Waukegan Community Unit School District 60

The Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss the potential implementation of a 1% county-wide school facility sales tax in Lake County. Key discussion topics included the allowable uses for the tax revenue—specifically for school facility improvements, capital infrastructure, and security-related projects—as well as the potential for using these funds to provide property tax relief by reducing reliance on property tax-backed bonds. Presentations provided estimates on the revenue generated, the projected cost impact for taxpayers, and the legislative framework governing online retail purchases and the timing of fund distribution if the referendum is approved.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss student discipline, personnel matters, collective negotiations, legal issues, and the review of previous closed session minutes. Public comments focused on a teacher union grievance regarding credits for professional development courses, safety concerns over school stairs, and student frustration regarding changes to high school graduation traditions, specifically the removal of class rankings and stage recognition. Additionally, the committee considered the approval of a bid for the Lewis Middle School kitchen project.

The meeting commenced after a closed session which addressed student discipline, personnel matters including employment and compensation negotiations, and review of closed session minutes. Key discussions in the open session included a follow-up on a conflict resolution session held with a representative from the Illinois Association of School Boards aimed at promoting better board working relationships. The Student Board Member reports featured an update on the reintroduction of an in-school tutoring program set to begin on March 3rd, detailing requirements for participation such as punctuality and positive attitude, and addressing volunteer hour documentation and fee reduction incentives. Another student report provided a preliminary analysis of the student well-being survey, highlighting student concerns regarding teacher support (e.g., lack of understanding, threatening failure), educational quality and rigor, resource allocation (citing a recent Wi-Fi outage), and school environment issues such as negative behavior and perceived inequality in security guard interactions. Students also reported on academic pressure, heavy workload, duplicate coursework, and delayed grading feedback. The board acknowledged the need to capture and relay this survey data to administration and teaching staff for planning purposes. Presentations were given for a Black History Month celebration recognizing 100 years of commemorations, featuring student performances and alumni awards, and an update on Clark Elementary School being authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.

The meeting commenced after a closed session held at 6 PM to discuss matters exempt from the Illinois Open Meetings Act, including personnel, real estate, negotiations, and legal matters. During the open session, board members participated in the pledge of allegiance. The President reported on upcoming events, including a conflict resolution session on February 18th and the Lake Division meeting of the Illinois Association of School Boards on April 15th. A letter was read regarding the annual Mikva Challenge issues to action showcase scheduled for April 24, 2026. Student board members presented updates, covering the introduction of two surveys: one for an in-school student tutoring program (Student-to-Student Learning) designed for NHS members to earn volunteer hours, and another (Student Serve Follow-up Lunch Survey) aimed at gathering student feedback to improve lunch nutrition and fulfillment. Additionally, a student board member presented an idea for school expansion or complete renovation to create a more modern learning environment. The meeting featured special recognition and presentations for two administrators: Mr. Nelson Campos, recognized as the IPA Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year and the State of Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year, and Miss Shantaa Meyers, who received the 2025-2026 Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award for fostering strong connections between schools, families, and the community.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The body first held a closed session starting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel matters (appointment, employment, compensation, performance, and dismissals), negotiations (collective), and legal matters (actual or threatened litigation, specific personnel compensation). Upon reconvening to open session at 7:02 p.m., the board addressed a procedural discussion regarding the placement of public comment, agreeing to move it to after the return from closed session going forward to accommodate public attendees more efficiently. During the public comment period, representatives and students from Youth Guidance, including members of the B.A.M. program, spoke about the positive impact of the program on their personal growth and maturation.