Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is NOW OPEN!

February 10, 2026 Dear D15 Families,  Online student registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. All families of returning students can register using their PowerSchool Parent Portal accounts. PowerSchool Parent Portal - https://ccsd15.powerschool.com/public If you need to add a new student, visit our website's Registration page to begin the registration process. Families registering a PreK student are encouraged to visit the Early Childhood page on our district website for additional information and next steps. We encourage families to complete registration as early as possible. Early registration helps us plan effectively for the upcoming school year by solidifying staffing at our schools, ensuring your child(ren) can be placed on a class list, and allowing eligible students to ride the bus to and from school. Registration must be completed and student fees paid by July 15, 2025. With close to 12,000 students to place in classrooms and on bus routes, timely registration makes a meaningful difference. We appreciate your partnership in helping us prepare for a strong and successful school year by registering on or before July 15. Thank you for your continued support of District 15. MORE ABOUT REGISTRATION  

Tuesday, Feb 10 2026

District 15 Welcomes Dr. Dana Smith as Our Next Supe...

February 10, 2026 Dear District 15 Families, Staff and Community Members, We are pleased to share that the Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education has appointed Dr. Dana Smith as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, following a comprehensive search process. Dr. Smith will assume the role on July 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Laurie Heinz, and will become the first African American leader to serve as Superintendent in District 15. “Our community helped define a clear leadership profile for our next superintendent, someone with experience across the classroom, school, and district levels, who leads with vision, collaboration, transparency, and a deep commitment to all students,” said Board President Samantha Ader. “Dr. Smith’s experience and leadership approach reflect that vision. The Board is confident he’s the right next leader for our district, and we are thrilled to welcome him to District 15.” Dr. Smith has served as Superintendent of Schools in Flossmoor School District 161 since 2017. During his tenure, the district has demonstrated consistent increases in student growth and achievement, including the recognition of multiple Exemplary schools. His leadership also strengthened transparency and communication, resulting in increased family engagement and deeper community involvement in district initiatives. Before his work in Flossmoor, Dr. Smith served as Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood and Elementary Education in Woodstock Unit School District 200, where he led curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development work and supported dual language programming. He also previously worked in Mundelein School District 75 as a principal and Director of Educational Services, and began his administrative career in Valley View School District 365U as both an assistant principal and building principal. Dr. Smith earned his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from DePaul University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from North Central University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University. “Earning the opportunity to lead the talented students, engaged families, and high quality staff members in Community Consolidated School District 15 is a dream come true,” said Dr. Smith. “I am grateful to the Board of Education for their support, and I am looking forward to partnering with the school community to deliver incredible outcomes for our children.” This leadership transition follows the retirement of Dr. Laurie Heinz, who served as District 15’s Superintendent for seven years and as the district’s first female superintendent. During her tenure, the district advanced a community-driven strategic plan, strengthened instructional systems, expanded student supports, modernized district communication, and secured voter approval of the Moving 15 Forward referendum. “District 15 is stronger today because of the leadership, care, and vision Dr. Heinz brought to this role,” said Ader. “We are deeply grateful for her service and the foundation she built, which positions Dr. Smith to continue the district’s forward momentum for our students and families.” Additional information regarding leadership transition plans and opportunities for the community to welcome Dr. Smith will be shared in the coming days. Together, the Board, staff, families, and community remain committed to ensuring District 15 continues to be a place where every student is supported, engaged, and empowered to learn. Welcome to District 15, Dr. Smith!  

