Feed15 Update + Save the Date for Family Fun Day!

September 1, 2026 Dear District 15 Community, From our youngest preschoolers to our graduating 8th graders, healthy and consistent nutrition is vital for our students to learn, grow, and thrive—which is why we are so grateful for the outpouring of community support for our Feed15 initiative since its launch last school year. Thanks to your support at our recent fundraising events, every dollar raised has turned into meals for our students: 80th Anniversary Gala (April): A fantastic evening that raised $46,000 for our students. Panera Dine and Share (July): Brought our school families together and raised over $400. Spunky Dunkers (August): Raised $1,300, which our wonderful hosts at Spunky Dunkers rounded up to $1,500! Your Impact in Action Starting this school year, these funds allow Feed15 to fully cover the cost of the Blessings in a Backpack program at three additional D15 schools, providing 170 students with a bag of nutritious, child-friendly food every Friday throughout the school year. These weekend meals ensure our kids return to school on Monday energized and ready to learn. We are also grateful to our partners at The Chapel, Good News in the Neighborhood, the one-five Foundation, Prince of Peace, and Zurich, whose volunteers and donated resources keep this program up and running across seven additional D15 schools! Bridging the Gap Together While Blessings in a Backpack currently reaches 800 students district‑wide, the need remains far greater, as more than 4,000 District 15 students face food insecurity.   Closing this gap is a community-wide effort. We are fortunate to partner with our dedicated PTAs and PTOs, local residents, and organizations like People Helping People, Partners for Our Communities, and Faith Feeds Food Pantry. Through year-round neighborhood food drives and in-school pantries, their work ensures our families have access to essential supplies whenever they need them.   Looking Ahead While these combined efforts make a life‑changing difference every single week, our ultimate goal is to expand Feed15 until every student in District 15 has consistent, reliable access to the nutrition they need.   To help us keep this momentum going, please join us for our next event: Feed15 Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 27th at Bowlero (more info below)!   Can't make it to the event? You can still support the Feed15 initiative directly: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-feed15-initiative   Thank you for standing by our learners and helping us build a stronger, hunger-free District 15.   With gratitude,   CCSD15 & the Northwest Suburban Council PTA   Feed15 Family Fun Day - 9/27 Join CCSD15 and the NWSC PTA for the Family Fun Day Fundraiser! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of bowling, food, and arcade games, all while supporting students in District 15.   Event Details: When: Sunday, September 27 from 11:30 AM–3:00 PM Where: Bowlero Deer Park (21080 N. Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047) Tickets: $30 per person (Includes 1½ hours of bowling, 2 slices of pizza, fries, and soft drinks) Add-On: Grab a $10-value Arcade Card for just $5! It’s a win-win: a fantastic family afternoon that directly supports our D15 students.  We’ll see you there! Get your tickets here: givebutter.com/feed15familyfunday Event Info & Tickets   Coming Up… Be on the lookout for information about Feed15 events happening later this year!  Family Fun Day at Bowlero (September 27) Feed15 Food Drive (November 30-December 11) 2-Ball Tournament (Winter 2027) Stay tuned for information about our spring event... (Spring 2027) Learn More About Feed15

Tuesday, Sep 01 2026

Middle School Reminder: Cell Phones, Bags & Student ...

August 20, 2026 Dear District 15 Middle School Families, As we get the school year underway, we want to share a friendly reminder about a few middle school expectations and materials.  These are established school policies and expectations that all students are expected to follow throughout the school year. We appreciate your help reinforcing them at home. Cell Phones Students may bring cell phones to school, but they  may not use them during the school day . Phones should be put away in students’ lockers and remain there from the morning bell through the final bell of the day. Backpacks, Sling Bags & Cinch Bags Backpacks, sling bags and cinch bags should also remain in students’ lockers and may not be carried throughout the school day. Each student will receive a  pencil case to carry writing utensils and other necessary personal items between classes. Accordion Folders All  sixth grade students will receive an accordion folder to help organize their materials. Additional accordion folders will not be provided for students in grades 7–8. Assignment Notebooks All middle school students will receive a  homework assignment notebook to use throughout the school year to help keep track of assignments, due dates and other important information. Thank you for your partnership in helping students understand and follow these expectations consistently. Your support helps us maintain a safe, organized and focused learning environment for all students.

Thursday, Aug 20 2026

Board Brief - 8/5/2026

August 5, 2026 The District 15 Regular Board of Education meeting was held on August 5, 2026. The full meeting agenda as well as the minutes from the June 30, 2026 Regular Board of Education meeting can be found on the Diligent Community website. A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our Youtube channel.   Pledge of Allegiance John G. Conyers Learning Academy Students The Board of Education meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from the Conyers Learning Academy ABLE and REACH programs. Principal Christy Loh introduced the students and shared that they were selected because they embody the Phoenix Way through compassion, connection and perseverance. She highlighted how they support one another, build positive relationships throughout the school community and work diligently toward their individual goals. Before leading the pledge, the students also demonstrated the Phoenix Way chant used to begin and end their days at CLA. The Board proudly recognized Emiliano C., Darious L., Gehirg N., Remington S. and Logan Y. for representing their school community.   Appointment of a New Board Member The Board of Education appointed Meghan Scholnick to fill its vacant seat following a comprehensive summer selection process that included community applications and candidate interviews. Board members shared that Scholnick stood out because of her extensive community leadership, strong understanding of the district and familiarity with the students and families it serves. Following the unanimous vote, the Honorable Pamela E. Loza, Judge for the 12th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois, administered the oath of office. During the ceremony, Scholnick pledged to uphold the responsibilities of board service, protect district assets, support equitable and high-quality education and work collaboratively with the Board and superintendent. The Board formally welcomed Scholnick and expressed its enthusiasm for having her join the team. Strategic Plan Area of Focus: Overview of Assessment Calendar, Baseline Measures and Dashboard, and Student Achievement Presented by: Dr. Emily McFadden, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, & Assessment Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Assessment Dr. Emily McFadden presented an initial overview of District 15 student achievement data and outlined how the district will continue refining its approach throughout the school year. Results showed that MAP reading remained steady at 70 percent, MAP math increased to 71 percent and preliminary Illinois Assessment of Readiness results reflected growth in English language arts across every grade level from grades 3–8. Dr. McFadden also highlighted several instructional priorities for 2026–2027, including the launch of Magnetic Literacy in grades 3–5, a primary-grade pilot at Gray M. Sanborn School, redesigned middle school interventions and expanded math support through WIN (What I Need) time. A major focus will be the new Learning Collaborative, which will give K–5 general education teams dedicated weekly time to review student data, identify reteaching or enrichment needs and adjust instruction more responsively. Board members discussed the importance of viewing results by school and across student demographic groups, including race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, while also building a consistent dashboard that clearly shows progress over time. The district will return with more detailed assessment information later this fall as additional data becomes available. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 27:37).   Ethics Complaint from Brian Costin and Justin Hegy Presented by: Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent of Schools The Board discussed an ethics complaint submitted by Brian Costin and Justin Hegy regarding alleged political activity connected to the District’s November 8, 2022 bond referendum. Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith explained that the District maintains its actions were consistent with legal requirements and that legal counsel was consulted throughout the referendum process. He also noted that the District had previously provided substantial information to the complainants and considered the filing untimely because it was submitted several years after the referendum. Dr. Smith stated that the administration recommended rejecting the complaint and thanked the District’s attorney for his guidance and support. Later in the meeting, the Board approved the denial of the ethics complaint. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 52:25).   Board Committee Updates Education Research Development (Ed-RED) Committee Board Vice President Annerino reported that the Illinois General Assembly is currently out of session and will reconvene for veto sessions from November 17–19 and December 1–3. He noted that Illinois must still decide whether to participate in a federal scholarship tax credit program scheduled to begin January 1, 2027. Annerino also shared that he planned to attend an ED-RED legislative breakfast on August 10 to hear directly from state representatives. He identified state funding for public education as a key concern, noting that local property taxes continue to carry a significant share of school funding in Illinois. He also expressed interest in reforms to the tax increment financing approval process so that affected taxing bodies, including school districts, have a stronger voice in decisions that may impact their revenue. For more information on Education Research Development (Ed-RED), visit Ed-RED website. one-five Foundation On behalf of Board Member Bachmann who was absent from the August meeting, Board President Ader shared several updates from the one-five Foundation. The Foundation donated $6,000 in June to Better Together in Rolling Meadows to support an August back-to-school supply event for families in need. Through Feed15, the Foundation will also provide $10,000 to continue Blessings in a Backpack programs at Jane Addams and Kimball Hill, along with another $10,000 to launch new programs at Willow Bend, Winston Campus Middle School and Winston Campus Elementary School for the 2026–2027 school year. Ader also announced an IKEA Bingo fundraising night scheduled for August 28 at 6 PM at IKEA Schaumburg. Only 100 tickets will be available, with IKEA products, gift baskets and gift cards offered as prizes, and additional details will be shared on the one-five Foundation website. For more one-five updates, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.ccsd15.net/one-five-foundation, which is also linked on the District 15 website under the "Our Community" tab for added accessibility. Finance Committee Board Members Hunt reported that the Finance Committee had no new updates to share. The committee is scheduled to meet before the September Board of Education meeting. Equity Committee Board Members Khan and Taylor reported that the Equity Committee had no new updates to share. They plan to meet with Superintendent Dr. Smith to develop the committee’s agenda, with the goal of holding a meeting in September.   10.1 Approval of the Personnel Report: Recommendations for Administration, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff Members - APPROVED 10.2 Approval of Bid #27-001 Emergency Transportation Services for Unassigned Bus Routes - APPROVED 10.3 Denial of Ethics Complaint from Brian Costin and Justin Hegy - 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, September 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM. https://www.ccsd15.net/

