A note from Dr. Eric Witherspoon
Celebrating our D65 Schools
Dear District 65 Community,
The 2026 Illinois School Report Card was released today, bringing exciting news and many reasons for our school communities to be proud. Under the state's new accountability system, all 13 of our rated schools earned a designation of Commendable or higher, including six schools recognized as Exemplary!
Exemplary: Dawes, Dewey, Orrington, Walker, Washington, and Willard
Approaching Exemplary: Chute, Haven, and Nichols
Commendable: King Arts, Lincoln, Lincolnwood, and Oakton
We are equally proud of the wonderful work happening at Park School, Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center, and Rice Children's Center, which are not rated under this system. Foster is also not included in this year's ratings, as the report reflects the 2025-26 school year, prior to opening its doors this fall.
While Illinois has changed how school performance is measured this year, making direct comparisons to previous designations difficult, these results give us plenty to celebrate and reflect the many strengths of our school communities. These designations are a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication and care of our educators and staff, and the support of our parents and caregivers. I hope our entire community takes a moment to celebrate these accomplishments!
As we shared in last month's Achievement and Accountability Report, we know there is important work still ahead. Too many students are not yet meeting grade-level expectations, particularly in mathematics, and persistent achievement gaps remind us that we must continue raising the bar and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
A special shoutout to the entire Dawes community, which was recently named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School! Dawes is one of just 24 schools across Illinois to receive this prestigious recognition, celebrating its outstanding success in closing achievement gaps. What an incredible accomplishment!
As you can see, we have real reasons to be encouraged. Our students are making meaningful progress across the district in literacy, mathematics growth is improving, and attendance has strengthened for the fourth year now.
I recognize this good news comes at a time of uncertainty and difficult conversations about the future of our schools, especially for students, staff, and families who may be directly impacted. There is a painful tension in celebrating the incredible work happening in our schools while also considering changes that could deeply affect these same communities. I want to be clear that these proposals are not a reflection of the quality of our schools or the dedication of our educators and staff. Rather, they reflect the financial and operational challenges we must address to create a more stable future. Our students deserve a district with the stability and resources to build on this progress and provide an exceptional education for every child, for years to come.
As we prepare to welcome a new superintendent, we have the opportunity to shape a shared academic vision rooted in excellence and a commitment to helping every student thrive. I have tremendous confidence in our community and the people who make District 65 so special. The progress we are celebrating today reminds us of all that is possible when we come together in support of our students.
To our students, educators, staff, school leaders, and families, thank you for all you do. Together, we can build the strong, stable, and inspiring future our students deserve.
With gratitude and optimism,
Eric Witherspoon, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent
