, and the unwavering support of our families and community. Together, you help create an environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to discover their own paths toward success.

As we celebrate the conclusion of the school year, we also celebrate important milestones within our D128 family. To the Class of 2026, congratulations on your graduation! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see the impact you will make in the world ahead.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our retirees. Thank you for the years of service, care, and commitment you have given to our students and schools. Your work has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young people, and your legacy will continue to shape D128 for years to come. We wish you happiness and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter.

Thank you again for your continued partnership, support, and trust throughout the year. I hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer break. We are already looking forward to welcoming students and staff back for what promises to be an amazing 2026–2027 school year.

With gratitude,

Marc Schaffer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Community High School District 128

The Community High School District 128 Board of Education is accepting applications to fill a recently vacated Board position. The Board will follow the steps outlined in Board Policy 2:70 Vacancies on Board of Education - Filling Vacancies, to fill the position as follows:

1. The Board Vacancy Press Release publicizing the vacancy will be sent to the media and posted on D128 websites and via social media by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

2. Interested Board candidates must complete and submit the required application for the vacant seat on the Board of Education by 4:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026.

3. The Board will review applications at a Special Board meeting in closed session on June 15, 2026. After reviewing the applications, the Board may invite the prospective candidates for in-person interviews to be conducted in closed session during its regular Board meeting on June 22, 2026.

4. The Board may take action on the selected candidate at the June 22, 2026, Board meeting.

D128 currently has the following job openings. Visit the website to apply.

Administrative Position

• Director of Campus Safety

Certified Staff Positions

• Math Teacher (to cover 2-month LOA) - VHHS
• School Social Worker, Part time (.2 FTE) - VHHS
• Physical Welfare Teacher, Part time (.9 FTE) - LHS

ESP Positions

• Part-time .5 Bookkeeper - Admin
• Testing Coordinators (1 at VHHS , 1 at LHS)
• Substitute Coordinators (1 at VHHS, 1 at LHS)
• Special Services Aide - 2 positions at LHS
• Admin Asst. to the Asst. Principal - VHHS
• Resource Math Tutor - VHHS
• Department Admin Asst. - LHS
• Admin Asst. to the Principal - VHHS

Congratulations and best wishes to the D128 staff members who are retiring at the end of this school year!

Nominations for the D128 Foundation for Learning 13th Annual Alumni Achievement Awards are due May 23, 2026. Complete details and the nomination form are available on the Foundation website.

Superintendent Marc Schaffer introduced the May recipients of DARING Champion Awards at the May 18 Board of Education Meeting. Congratulations to the May Recipients:

• Educational Support Professional Category: Leyna Squillaci (VHHS)
• Community Category: Debbie Scott and Dalibor Maksimovic, LMT Onsrud LP
• Certified Staff Category: Adriana Espinoza (LHS)

At the May 18 Board of Education meeting the Board thanked the outgoing Student Board of Education Representatives, and welcomed the students who will serve as 2026-2027 board reps:

2025-2026: Ava Graditor, Roohee Patil, Andrew Trob (LHS); Olivia Bush, Ashva Ramesh, Annika Talaty (VHHS)

2026-2027: Taylor Galivan, Gilbert Liandisha, Misha Rahman (VHHS); Mia Abraham, Mary Minogue, Reese Werba (LHS)

Congratulations to the D128 staff members who received honors at the 5th Annual Lake County Educator of the Year Awards held May 6 at the Lake County Fairgrounds:

Michelle Bastiani--Classroom Teacher Diverse Learner (EL SPED), VHHS

Lynne Benson -- School Administrator, VHHS

Monica Caldicott -- Librarian, VHHS

Claire DiBella -- Student Support Personnel, LHS

Nora McKiernan -- Educational Service Personnel, VHHS

Nikki Olszewski -- Classroom Teacher, LHS

The awards celebrate the extraordinary educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day. Presented by the LCROE Foundation, the banquet brings together educators, families, and community partners to recognize excellence in education and reflect on the collective impact of those who go above and beyond to support student success.

Congratulations to LHS Science Teacher Jennifer Kahn and LHS Student Activities Director Jennifer Uliks on being honored at the Distinguished Service Celebration hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) on May 8. Their D128 nominators and administrators joined them for the annual celebration that recognizes individuals and groups across Illinois who serve as ambassadors for public education and champions for students and staff.