Tuesday, Aug 11 2026

D15 eNews: August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026 Greetings District 15 School Community, The summer break is wrapping up and I want to officially welcome you to the start of the 2026-2027 school year! Over the last few weeks, our staff members have been busy participating in professional development activities and other work to prepare for an amazing start to the school year. We take this work very seriously and we are all focused on creating rigorous and meaningful learning experiences for our students. Part of our work this summer has been to address some remaining HVAC and mechanical issues to make sure that our school buildings are functioning properly. A bulk of the HVAC work was completed at the Winston Campus and the projects at Conyers Learning Academy focused on flooring replacements, sidewalk extensions, and parking lot improvements. We will continue to invest in school buildings to create safe and welcoming spaces for your children to learn and grow. From an instructional perspective, we are committed to the academic growth and achievement of every child. That means that our learning activities and experiences must be rigorous and challenging at all levels, so that our students are continually improving their skills and their ability to demonstrate their learning in a variety of settings. This year, we will be implementing a new reading program, Magnetic Literacy, in grades 3-5, to continue our improvement in the areas of reading and writing. Building an aligned curriculum from Prekindergarten through 8th grade will put our students in a position to enter high school with the academic and social-emotional skills that they will need to be successful. We will closely monitor the data results of curriculum changes and that information will be shared with all of you. Please follow our monthly Board of Education meetings for more information on this topic. I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to guide and support your children this year. We will be their biggest cheerleaders on this educational journey and we look forward to partnering with all of you. The official first day of school is Wednesday, August 19th, and I am looking forward to seeing all of your smiling faces. On behalf of the District 15 Board of Education and its incredible staff members, I hope you all have a wonderful school year! Sincerely, Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent   Board of Education Meeting Our next Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00 p.m. You are welcome to join us at Walter R. Sundling or you can tune in via our livestream to Youtube.   Welcome to ParentSquare! This platform serves as our primary method of communication for all district and school communication, including: school and district announcements classroom updates event reminders emergency notifications forms and permission slips direct messages from teachers and other staff Here's what you can do with ParentSquare: You can receive messages from the school via email, text, phone, or (optional) app notification—your choice which formats work best for you! You can choose to receive information "instantly" (when it is sent) or in "digest" format (all communications are grouped together) daily just after 6 pm You can receive communications in your preferred language You can comment on school postings (when allowed) to engage with your school community You can send/receive direct messages from teachers and staff You can participate in group messages from teachers and staff You can sign up for appointments, fill out forms, and much more! Learn more about ParentSquare: Parent & Guardian Training (Vimeo) - (7:48 minutes) - an introduction to ParentSquare from a parent/guardian's perspective. Parent Self-Paced Training Module - designed to take 10 minutes and covers the things you need to know about using using ParentSquare as a parent or guardian!   Sign In to ParentSquare  Back-to-School Info from Nutrition Services It’s that time of the year to complete a Free/Reduced lunch application or the Income survey/Fee waiver for the upcoming school year. If you haven’t already completed an application or have not received an email from Nutrition Services stating that your students' status in the cafeteria is updated for this school year please go to the district website and apply for the free/reduced lunch program or apply for the fee waiver.   Students at the following schools are entitled to a free breakfast and lunch each day and can apply for the fee waiver: Gray M Sanborn Jane Addams Kimball Hill Lake Louise Lincoln  Virginia Lake Willow Bend Winston Campus Elementary Carl Sandburg Middle School Walter Sundling Winston Campus Middle School  Conyers Learning Academy  Students at all other District 15 schools can apply for free and reduced lunch here. Meal prices for the 2026-2027 school year as as follows: Breakfast $1.80, Reduced price breakfast $0.30 Elementary lunch $3.40, reduced price lunch $0.40 Middle School lunch $3.50, Reduced price Middle School lunch $0.40   View Your Student’s Homeroom Teacher and Schedule on August 12th! Mark Your Calendars: Starting on August 12th, you can log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal to view your student’s homeroom teacher or official schedule! Additionally, for all families who have finalized their 26-27 registration, Google accounts for students will be reactivated and ready to access learning resources for the new school year.   Kick Off the School Year with Meet the Teacher & Walk Your Schedule! Mark your calendars for Monday, August 17! We are excited to welcome students and families back to campus before the official first day. Middle School Walk Your Schedule: 12:45-1:30 PM Elementary Meet the Teacher: 1:45-2:30 PM Come tour the classrooms, find your lockers, meet your teachers, and get ready for a great year ahead!   New D15 Student ID Badge Program As we continue to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, Community Consolidated School District 15 remains committed to enhancing student safety and streamlining our daily operations. We are excited to announce the launch of our new Student Badge Program, a multi-use tool designed to make the school day safer and more efficient for every student. Following a successful spring pilot at five of our schools, District 15 will expand its student ID program district-wide this August. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, all D15 students will receive a durable identification badge and a safety breakaway lanyard. How the Badges Will Be Used: Students will scan their badges as they board and exit the bus, providing real-time data to help ensure they are on the correct route.  The badges allow for a "touchless" experience in the cafeteria, helping to speed up lunch lines and give students more time to eat. Students will use their badges to check out library books and media materials quickly and efficiently. Badges will help staff quickly identify students. What You Need to Know: Please help your child remember to wear their badge every morning. For your child’s protection, we are using breakaway lanyards designed to snap open if caught on an object. No personal contact information or home addresses are stored on the badge itself. The front of the card displays only the student's photo, first initial, and last name. When scanned, the badge links to our secure, internal school database. Each student receives their first badge at no cost. If a badge is lost or damaged, a replacement may be requested through the front office for a fee of $5.00. Replacement lanyards and protective coverings may be purchased for $2.00 each. Download the MyRide K12 App: If your student rides the bus, download the MyRide K12 app to receive real-time notifications and bus routing updates tied to your student's daily scans. Implementation Timeline We understand that new routines take time. The first two weeks of school will serve as a "grace period" while students become familiar with scanning procedures. No fees for lost badges will be assessed during this time, and bus drivers and staff will provide additional support to help students adjust. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and enhancing our learning environments.   Technology Reminders for the New School Year As we gear up for the new school year, here are two quick ways to help your student stay connected and ready to learn: Charge Up: Students in grades 5–8 should arrive with their Chromebooks fully charged each day. Try setting up a "charging station" in a common area of your home (outside the bedroom) to build a consistent bedtime routine. Incoming 5th graders will receive devices after the start of the school year, and then will be responsible for bringing them home to charge each night. Stay Informed with Securly: Don't forget to download the Securly Home app. It’s a great tool for monitoring your student’s online activity, blocking specific sites (at home), or pausing the internet(at home) during homework time.   Bus Safety: Boarding Matters Safety on the bus is a priority and it starts with boarding the bus safely. Students that are eligible for bus service must board the bus on their own. Drivers and bus aides won't lift, pull, or carry a child onto the bus. Parents and guardians can't board the bus or place a child inside it either. This keeps boarding safe and consistent at every stop. If you anticipate that your child may need support getting on the bus, please contact your school before the first day. We'll build a plan together. Thank you for helping us keep the ride safe for every student.   Important Back to School Health Form Information For the health and safety of all students, District 15 follows the Illinois State Board of Education health requirements. These requirements include physical (health) examinations, immunizations, dental examinations, and vision examinations based on a student's grade level and age. Physical Examination Requirements Kindergarten, 6th Grade, and Students New to District 15 Students entering Kindergarten, 6th grade, or enrolling in District 15 for the first time must have a current Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination on file. The physical examination must be dated within one year prior to the first day of school (August 19, 2026). Required Health Forms Please ensure the following records are submitted to your school's Health Office by October 15, 2026: Immunization Records: All students must meet Illinois immunization requirements. Please check with your healthcare provider to ensure your student is up to date. Returning Students: A new physical examination is not required unless your student is entering Kindergarten or 6th grade. Students Transferring from Another Illinois School District: Previous Illinois school health records may be accepted unless the student is entering Kindergarten or 6th grade, when an updated physical examination is required by state law. Fall Sports Students planning to participate in a fall sport must have a current sports physical or Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination on file before tryouts begin. Additional information regarding athletic registration will be shared in August. Dental Examination Required for: Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 6th Grade Due: May 15, 2027 The dental examination must be completed no earlier than 18 months before May 15, 2027. The Illinois Dental Examination Form must be completed by your dental provider. Dental examinations are recommended every six months. Vision Examination Required for: Kindergarten and students New to Illinois The Illinois Eye Examination Report must be completed by an eye care provider. Annual vision examinations are recommended for all students. Health Concerns If your student has a chronic health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, food allergies, a seizure disorder, requires daily medication, or has any other health concern, please contact your school nurse before the start of the school year. The nurse will provide the necessary forms and work with you to develop a plan to help keep your child safe at school. If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse. We look forward to welcoming your family back for a wonderful school year!   Save on School Supplies: Illinois Back-to-School Tax Holiday (Aug 7–16) Get ready for the new school year and save on essential supplies! From August 7 through August 16, 2026, Illinois is hosting a Back-to-School State Sales Tax Holiday. During this time, the state sales tax rate on qualifying back-to-school items drops from 6.25% down to 1.25%. Qualifying items include: Clothing & Footwear: Items with a retail price under $125 each. School Supplies: Qualifying supplies used for study (no price limit). Take advantage of these savings before the school bell rings! For a full list of eligible items and details, visit the Illinois Department of Revenue Information Page.   A Fresh New Look for PowerSchool Parent Portal and App! District 15 is excited to announce MyPowerHub—a sleek, modernized upgrade to PowerSchool on both the mobile app and the desktop browser! Starting August 10th, whether you launch the PowerSchool app on your phone or log in from a web browser on your computer, you will automatically see the new MyPowerHub interface. It makes it easier than ever to access: Schedules & Class Lists Grades & Report Cards Attendance Registration & Documents What do you need to do? Absolutely nothing! You don't need to download a new app, use a different web link, or reset your password. Simply log in on your computer or open the PowerSchool app on or after August 10th to enjoy the new look!   Backpack/Bookbag and Cell Phone Policy Reminder  As a reminder, students will not be allowed to use their cell phones during the day. They will need to be put away in their lockers, and students will not be allowed to use their cell phones from morning bell to the last bell at the end of the day. Sling bags/cinch bags and backpacks will need to remain in the students’ lockers and cannot be carried throughout the day. Each student will be provided with a pencil case to store writing utensils and necessary personal items. Students are not permitted to carry backpacks to class during the school day. All backpacks and bookbags must be placed in the student's locker during the day. Sixth grade students will each receive an accordion folder. Unfortunately, we do not have additional folders for our 7th and 8th grade students. Students will also be provided with a homework assignment notebook that they will utilize throughout the school year.   Meet the New Leaders of D15! Check out our new Administrative Hires page on the District 15 website! We’re excited to introduce the newest leaders guiding our schools, supporting our staff, and championing our students. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome if you see them in your building!   Join the Team: Become a Family Liaison! We are looking for a bilingual (English/Spanish) Family Liaison to join our team in partnership with CCSD15 and Partners for Our Communities (POC). Key Qualifications: Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish Experience working directly with families and community members Strong interpersonal and customer service skills Basic proficiency with Google Workspace tools (Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Sheets) If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting local families and connecting our community, scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to apply today! Click Here to Apply!  Stay in the Know with Community e-Flyers! Looking for local events, programs, and activities for your family? Be sure to check the Community e-Flyers page on the district website! We regularly share updates about happenings in the area that you won’t want to miss. Check it out to see what’s new for the start of the school year!   Are You Following Us On Social Media? 📱 Want to see more of the amazing things happening in our classrooms and stay up-to-date with the latest news? Follow us on social media! It’s a great way to catch highlights of student achievements, important event reminders, and see student learning in action across District 15. Like Our Page On FacebookFollow Us On Instagram  Kick Off the School Year with Spunky Dunkers & Support Feed15! What better way to kick off the new school year than with Spunky Dunkers? The NWSC PTA and CCSD15 are partnering with Spunky Dunkers Donuts for a tasty fundraiser supporting Feed15 during the first week of school, August 17–23. How to Participate: Buy the Special Donut: Head to Spunky Dunkers and order the special Feed15 donut. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to helping feed local students and families. Planning a Big Order? If you plan to order more than a dozen donuts, please call ahead the night before so the shop can have your fresh batch ready to go. Grab a sweet treat, celebrate the start of the school year, and help us support Feed15!   Back to School Picnic & Resource Fair Join us for the BPAC Back to School Picnic and Resource Fair hosted for D15 families to celebrate the new school year! It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon. Date: Saturday, September 19 Location: Winston Campus (900 E. Palatine Road) Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Expect: Games, fun activities, and food (available while supplies last)   Mark Your Calendar for Key Dates August 17: Elementary "Meet the Teacher" from 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM August 17: Middle School "Walk Your Schedule" from 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM August 19: First Day of School | Grades K-8 & Early Childhood | Half Day Student Attendance September 7: No School | Holiday - Labor Day Board of Education Meetings and Dates All meetings of the Board of Education are held at Walter R. Sundling Middle School, located at 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine, unless otherwise posted. Regular meetings of the Board of Education begin at 7:00 pm. Meeting dates for the 2026-27 school year are as follows: September 9, 2026 October 14, 2026 November 11, 2026 December 9, 2026 January 13, 2027 February 10, 2027 March 10, 2027 April 14, 2027 May 12, 2027 June 9, 2027 School Calendar To view the full 2026-27 School Calendar, please visit the calendar on the D15 website.   Dana Smith, Ed.D., Superintendent Email: smithd@ccsd15.net Website: https://www.ccsd15.net Address: 580 N 1st Bank Drive, Palatine IL 60067 Phone: 847-963-3000 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Tuesday, Aug 11 2026

Board Brief - 6/30/2026

  June 30, 2026 The District 15 Regular Board of Education meeting was held on June 30, 2026. The full meeting agenda as well as the minutes from the May 13, 2026 Regular Board of Education meeting can be found on the Diligent Community website. A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our Youtube channel.   Board Recognition: Superintendent’s Retirement The Board of Education recognized Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz as she concluded seven years of leadership as the Superintendent of Schools in District 15 and a 35-year career in education. Board members reflected on the lasting impact of her tenure, including leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing academic outcomes with a focus on equity, and guiding the successful Moving 15 Forward referendum that brought full-day kindergarten, true middle schools, neighborhood schools and significant facility improvements to the district. They also recognized Dr. Heinz as the first woman to serve as superintendent of District 15 and thanked her family for the many years of support that made her service possible. In honor of her leadership and legacy, Board President Samantha Ader announced that the Boardroom would be permanently named the Dr. Laurie Heinz Boardroom. Dr. Heinz thanked the Board for its partnership and shared that District 15 will always hold a special place in her 35-year career in education.   Board Resignation and Recognition The Board of Education recognized Board Member Lisa Beth Szczupaj for nine years of service following her announcement that she would resign her seat after the June 30 meeting due to increasing work and family commitments. Board President Samantha Ader reflected on Szczupaj’s impact, including her role in hiring Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz, advancing full-day kindergarten, helping shape school boundaries around student and family needs, and serving as Board President. Dr. Heinz also thanked Szczupaj for her vision, partnership and commitment throughout years of significant district improvement. Szczupaj described her time on the Board as deeply fulfilling and said it had been an honor to serve the District 15 community. She shared that while she is stepping away from the Board, she intends to remain connected and involved in the community. Student Recognition: Special Olympics Summer Games Athletes Jimmy L. and Carolina C. The Board of Education recognized Special Olympics athletes Jimmy L. and Carolina C. for their outstanding performances at the Region B Spring Games and the 2026 Summer Games. Jimmy earned first place in the 100-meter run at the Region B competition with a time of 21.4 seconds, qualifying him for the Summer Games in Bloomington, where he again took first place in the event. Carolina also advanced to the Summer Games and earned second place in the standing long jump and fourth place in the 50-meter run. The athletes were supported by Head Coach Jim Hermetet and Assistant Coach Melissa Souden throughout the season. Board members congratulated Jimmy and Carolina for their accomplishments and celebrated their continued success representing District 15.   Student Recognition: 2026 IESA Track & Field All State and Top Ten Finishers The Board of Education recognized District 15’s 2026 IESA Track & Field state qualifiers and All-State finishers following a strong season across all five middle schools. Thirteen individual athletes qualified for 15 events at the State Meet in Bloomington, along with seven relay teams. Several students earned top-eight finishes and All-State honors, including personal-best performances in events such as the 800-meter run, 1600-meter run, shot put, high jump and relays. Highlights included a first-place finish by the Winston Campus Middle School 4x400-meter relay team, a third-place finish by Travis G. in the 400-meter run, and a second-place finish by Addie M. in the 800-meter run. District leaders also thanked the coaches, IESA supervisors and families who supported students throughout sectionals and the State Meet. The Board congratulated all of the athletes and wished the eighth-grade competitors continued success as they move on to high school athletics.   Student Recognition: Ethan M. - Thomas Jefferson Middle School The Board of Education recognized Thomas Jefferson Middle School eighth-grade student Ethan M. for an extraordinary act of courage and quick thinking that helped save his father’s life. Earlier in the school year, Ethan learned compression-only CPR in his Medical Detectives elective, where students were taught how to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911 and begin chest compressions. When Ethan later found his father in cardiac arrest at home, he immediately called 911 and began CPR, continuing until emergency medical services arrived. District leaders praised Ethan for remaining calm, trusting his training and acting without hesitation during an incredibly frightening situation. His father survived and was able to attend the meeting with his family. The Board celebrated Ethan’s heroism and highlighted his story as a powerful example of how practical, real-world learning can have life-saving impact.   Above and Beyond Staff Recognition: Tamara Byrne - IL PTA Reflections Spotlight Event The Board of Education recognized Thomas Jefferson Middle School Principal Tamara Byrne for her outstanding support of the Illinois PTA Reflections Spotlight event. Illinois PTA representative Les Malloy thanked Byrne and the TJMS team for opening the school to host the statewide celebration and for the significant time and effort required to support the event. Malloy highlighted Byrne’s accessibility, presence and partnership throughout the day, noting that the event provided a positive experience for participants and families. The recognition also celebrated Thomas Jefferson Middle School as a welcoming setting to showcase student creativity and achievement. The Board joined Illinois PTA in thanking Byrne and her staff for going above and beyond to make the event a success. Public Hearing on Interfund Transfer The Board of Education held a public hearing regarding an interfund transfer from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Transportation Fund. District administration explained that the transfer was needed because the Transportation Fund was projected to end the fiscal year with a negative balance due to several unforeseen, one-time expenses. The Board was asked to authorize a transfer of up to $2 million, although administration anticipated the final amount would likely be closer to $1 million to $1.5 million once year-end audit adjustments were completed. District leaders also shared that they are closely monitoring transportation expenditures, improving projections and invoice review, and continuing conversations related to transportation costs and vendor agreements. No public comments or Board questions were raised during the hearing, which was then formally adjourned before the meeting returned to open session. Tentative FY27 Budget Presented by: Anthony Fashoda, Director of Finance Pei Pei Moy, Assistant Director of Finance The Board of Education reviewed the tentative FY27 budget, which serves as the district’s financial roadmap and will be finalized for Board consideration in September. Director of Finance Anthony Fashoda shared that operating revenues are projected to increase by approximately $4.3 million, while operating expenditures are expected to increase by about $2.9 million, resulting in a projected operating deficit of roughly $4.9 million. He noted that the district again used a zero-based budgeting process, with departments reducing budgets where possible while continuing to support strategic priorities, staffing, curriculum, technology and facility needs. A major area of concern remains delayed Cook County property tax distributions, which have affected cash flow and investment income and may require continued monitoring if delays persist. The presentation also highlighted approximately $1 million in reduced federal grant funding, planned literacy and technology investments, and ongoing capital work across district schools. Board members discussed the outstanding property tax revenue and thanked the finance team for closely monitoring Cook County distributions and continuing efforts to protect district resources. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 00:57:00).   Preschool Update Presented by: Dr. Mindy Landauer, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Related Services The Board of Education received a comprehensive update on District 15’s preschool programming and the district’s multi-year work to create a more unified, consistent early childhood system. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Related Services Dr. Mindy Landauer reviewed the district’s three primary preschool pathways and highlighted ongoing efforts to centralize leadership, standardize screening and eligibility processes, clarify program descriptions and expand access to consistent curriculum and supports. She shared that the district is moving toward greater inclusion for students with IEPs, with more students receiving services in general early childhood settings and fewer students served in separate special education classrooms. The presentation also highlighted a streamlined preschool registration process through Conyers Learning Academy, continued investments in staff development and facilities, and efforts to strengthen family engagement through tools such as ParentSquare and the district website. Board members discussed long-term plans to consolidate the currently separate preschool structures under stronger district leadership while remaining mindful of state grant requirements, funding uncertainties and existing community partnerships. District leaders emphasized that the ultimate goal is a more seamless early childhood experience that gives families clearer access to services and better prepares students for a successful transition to kindergarten.  You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 1:28:38).   Year in Review and Looking Ahead Presented by: Dr. Laurie Heinz, Superintendent of Schools The Board of Education received a year-in-review presentation highlighting progress across District 15’s strategic priorities and outlining key areas of focus for the year ahead. Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz shared that student achievement continues to trend positively, with strong growth in reading and math, expanded curricular resources, increased access to enrichment opportunities and continued reductions in chronic absenteeism, significant behavioral incidents and equity disparities. The presentation also highlighted investments in staff development, expanded family and community engagement, increased use of ParentSquare, continued growth of dual language and bilingual programming, and ongoing facility improvements tied to Moving 15 Forward. District leaders noted that several strategic plan goals have already been met or are on track, while future work will focus on raising academic targets, strengthening small-group instruction, expanding staff training and continuing to refine programs and supports based on student needs. Looking ahead, the district will also need to address financial pressures, including rebuilding the fund balance, rising health insurance and operating costs, transportation challenges and the need to align staffing levels with both student needs and available resources. Board members praised the progress made across the district and requested continued scorecard updates on the remaining strategic priorities during the upcoming school year.  You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 02:28:02). Board Committee Updates Education Research Development (Ed-RED) Committee Board Vice President Annerino provided an update on the conclusion of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session. He shared that the state budget included a $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding for education, bringing total education funding to approximately $9.3 billion. Annerino also noted several proposals that did not advance, including the mega projects bill, the no-build proposal and FOIA-related initiatives. He highlighted legislation allowing schools serving as election sites to use an e-learning day on Election Day. The committee will continue monitoring legislative developments as lawmakers move toward the next session. For more information on Education Research Development (Ed-RED), visit Ed-RED website. one-five Foundation Board President Ader shared an update on behalf of absent Board Member Bachmann regarding the one-five Foundation. She announced that the Foundation’s annual meeting is scheduled for early August and extended an invitation to incoming Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith. Ader also shared that $20,000 in Feed15 funds has been allocated to support four school programs. Of that amount, $10,000 will continue existing programs at Jane Addams and Kimball Hill, with $5,000 provided to each school. The remaining $10,000 will launch new programs for the 2026–2027 school year at Willow Bend and Winston Campus Middle and Elementary Schools. For more one-five updates, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.ccsd15.net/one-five-foundation, which is also linked on the District 15 website under the "Our Community" tab for added accessibility. Finance Committee Board Members Hunt and Szczupaj reported that the Finance Committee met on June 9 to review the tentative FY27 budget presented earlier in the meeting. She highlighted continued concerns regarding approximately $7 million in anticipated property tax distributions and the resulting impact delayed payments have had on interest income. They also noted that departmental budgets were reduced by approximately 10 percent and thanked district leaders for adjusting and reallocating resources. They emphasized that additional financial work remains ahead as the district continues working toward its goal of maintaining a 25 percent fund balance. Equity Committee The Equity Committee had no formal update to report, but Board Members Khan and Taylor highlighted encouraging progress reflected in the district’s recent equity-related data. The committee also recognized retiring Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz for consistently keeping equity at the forefront of the district’s work throughout her tenure. Board members thanked Dr. Heinz for her leadership and expressed their commitment to continuing that focus under incoming Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith.   9.1 Approval of Personnel Report: Administrative, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff - APPROVED 9.2 Approval of Bid Award #26-020 - School Buses - APPROVED 9.3 Approval of Second Reading of PRESS 121 - APPROVED 9.4  Approval of Bid Award #26-021 Playground Wood Chips - APPROVED 9.5 Approval of Bid Award #26-022 Cafeteria Packaging - APPROVED 9.6 Approval of Bid Award #26-023 Multipurpose Paper - APPROVED 9.7 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 9.8 Approval of the Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes - APPROVED 9.9 Approval of Resolution Abating the Working Cash Fund of the District - APPROVED 9.10  Approval of Resolution of the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 15, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing an Interfund Transfer from the Operations & Maintenance Fund to the Transportation Fund - APPROVED 9.11 Approval of Increase to Breakfast and Lunch Fees for the 2026-27SY - APPROVED 9.12 Approval of 2026-2027 Easter Seals Illinois Autism Partnership Contract - APPROVED 9.13 Approval of Independent Contractor Professional Services Agreement Contract - Karen Noonan - APPROVED 9.14 Approval of the Consolidated District Plan - 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 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. https://www.ccsd15.net/

Tuesday, Aug 11 2026

Greetings District 15 Students, Parents, and Staff!

July 7, 2026 Greetings District 15 Students, Parents, and Staff! I hope your summer is off to a great start and that you are enjoying the sunshine and warm weather! I am thrilled to officially introduce myself to all of you and to join such a wonderful school community. This link will take you to additional information about my history, but in a nutshell, I am a lifelong educator with a passion for creating rigorous learning and development experiences for students and adults. I believe that all children can reach and surpass their individual potential through focused classroom experiences that develop all of the skills that they will need as they move forward in life. From collaboration and communication practices to valuable experiences in the arts, our goal is to prepare our students for a successful future in high school and beyond. We are fortunate to have curious students, engaged parents, and effective educators in our school district and that is a proven recipe for success. Through clear communication and authentic collaboration, we will build on the great work of the past and we will chart a path forward to achieve our shared goals. The current Strategic Plan is coming to a close, so we will spend time this year identifying the next set of goals and strategies that will be used to meet the high expectations of our community. In the coming months, more information will be shared about how you can participate in the process, so that your voice can impact the future of our school district. In closing, I am thankful to the Board of Education for their trust and support and I am excited to get the 2026-27 school year started. As a reminder, the 1st day of school is on Wednesday, August 19th. Our schools and staff members will be prepared to welcome you and your children to another excellent school year and I am looking forward to visiting the schools and the many student activities that we offer. If I can be of any assistance to you now or in the future, please call me at 847-963-3210 at your convenience. Sincerely, Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent of Schools   Dana Smith, Ed.D., Superintendent Email: smithd@ccsd15.net Website: https://www.ccsd15.net Address: 580 N 1st Bank Drive, Palatine IL 60067 Phone: 847-963-3000 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Tuesday, Jul 07 2026

District 15 Board of Education Vacancy Announcement

DISTRICT 15 ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD MEMBER VACANCY   The Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education is now accepting applications to appoint a new member of the Board of Education to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Board Member Lisa Beth Szczupaj. The individual appointed to this position will serve the remainder of the current four-year term, which continues through 2029. We are grateful to Mrs. Szczupaj for her service to the students, families, staff, and broader District 15 community. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must: Be at least 18 years of age; Be a United States citizen; Be a registered voter within District 15; Have resided in Illinois and within District 15 for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment; and Meet all other legal requirements for service on a Board of Education, including not being a registered sex offender. Additional information about the qualifications and responsibilities of a school board member is available through the Illinois Association of School Boards:  Click here to review the Qualifications & Characteristics of a School Board Member from the Illinois Association of School Boards. How to Apply Interested residents should complete the online application by  Sunday, July 12, 2026 : CLICK HERE TO APPLY Additional information about the District 15 Board of Education is available here: Click here to learn more about the District 15 Board of Education Selection Process Applications will be reviewed by the Board of Education following the July 12 deadline. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person interview during the week of July 20. Specific dates and times are currently being finalized. Following the interview process, the Board will select an individual to fill the vacancy. It is anticipated that the new Board member will be officially seated at the  August 5, 2026 Board of Education meeting . Questions may be directed to: Dr. Dana Smith, Superintendent of Schools smithd@ccsd15.net   Samantha Ader, President of the Board of Education aders@ccsd15.net   We appreciate the interest of community members who are willing to serve District 15 and contribute to the continued success of our students and schools. Sincerely, Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education

Wednesday, Jul 01 2026

D15 Summer eNews: June 16, 2026

June 16, 2026 Happy Summer, District 15 Families! ☀️ We hope your summer is off to a great start! While school routines may be on pause, there's still plenty happening across District 15. From summer programs to schedule updates, here’s everything you need to know for the month ahead.   Summer Meals Information District 15's Summer Meals Program offers FREE meals to all children 18 and under. To help you plan your visits, please keep these things in mind: Eat On-Site: All meals must be eaten on-site. Closures: Service runs Monday-Thursday. We are closed on Fridays, with additional closures on June 18 and July 6. Check out the specific times and locations listed below, or head over to the Nutrition Services webpage to learn more. June 8 - July 30, 2026 Lake Louise Elementary School 500 N. Jonathan Drive, Palatine Breakfast: 8:00 - 9:15 am (M-Th) Lunch: 12:30 - 1:00 pm (M-Th) Walter R. Sundling Middle School 1100 North Smith Street, Palatine Breakfast: 7:00 - 8:00 am (M-Th) Lunch: 11:30 - 12:00 pm (M-Th) Jane Addams Elementary School 1020 E. Sayles Drive, Palatine Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 am (M-Th) Lunch: 12:00 - 12:30 pm (M-Th) July 7-22, 2026 Falcon Park Rec Center 2195 N. Hicks Road, Palatine Breakfast: 9:00 - 9:30 am (M & W only) July 7 - Aug 13, 2026 East Park Apartment Complex 2272 Algonquin Parkway, Rolling Meadows Breakfast: 9:30 - 10:15 am (M-Th) D15 Nutrition Services Webpage   Summer Learning Events: Open to ALL D15 Families! Summer Fun for Everyone! Explore these upcoming opportunities open to ALL families across District 15. Each assembly will be held at Walter R. Sundling Middle School (1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine) from 6:30-7:30 PM: Wednesday, June 17: Sweat Kids Come participate in this high-energy assembly that gets everyone moving with a series of fun, fast-paced exercises and upbeat music designed to spark a love for physical fitness. Wednesday, June 24: Randall Oaks Zoo Come see the "Zooperhero" animals and learn about what makes them so special. Please note: The Tsukasa Taiko Japanese Drums event on June 11 was canceled due to inclement weather warnings. We are currently working on finding a new date, so please keep an eye out for updates soon! Click Here To View Flyer   Register by July 15 for the 2026-27 School Year! Online student registration for the 2026-27 school year is open and must be completed by July 15. Every student — new and returning — must be registered each year. Returning families should login to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and complete the registration forms for the 2026-27 school year. If you are a returning D15 family and need to add a kindergartener, please visit ccsd15.net/registration.  If you are enrolling a preschool aged student, you must start the process on the Early Childhood page. Registration must be completed with student fees paid by July 15, 2026. Registration process: Login to the PowerSchool Parent Portal Complete the online registration forms Provide required documents Verify your address Pay student fees If you have any questions, or if you need translation assistance to complete online registration, please contact your child's school. If needed, an interpreter will be provided. Click Here To Get Started   Board of Education Update The regular Board of Education meeting on June 10 was rescheduled due to weather-related internet outages. The meeting will now be held on: Tuesday, June 30 at 6:00 PM Walter R. Sundling Middle School (1100 N. Smith St., Palatine, IL 60067) You are welcome to join us at Walter R. Sundling at 6:00 PM or you can tune in via our livestream to Youtube.

Tuesday, Jun 16 2026

D15 eNews: May 27, 2026

May 27, 2026 Dear District 15 Families, We did it! The finish line for the 2025-26 school year is in sight, and what a phenomenal run it has been! Before everyone heads off to enjoy all that summer has to offer, I want to take a moment to celebrate our students and staff for another year of teaching and learning in D15. The dedication, growth, and transformation we’ve seen in our classrooms since August has simply blown me away. It is a true testament to what happens when a community is fully invested in its schools.  For me, this month has been bittersweet. I’m currently experiencing all of my "lasts" before I begin a new chapter as a retiree. I still can’t fully believe it and I am sure many of our other retirees are in the same boat. It’s a strange feeling to attend my final district events, but it’s given me a renewed sense of appreciation for the joyful learning that happens in our buildings. While I’m excited for a more permanent summer break, I will deeply miss the daily excitement and energy of this district, our classrooms, and our students. When I look back at my time with District 15, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. Together, we navigated unprecedented times and championed lasting, positive changes for our district. We never stood still. From shifting our whole instructional model during the pandemic to passing the Moving 15 Forward referendum—which modernized our schools after 34 years of “no” from voters—we have made historic strides. We updated student resources, expanded programming, and strengthened our community connections, marking a period of true change and continuous improvement in our 80-year history.  Being the first female superintendent to lead District 15 has been an honor, but the true joy has been working alongside families, students, and staff who refuse to settle for anything less than what’s best for our students. That belief shows in everything we do and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you all a safe, relaxing, and wonderful summer ahead. To families moving on from D15, I wish you the best of luck with what lies ahead. For those returning in August, before you know it, the doors will open once again, and I know this incredible community will be ready to welcome or students back for another tremendous year of learning and growth.  While my chapter here is coming to a close, I will always be cheering District 15 on from the sidelines. The future of our schools is incredibly bright, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for District 15. With immense gratitude and endless District 15 pride, Dr. Laurie Heinz Superintendent of Schools   Board of Education Meeting Our final Board meeting for this school year is Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. You are welcome to join us at Walter R. Sundling or you can tune in via our livestream to Youtube.   School Cafe Auto Deposits & Free and Reduced Lunch Please note that if you have set up auto deposits into your student's School Cafe account you will need to contact School Cafe at (866) 442-6030 to turn this off.   All balances will be carried over on students meal accounts for those students enrolled in D15 school for next year. Please email Tina Woods at woodst@ccsd15.net if you would like a refund from a student's account or would like to transfer money from one student's account to a siblings account. Additionally, the application for Free and Reduced Lunch, or the fee waiver application, for the 26-27 school year will not be available until July.   Assessment Updates: NWEA MAP Norm Update Spring Assessment Scores are now available for families in PowerSchool! Please note that you may notice some changes in student scores on NWEA MAP as the assessment has changed their norms, which is how students compare to one another. MAP scores are reported using national “norms,” which help educators understand how a student’s performance compares to other students across the country. These norms are updated periodically to reflect the most recent student data trends. Beginning in 2025, MAP has updated norms based on results from more than 13.8 million students. Compared to previous norms, students in District 15 are showing accelerated improvement compared to other districts--a testament to the ongoing support of families during Covid and curricular enhancements across the district. While students’ MAP RIT scores remain on the same scale, the way those scores translate into percentiles has changed because the national reference group has been updated. This means a student may see a change in their percentile ranking even if their RIT score stays the same. In general, under the 2025 norms, many students will have higher percentile rankings compared to the previous (2020) norms. Powerschool shows the update to your child’s Fall and Spring MAP percentile scores to reflect the new 2025 norms.   Student Fees Notice As a reminder, 2025-2026 Student Fees were due on July 15, 2025. Log in to PowerSchool to review any remaining balance due and make payments in e-Funds by May 29, 2026 to avoid collection activity. Thank you.  Questions regarding student fees can be directed to Kameswari Pullela, Business Department, 847-963-3065.   Student Google Accounts: Summer 2026 To ensure safety and proper technology use for our students during the summer, all Google Workspace tools will be disabled for students as of June 4, 2026. This means students won’t be able to access Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, and other Google tools. Students will still be able to access curriculum resources like Clever, iXL, PebbleGo!, and Kids Discover. Please note: Students who are participating in summer school will still have access to the Google Workspace tools as needed for their learning and connection for their classes and district activities. After summer school ends on July 2nd, all student Google accounts will be disabled as our systems get prepared for the new school year. This will mean that during this timeframe, students will not be able to log into their Chromebook or access any curriculum resources. Student accounts will be re-enabled on or after August 10, 2026.   8th Grade Graduation Information We look forward to celebrating the hard work and achievements of our 8th grade students as they graduate from District 15! For full graduation details and FAQs, please visit the Graduation Page on our district website. Graduation Schedule: John G. Conyers Learning Academy Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 Time: 12:30 PM Location: Conyers Learning Academy (2800 W Central Road) There will not be a livestream of this ceremony Plum Grove Middle School Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM Location: Fremd High School (1000 S. Quentin Road) PGMS Livestream Link Winston Campus Middle School Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM Location: Palatine High School (1111 N. Rohlwing Road) WCMS Livestream Link Carl Sandburg Middle School Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Rolling Meadows High School (2901 Central Road) CSMS Livestream Link Thomas Jefferson Middle School Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Fremd High School (1000 S. Quentin Road) TJMS Livestream Link Walter R. Sundling Middle School Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Palatine High School (1111 N. Rohlwing Road) WRSMS Livestream Link   Register Today for the 2026-27 School Year Online student registration for the 2026–2027 school year is open. Every student — new and returning — must be registered each year. Completing registration helps us finalize school staffing, place students on class lists, and coordinate bus routes.  Returning families should login to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and complete the registration forms for the 2026-27 school year. If you are a returning D15 family and need to add a kindergartener, please visit ccsd15.net/registration.  If you are enrolling a preschool aged student, you must start the process on the Early Childhood page. Registration must be completed with student fees paid by July 15, 2026. Registration process: Login to the PowerSchool Parent Portal Complete the online registration forms Provide required documents Verify your address Pay student fees If you have any questions, or if you need translation assistance to complete online registration, please contact your child's school. If needed, an interpreter will be provided.   One Step Closer to Feeding 15! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our 80th Anniversary Gala last month. Because of your incredible generosity, we raised over $46,000 to support Feed15! These funds will allow us to provide significantly more meals for District 15 students during evenings, weekends, and school breaks. We are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up for its neighbors in BIG ways! Check out the video below to see some highlights from the night!   Stay in the Know with Community e-Flyers! Looking for local events, programs, and activities for your family? Be sure to check the Community e-Flyers page on the district website! We regularly share updates about happenings in the area that you won’t want to miss. Check it out to see what’s new for the summer!   Summer Family Learning Opportunities Join us for the following summer learning opportunities that will take place during summer school! Each assembly will be at Walter R. Sundling Middle School at 6:30 PM on the following dates: June 11: Tsukasa Taiko Japanese Drums Come hear the traditional Japanese Taiko drummers as they perform their synchronized rhythms and vibrant display of cultural artistry. June 17: Sweat Kids Come participate in this high-energy assembly that gets everyone moving with a series of fun, fast-paced exercises and upbeat music designed to spark a love for physical fitness. June 24: Randall Oaks Zoo Come see the "Zooperhero" animals and learn about what makes them so special. We invite your entire family to experience these amazing events. Everyone is welcome!  Click Here to View Flyer   IXL Summer Boost: Math Students can keep their math skills sharp this summer with the IXL Summer Boost: Math program. This self-paced option helps students review key math concepts and stay ready for the next school year. Students should complete the path for the grade they WILL enter in 26-27.   For Students on Chromebooks (Grades 5 and up) Students will be able to access IXL through Clever until July 2nd, when the system rollover will initiate. During the roll over process, students will not be able to login to their devices. For Students on Home Devices If a student at any grade (2-8) is working on a home device, they can login to IXL directly (ixl.com) with their username and password. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or need to access their username/password. Students will have access until the roll over on July 2nd.   Mark Your Calendars for Key Dates Important Dates for the Remainder of the School Year June 1: 8th Grade Graduations June 3: Last Day of School (half day), Grades K-7 Board of Education Meetings and Dates All meetings of the Board of Education are held at Walter R. Sundling Middle School, located at 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine, unless otherwise posted. Regular meetings of the Board of Education begin at 7:00 pm.  Remaining meeting dates for the 2025-26 school year are as follows: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 2025-26 School Calendar To view the full 2025-26 School Calendar, please visit the calendar on the D15 website.   Laurie Heinz, Ed.D., Superintendent Email: heinzl@ccsd15.net Website: https://www.ccsd15.net Address: 580 N 1st Bank Drive, Palatine IL 60067 Phone: 847-963-3000 Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Wednesday, May 27 2026

Board Brief - 5/13/2026

  May 13, 2026 The District 15 Regular Board of Education meeting was held on May 13, 2026. The full meeting agenda as well as the minutes from the April 8, 2026 Regular Board of Education meeting can be found on the Diligent Community website. A livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our Youtube channel.   Dr. Heinz Named North Cook Superintendent of Distinction The Board of Education recognized Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz for being named the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) Superintendent of Distinction for the North Cook Region, an honor awarded by her peers in recognition of exemplary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to education. The North Cook Region represents 46 superintendents across school districts and special education cooperatives, making this recognition especially meaningful. Dr. Heinz was recognized for her 35-year career in education and her impactful leadership in District 15, where she has led significant progress including the Moving 15 Forward referendum, expanded student opportunities, and strengthened community engagement through initiatives like Catch Up with Heinz, Hang with Heinz, and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory. Her leadership both within the district and across the broader educational community has made a lasting impact, and the Board congratulated her on this well-deserved recognition. Pictured are (center) Dr. Laurie Heinz, Superintendent of Schools, with (left) Dr. Don Angelaccio, Superintendent of Prospect Heights School District 23 and the North Cook Region President for IASA, and (right) Samantha Ader, District 15 Board President. Pledge of Allegiance The Respectables from Willow Bend Elementary School Students from Willow Bend Elementary School’s Respectables, a group recognized for their leadership and commitment to the school community, led the Board of Education in the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Bob Harris shared that the Respectables are selected throughout the year for consistently demonstrating Willow Bend’s three B’s: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. In addition to modeling these values, Respectables take on leadership roles across the school, including supporting staff with important tasks and recognizing their peers for positive behavior. Students recognized included Lucas W., Penelope G., Kaleb L., Elena T., Amelia C., Nera N., Sia B., Nikodem M., Lia H., Sofia M., Kino I., and Jayden D., with support from staff member Olivia Pascente. Mr. Harris expressed how proud the school is of these students and the fine example they set for others each day.   Student Recognition: Infinitec Outstanding Student Technology Award Winners The Board of Education recognized Emiliano C. from John G. Conyers Learning Academy and Jimmy L. from Winston Campus Middle School as recipients of the 2026 Infinitec Outstanding Student Technology Award, which honors students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement through the use of assistive technology. Ms. Jessica Busi, teacher in the ABLE program at Conyers Learning Academy, shared Emiliano’s inspiring journey of resilience and perseverance after transitioning from being sighted to blind in recent years. Through determination and the use of assistive technology tools such as a white cane, brailler, talking calculator, and voice output devices, Emiliano has continued to thrive academically and socially. Mrs. Busi described him as a joyful leader and “social butterfly” who brings happiness to everyone he meets. Ms. Carrie Griffin, Assistant Technology Facilitator specializing in academic access, recognized Jimmy for his remarkable independence and growth using assistive technology since kindergarten. Over the years, Jimmy has learned to independently navigate and troubleshoot a variety of tools across iPads and Chromebooks, while also helping classmates and supporting communication efforts with students in the AIM program. Mrs. Griffin shared that Jimmy’s teachers describe him as “unstoppable” and noted that his future is incredibly bright.  Congratulations to Emiliano and Jimmy on this outstanding recognition and achievement.   Above and Beyond Staff Recognition: 80th Anniversary Gala Support The Board of Education recognized a group of District 15 staff members for going Above and Beyond in support of the district’s 80th Anniversary Gala benefiting the Feed15 initiative. The event brought together staff, families, community partners, and supporters for an evening focused on addressing student food insecurity while celebrating the district’s history and community impact. Chief Communications Officer Ahmad Gibson shared that what began as a shared vision quickly grew into a large-scale collaborative effort that required significant planning, creativity, and coordination across departments. Staff members volunteered countless hours beyond the workday to help coordinate logistics, create promotional materials and video content, transform the event space, and ensure the gala reflected the pride, care, and excellence that define District 15. Those recognized included: Emily Anderson, Assistant Director of Communications and Digital Media; Dr. Emily McFadden, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Dr. Shayne Birkmeier, Director of Teaching, Learning & Assessment; Tiffany Costa, Director of Teaching, Learning & Assessment. Additional recognition was also given to Megan Preis, Brittany Henry, Kristen Orlando, and Northwest Suburban Council PTA/PTO President Sydney Manola for their significant contributions and partnership in helping make the event a success. The group was recognized for their collaboration, leadership, and commitment to supporting District 15 students and families beyond the school day. Grade 3-5 ELA Curriculum Adoption Presented by: Dr. Shayne Birkmeier, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Mrs. Angelica Brifcani, Director of Multilingual Programs District administrators presented a recommendation for the adoption of Magnetic Literacy and its Spanish companion program, Mosaico Lectoescritura, as the new Grade 3–5 English Language Arts curriculum beginning next school year. Dr. Shayne Birkmeier, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, and Angelica Brifcani, Director of Multilingual Programs, shared that the curriculum review process began more than a year ago and was grounded in the district’s “Big Three” priorities: strong alignment to standards, high expectations for all learners, and data-informed decision-making. The committee evaluated multiple curriculum resources through a pilot process involving 36 teachers representing 11 elementary schools, including monolingual, ESL blended, bilingual, and dual language classrooms. Administrators emphasized that the recommended curriculum aligns closely with the Illinois Literacy Plan and the Science of Reading while supporting foundational literacy skills, vocabulary development, writing, comprehension, and differentiated instruction. Staff also highlighted the strong alignment between the English and Spanish versions of the curriculum, allowing multilingual learners to build literacy skills seamlessly across both languages. Board members heard that the curriculum’s interactive structure encourages students to actively engage with texts through daily writing, annotation, discussion, and collaborative learning rather than passive instruction. Administrators also noted the curriculum’s intentional progression across grade levels, helping students deepen and build upon previously learned skills. Teachers and students involved in the pilot process responded positively to the materials, with one fifth-grade student even asking whether the curriculum would continue into middle school.  The administration recommended and was approved for a three-year contract with Curriculum Associates for the implementation of the new curriculum and thanked participating teachers for their time, collaboration, and feedback throughout the review process. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 1:12:45).   Educational Services Update: Supporting Student Belonging Presented by: Dr. Thomas Edgar, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Dr. Laura Swanlund, Director of Comprehensive Mental Health District 15’s Educational Services Department provided the Board of Education with an update on the systems, partnerships, and supports in place to strengthen student belonging, mental health, and behavioral wellness across the district. Dr. Thomas Edgar, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, and Dr. Laura Swanlund, Director of Comprehensive Mental Health, highlighted the department’s ongoing focus on creating proactive, connected systems that support students academically, socially, and emotionally. The presentation highlighted the district’s efforts to support schools’ use of behavioral coaching, restorative practices, attendance supports, and specialized staff training to meet increasingly complex student needs. District 15’s behavior coaching model has proven successful for helping reduce both student crisis events and office discipline referrals while also providing staff with direct coaching, intervention planning, and classroom support. Progress in reducing chronic absenteeism was also shared with a focus on layered outreach efforts, school intervention planning, and the expansion of the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP), which provides mentoring and engagement support for students. Educational Services department leaders also emphasized their gratitude for the many strong community partnerships that have been developed over the years.  These partnerships are key to maintaining a high service level to our students and families. Through collaborations with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Partners for Our Communities (POC), Bridge Youth & Family Services, and other local agencies, District 15 continues to provide a high level of access to mental health services, after-school programming, and family support despite uncertain state and federal funding landscapes.  Board members praised the Educational Services team for its impressive support vocabulary, proactive, student-centered approach and its commitment to building supportive school communities where students feel connected, valued, and supported. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 1:30:55).   Health, Life & Safety Update Presented by: Mrs. Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official Mr. James Kaplanes, Director of Facilities Mr. Mike Eichhorn, Wold Architects Mr. Chris Killinger, ARCON Associates District 15 administrators and facilities partners provided the Board of Education with an update to the district’s five-year Master Facility Plan and Capital Funding Plan, with a focus on proposed Health-Life Safety amendments tied to major HVAC projects at Virginia Lake and Frank C. Whiteley Elementary Schools. The presentation highlighted the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain safe, healthy, and modern learning environments across its 1.7 million square feet of facilities while navigating rising construction and equipment costs. The proposed projects would replace aging HVAC systems that are well beyond their useful life and increasingly difficult to maintain, while also improving indoor air quality, energy efficiency, ventilation, and overall temperature control throughout both buildings. District leaders and project engineers explained that the updated plans move beyond simple “one-for-one” equipment replacements and instead take a comprehensive approach to modernizing entire building systems to meet today’s standards and long-term operational needs. The work would also include related infrastructure improvements such as ceilings, lighting, ductwork, controls, and ventilation systems. The Board also heard details regarding the district’s proposed funding strategy, which includes submitting amendments to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to seek approval for the use of Health-Life Safety funds and bonds to support the projects. District officials emphasized that securing approval for these projects could help preserve additional funding for future facility priorities across the district while laying the groundwork for future HVAC modernization efforts at other schools. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 00:35:39). Board Committee Updates Education Research Development (Ed-RED) Committee Board Vice President Annerino reported that the Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to conclude its legislative session on May 31, after which many bills would require a three-fifths majority vote to pass if the session extends further. The committee continues to monitor several pieces of legislation that could impact school districts across the state. Among the bills discussed was Senate Bill 3776, which would allow Illinois to opt into the federal scholarship tax credit program beginning January 1, 2027. The bill has not advanced out of committee, though additional states, including New York, have recently joined the program. The committee also discussed Senate Bill 2914 regarding the “notice to remedy” process, which includes provisions related to binding arbitration. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on local school board authority and student safety considerations within the arbitration process. Additional legislative updates included House Bill 4416 related to unemployment benefits for educational support personnel, which has been sent back to committee, and House Bill 2789, the Illinois Mega Projects bill, which remains in committee as discussions continue regarding large-scale development proposals, including the future stadium plans involving the Chicago Bears.  For more information on Education Research Development (Ed-RED), visit Ed-RED website. one-five Foundation Board Member Bachmann reported that the one-five Foundation recently concluded its Staff Appreciation Week efforts, which resulted in 574 staff tributes being submitted across District 15 schools. In partnership with Morkes Chocolates, staff members received personalized notes of appreciation along with chocolate medallions distributed throughout the district. Board members noted the meaningful impact small gestures of appreciation can have on staff members and school communities. The Foundation also received two anonymous donations in support of student programming, including a $5,000 contribution to Blessings in a Backpack and an additional multi-year donation supporting VEX Robotics programming. The Foundation will hold its final meeting of the school year next week and reflect on what members described as a very positive and impactful year. For more one-five updates, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.ccsd15.net/one-five-foundation, which is also linked on the District 15 website under the "Our Community" tab for added accessibility. Finance Committee Board Members Hunt reported that the Finance Committee met to review updates related to the district’s Health-Life Safety projects, with a particular focus on the proposed HVAC improvements at Virginia Lake and Frank C. Whiteley Elementary Schools. Committee members thanked Chief School Business Official Diana McCluskey and Director of Facilities James Kaplanes for providing a comprehensive overview of the projects and related facility needs. The committee also reviewed updates to the district’s capital funding plan and noted that there were no additional items to report beyond the information presented during the evening’s facility presentation. Equity Committee Board Members Khan and Taylor reported that the Equity Committee recently met and discussed a variety of district initiatives and systems connected to equity, student achievement, and curriculum development. Committee members reviewed assessment tools used to help identify and better understand equity gaps, including the impact of poverty and language development on student performance across content areas. The committee also discussed curriculum review processes and how state mandates are thoughtfully integrated into instructional programming across grade levels. Board members expressed appreciation for the detailed systems and planning already in place throughout the district to support students and ensure intentional implementation of curriculum and support. Additionally, committee members shared plans to attend an upcoming BPAC meeting and participate in future school visits to observe programs and supports in action across the district.   8.1 Approval of Personnel Report: Administrative, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff - APPROVED 8.2 Approval of the Destruction of Closed Meeting Audio Recording - APPROVED 8.3 Approval of Revised 2026-2027 Board of Education Meeting Schedule - APPROVED 8.4 Approval of HLS amendment for VL & FCW HVAC - APPROVED 8.5 Approval of 2026-2027 Administrator Increases - APPROVED 8.6 Approval of Bid #26-018 - 2026 Parking Lot Improvements - APPROVED 8.7 Approval of Bid #26-019 - Milk - APPROVED 8.8 Approval of Bid #26-020 - School Buses - POSTPONED 8.9 Approval of Bid #26-015 - Emergency Transportation Services - APPROVED 8.10 Approval of Contract with Curriculum Associates for 3-5 Grades Language Arts Curriculum - 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, June 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM. https://www.ccsd15.net/

Friday, May 15 2026