Tuesday, Feb 10 2026

D15 eNews: February 9, 2026

February 9, 2026 Dear District 15 Families, Thank you for your support as we experienced our first inclement weather day last month. I certainly know these days create logistical challenges for families. We do not take them lightly so please know that decisions are made with safety as the driving force.  As we move into the second week of February, we learned on the 2nd that we are in for six additional weeks of winter! Although it’s hard to think about summer while navigating the cold, much of our work right now is focused on preparing for the months ahead, including registration, staffing and hiring for the new year and summer school. Preparations are coming along and leadership assignments will be shared shortly with leaders, staff, and families.  In our elementary hallways, our youngest learners are busy with paper hearts and Valentine’s cards. Seeing their excitement is a great reminder of the "heartbeat" of District 15. It reflects the collective spirit of our students, the dedication of our staff, and your daily support that makes this district a place where every child achieves great things. It is a joy to see that energy on display as we head deeper into the second half of the school year.   Superintendent Search Update This week brings an important moment for our district. At tonight’s Board of Education meeting, the Board will officially announce District 15’s next superintendent. Seeing the search come to a successful conclusion is bittersweet for me, but very exciting for the future of D15. I invite you to tune into the livestream at 7:00 p.m. this evening to share in this announcement.   You’re Invited: 80th Anniversary Gala Celebration Before closing, I would like to extend an invitation to our families and community to join us as we celebrate a special anniversary. District 15 will mark its 80th year with a gala celebration on Friday, April 10. This event, put on in partnership with our wonderful PTO/As, one-five Foundation, and district staff will bring together our families, staff, and community partners to celebrate the district’s history and continued commitment to our students.  The evening will include a silent auction and raffle prizes generously donated by community members and local organizations, with proceeds benefiting our Feed15 initiative. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to ensuring that every student in District 15 who experiences food insecurity has additional access to food over the weekend.  In the coming days, please be on the lookout for a formal invitation sent through ParentSquare. I hope you will consider joining us for this special celebration! As always, I very much appreciate your continued support of all things D15. Your partner in education,  Dr. Laurie Heinz Superintendent of Schools   5Essentials Survey Is Now Open Each year, students in grades 4-8, teachers, and families across Illinois participate in the 5Essentials Survey, which provides valuable insights into our schools’ strengths and opportunities for growth. The survey focuses on key components for school success: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction. All individual survey data is confidential. The survey will take about 20 minutes or less to complete. FOR PARENTS The Illinois 5Essentials school climate survey for parents is now open! Three helpful tips before you enter the survey: Please focus on your experiences during the current school year.   Take care to select the correct school and community (you’d be surprised how many schools in Illinois have the same name)! If you have a student at more than one school, we invite you to complete a survey for each location. Please visit this link to begin: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/. The survey will close on March 13, 2026.  FOR STUDENTS Students in grades 4-8 will complete the 5Essentials Survey at a time designated by their school in the February 23-March 4, 2026 window. If you do not want your child to participate, please complete the opt-out form by Friday, February 20, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school. Thank you for your time and partnership in supporting our students and schools. Click to Complete Survey   Student Fees Reminder As a reminder, 2025-2026 Student Fees were due on July 15, 2025. Log in to Powerschool to review your balance and make payments in e~Funds. Questions regarding student fees can be directed to Kameswari Pullela, Business Department, 847-963-3065.   Stay Connected with District 15! 📱 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. Follow Us On Facebook! Follow Us On Instagram!   IL PTA Seeking Volunteer Artists/Teachers to Lead Spotlight Workshops - 2/15 Spotlight is a joyful celebration of creativity, expression, and student voice, created by the Illinois PTA for families to experience together. Centered around a vibrant art display, the event showcases K–12 students’ interpretations of the theme “I Belong” across five artistic mediums. Families are invited to explore the artwork, participate in hands-on workshops, and share in a meaningful moment as students are recognized alongside their peers and loved ones. If you know anyone who would like to lead artistic workshops at Spotlight, please encourage them to submit a Proposal via this Interest Form by Sunday, February 15, 2026. This year, we are proud to share that Spotlight will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Click to Complete Interest Form   Help Keep District 15 Moving! District 15 is looking for bus drivers to support our students and schools. This position follows the school-day schedule and school calendar and offers competitive pay and benefits. Depending on routing needs, some drivers may have the opportunity to drive their own child to school as part of their route, making mornings and afternoons a little bit easier. Our bus drivers are a valued part of the school community, helping students arrive safely and ready to learn each day. If you or someone you know are interested in steady work with a schedule that aligns with family life, we encourage you to apply! Learn more and apply on the district’s employment page!   Stay in the Loop 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! See What's Happening Around D15   BPAC Conference: "I'm a Teenager, Please Understand Me" Please join us for the next BPAC conference on February 19 at Willow Bend Elementary School. The event will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and is intended for parents and caregivers of students in 5th-8th grade. Guest speaker Ferney Ramírez will explore how to: Turn silence into trust and conflicts into hugs Build an emotional connection with your teenager Learn to heal their sadness and calm their anxiety through love and understanding We hope to see you there! Click to View Flyer   Dual Language Kindergarten Informational Meetings Join us to learn more about our Dual Language program and the registration process for the 2026–27 school year! Only two information sessions remain: February 12 at 5:30 p.m. | Jane Addams February 26 at 5:30 p.m. | Kimball Hill Can't attend a meeting? You can learn more about our dual language program at ccsd15.net/sdl. Click to View Flyer   MPAC Summer Language Development Info Night Join us to learn more about summer language development! There will be an informational meeting on Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Hunting Ridge Elementary School. The meeting will be in English with translation provided as requested. To RSVP and request translation, please click this link and complete the form by March 2nd. Click to View Flyer and Register   Mark Your Calendar for Key Dates February 16: No School | Holiday - Presidents' Day February 17: No School | Teacher Plan 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 2025-26 school year are as follows: Monday, February 9, 2026 Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (and Retirement Reception) 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

Monday, Feb 09 2026

Board Brief - 1/14/2026

  January 14, 2026 The District 15 Regular Board of Education meeting and Public Hearing was held on January 14, 2026. The full meeting agenda as well as the minutes from its December 10, 2025 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 Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School – Ukulele Ensemble At the January Board of Education meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by members of Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School’s Ukulele Ensemble, a group of talented students whose dedication to music and school pride was on full display. Principal Gallegos, joined by Assistant Principal Halperin and Comprehensive Music Teacher Ms. Datcher, introduced the students and shared the pride Sanborn takes in this special ensemble. Ms. Datcher, who has served the Sanborn community for 31 years, leads the Ukulele Ensemble, which meets weekly during students’ lunchtime, reflecting their strong commitment, enthusiasm for GMS, and love of music. The students proudly led the Board and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and then performed Sanborn’s school song, showcasing their school spirit and commitment to the GMS theme of Be Here. Be You. Belong. Their performance was a meaningful reminder of the joy, creativity, and sense of belonging fostered through music and the arts at Sanborn. Students leading the Pledge and performance included: Scarlett C., Greta C., Emilio G., Ainsley H., Kaitlin H., Diana I., Klara K., Isabella L., Aleksandra L., Alisha P., Eamonn R., Eliza S., and Yaryna S. We are proud of these Sanborn Tigers for representing their school with enthusiasm and pride, and for sharing their talents with the Board and District 15 community.   Student Recognition - Ashlynn H., Thomas Jefferson Middle School At the January Board of Education meeting, the Board proudly recognized Ashlynn H., a sixth-grade student at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, as the January recipient of the Above and Beyond Student Recognition. Ashlynn exemplifies leadership, kindness, and a genuine commitment to the Thomas Jefferson community. Her teachers describe her as “a burst of sunshine,” noting that her positive attitude, bright smile, and attention to detail create an uplifting classroom environment. Ashlynn approaches her learning with enthusiasm and care, consistently giving her best effort while supporting and encouraging her peers. Beyond the classroom, Ashlynn is deeply involved in school life. She participates in the school musical, TJTV, the ASL Club, the Spelling Bee, and serves as a key member of the Principal Advisory Council. In addition, Ashlynn is a Student Ambassador, helping welcome new students and ensuring they feel comfortable and connected within the Thomas Jefferson community. In a short time, Ashlynn has made a meaningful impact on her school. Her willingness to lead with kindness, include others, and go above and beyond in all she does reflects the core values of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. We are proud to recognize Ashlynn for her outstanding contributions and congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.   Above & Beyond Staff Recognition: Donna Campbell, Registered Nurse, Frank C. Whiteley At the January Board of Education meeting, the district recognized Donna Campbell, Registered Nurse at Frank C. Whiteley Elementary School, as the January Above and Beyond Staff Recognition honoree. Nurse Campbell was nominated by Director of Health Services Corinne Jones and Assistant Superintendent of Student and Related Services Dr. Mindy McGuffin for her exceptional clinical judgment, swift response to emergencies, and unwavering commitment to student health and safety. Nurse Campbell has served as a school nurse in District 15 since 2008 and consistently exemplifies the highest standards of school nursing. She is known for her calm, attentive presence, thorough assessments, and deep dedication to the well-being of students and staff at Whiteley. Last month, Nurse Campbell recognized that a student was not feeling well and immediately conducted a comprehensive health assessment. She obtained vital signs and identified concerning symptoms, prompting her to activate emergency medical services. The student was then transported to a medical center and later transferred to a higher level of care, where they were diagnosed with a serious medical condition requiring ongoing treatment. The student’s parents expressed deep gratitude, sharing that had their child not attended school that day, the condition may not have been identified in time. They shared, “Nurse Donna saved the day.” Beyond this incident, Nurse Campbell consistently responds quickly and effectively to medical emergencies, including providing immediate care during a seizure event until EMS arrived. In addition to her daily responsibilities, she serves as a district CPR instructor, helping train staff across the district in emergency preparedness. Nurse Campbell’s professionalism, compassion, and commitment to student health reflect the very best of District 15. We are proud to recognize and congratulate Donna Campbell for truly going Above and Beyond in service to our students and community.   eLearning Presented by: Dr. Emily McFadden, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment The Board held a public hearing to review the district’s eLearning plan, which is required to be resubmitted to the Illinois State Board of Education every three years in order to maintain the option to use eLearning days during emergency school closures. Dr. McFadden shared that the district’s current eLearning plan was originally approved in 2023, during the Moving 15 Forward construction period, to provide flexibility and avoid extending the school year further into the summer. As the three-year approval window has concluded, the district is now resubmitting the plan to keep the option available through 2029. Dr. McFadden emphasized that having an approved eLearning plan does not require the district to use eLearning days and that traditional snow days remain an option. Instead, the plan provides flexibility for current and future leadership to respond to emergency situations as appropriate. The plan is reviewed annually, includes established protocols for device access, and is posted on the district website. The eLearning plan will be submitted to the Regional Office of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education for final approval.   BWP Superintendent Search: Presentation of Leadership Profile Presented by: BWP & Associates BWP & Associates presented the Superintendent Leadership Profile developed as part of the ongoing District 15 superintendent search process. The profile is based on extensive stakeholder input gathered through one-to-one interviews with Board members, focus groups with district administrators, building leaders, teachers, staff, parents, and community partners, as well as an online survey that received more than 1,300 responses. The Leadership Profile synthesizes both qualitative and quantitative data to identify the district’s strengths, challenges, and priorities, as well as the desired qualities, skills, and experiences of the next superintendent. BWP shared that the profile will serve multiple purposes throughout the search process, including candidate recruitment, marketing and outreach, interview question development, candidate evaluation, and assessment of overall fit with the district. Key strengths identified through stakeholder feedback included the Moving 15 Forward initiative, diversity as an asset, talented and dedicated staff, engaged families and community members, highly regarded dual language and English learner programs, recent curriculum improvements, a strong sense of pride and positive culture, and a collaborative Board-administration relationship. BWP emphasized that the Leadership Profile reflects common themes and priorities expressed across stakeholder groups and will guide the next phases of the superintendent search, including candidate screening and interviews, which will kick off this week. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 36:20).   Resolution on Issuance of Property Tax Bills Presented by: Mrs. Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official Dr. Laurie Heinz, Superintendent of Schools Superintendent Heinz and Chief School Business Official McCluskey presented a resolution addressing ongoing delays with the distribution of property taxes by Cook County.  District 15 requires approximately $17 million each month to meet payroll and vendor obligations. Due to Cook County’s delay in both mailing fall property tax bills and disbursing the receipts, the district had to borrow $25M in Tax Anticipation Warrants. Expenses to issue the TAW’s plus lost interest income has cost the district close to $2M.  Approximately $45 million was received over winter break but another $33M in fall property tax revenue still remains outstanding. The proposed resolution calls on Cook County officials to resolve the systemic issues contributing to these delays, establish a predictable and reliable property tax collection and distribution cycle, and pursue accountability for costs incurred by school districts. The resolution also urges Cook County to seek recompense from Tyler Technologies for expenses related to their ongoing software failures. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 01:05:38).   Technology Department Update Presented by: Mrs. Mary Jane Warden, Chief Technology Officer Mrs. Julie Powell, Director of Instructional Technology The District 15 Technology Department provided a comprehensive update on the district’s technology integration, operations, and long-term readiness, including preparations for the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. The Board heard how, over the past several years, District 15 has transitioned from siloed technology operations to a unified Technology Department that brings together Technology Services, Instructional Technology, and Information Systems. This alignment has strengthened efficiency, improved coordination across departments, and ensured technology investments directly support the district’s strategic goals, classroom instruction, and student learning. Key updates included enhancements to the district’s technology ecosystem, such as anchoring data systems in PowerSchool and Unified Analytics & Insights to support data-informed decision-making while protecting student privacy. The district also shared improvements to digital safety through the transition to the Securly platform and strengthened technical support through the implementation of Incident IQ for device tracking, inventory management, and support response monitoring. The Technology team highlighted ongoing cybersecurity efforts, noting that ransomware remains a significant global threat. Recent measures include expanded multi-factor authentication, enhanced network monitoring, disaster recovery testing, and improved role-based access to data. Areas identified for continued focus include staff training, network visibility, and integrated incident response planning across departments. The presentation also emphasized the district’s approach to instructional technology, which prioritizes purposeful integration that supports teaching and learning rather than technology for its own sake. Updates were shared on the Technology and Learning Focus Group, which includes parents, teachers, and administrators and is helping inform district practices around technology use, student learning, and family experiences. Findings and recommendations from the group will be shared with the Board later this spring. Looking ahead, Mrs. Warden and Mrs. Powell discussed a thoughtful and cautious approach to artificial intelligence, emphasizing data privacy, fiscal responsibility, and the importance of maintaining a “human-in-the-loop” philosophy. Technology was presented as a tool to enhance instruction, support educators, and strengthen student learning, while preserving the central role of relationships and professional judgment in education. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 01:20:30).   Board Committee Updates Education Research Development (Ed-RED) Committee Board Vice President Annerino shared updates related to the start of the Illinois General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session. He noted that state lawmakers are expected to revisit issues related to property tax administration, including efforts to prevent future system failures that have resulted in delayed collections and increased costs for school districts. Discussion also included ongoing conversations related to potential large-scale development projects in the region. Superintendent Heinz reiterated that while the district is not opposed to Mega Project legislation, District 15’s priority remains ensuring the interests of its students and their families are protected. The district has an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure it is made whole for any student enrollment growth and capital improvement costs additional students might necessitate. Board Vice President Annerino also shared that Ed-RED will host a legislative dinner later this month, providing an opportunity for local and federal representatives to discuss upcoming education legislation, funding considerations, and policy priorities. For more information on Education Research Development (Ed-RED), visit Ed-RED website. one-five Foundation Board Member Bachmann shared an update following a successful round of mini-grant awards distributed in December. Grant-funded materials are currently being purchased, and projects are expected to begin appearing in schools across the district in the coming weeks. The Foundation will hold its next meeting on January 22. Board members were also informed that the annual 50/50 raffle will launch on February 14, with additional details to be shared following the meeting and at the February Board of Education meeting. 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 shared that there were no additional updates from the Finance Committee this month. Superintendent Heinz also encouraged community members to engage with local legislators regarding the ongoing property tax collection challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to avoid continued financial strain on future district budgets. Equity Committee Board Members Khan and Taylor shared that the Equity Committee has not yet met this month due to scheduling conflicts. Committee members have drafted a revised agenda and plan to meet with Superintendent Heinz in the coming weeks to review priorities and determine next steps for the year ahead.   9.1 Approval of Personnel Report: Administrative, Certified, and Non-Certified Staff - APPROVED 9.2 Approval of the Resolution to Establish a Fiscal Year and Prepare a Budget - APPROVED 9.3 Approval of the eLearning Plan - APPROVED 9.4 Approval of Revised Board of Education Meeting Schedule - APPROVED 9.5 Approval of the Resolution on Issuance of Property Tax Bills - APPROVED 9.6 Approval of Bid #26-007 CLA Asbestos Abatement - APPROVED 9.7 Approval of Superintendent Retirement Contract - 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 Monday, February 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM. https://www.ccsd15.net/

Saturday, Jan 17 2026

D15 eNews: January 11, 2026

January 11, 2026 Dear District 15 Families, Welcome to 2026 and the second half of the school year. I hope you and your family had a festive and fun-filled winter break. Staff and students came back to school ready to conquer their new years resolutions and tackle learning goals at school. As we settle into our daily work, January feels like a natural time to pause and reflect. This year, it has led me to think about continuity and the steady work that moves District 15 forward, in ways large and small, each day.  In education, much of what matters most is built gradually. Growth takes shape through relationships that deepen over time, clear expectations that remain consistent, and a shared belief that all students in our district can and will learn. These are not things that change with the calendar, but with intentional work, steady effort and adults that help make it happen. Partnership between home and school make what happens in school more likely to become a reality. Our shared goals for children are realized when we reach these goals, together. This belief will continue to guide our work throughout 2026 so I thank you for your partnership. As I begin the second half of the year and final months serving proudly as the Superintendent, I remain confident in the strength of our district and deeply appreciative of the partnerships that sustain it. Thank you for your continued support of the work we are doing as a district.    Save the Date for our 80th Anniversary Gala I am looking forward to celebrating District 15 turning 80! As we celebrate that milestone, we are sending this Save the Date for an anniversary gala on Friday, April 10, 2026 at The Cotillion Banquets in Palatine. This event will bring our D15 family of staff and parents as well as our larger communities together to toast to the many ways in which this district has served as a source of pride for the community while also raising funds to support our students and families.   Superintendent Search Update During closed session at the January 14, 2026 Board meeting, the Board will review the Leadership Profile in which the online Survey (thanks to those that participated) and Listening Sessions helped the search firm develop. This information will also be reviewed during the regular Board meeting later that evening.  The Board will hope to approve the new Superintendent of this very special district at the February meeting. Bittersweet for sure, but exciting for D15. Stay tuned!   Board of Education Meeting Our next Board meeting is on Wednesday, January 14. You are welcome to join us at Walter R. Sundling or you can tune in via our livestream to Youtube. Let’s go Bears! Your partner in education,  Dr. Laurie Heinz Superintendent of Schools   A Look Back at 2025!   Reminder: No School January 19–21 There will be no school on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no school for students on Tuesday, January 20 or Wednesday, January 21 for Teacher Institute Days. These days provide valuable time for our staff to work and learn together. January 19: No School | Holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20: No School | Teacher Institute Day January 21: No School | Teacher Institute Day   Technology At Home Resources With colder weather and more indoor time here, D15 wants to provide families with some resources for children and technology. Computer Science Education Week 2025: Each year students have an opportunity to learn more about computer science, coding, and applications of computer science for today and tomorrow! Using resources from code.org and csforall.org students have opportunities to think, question, and create. Ask your students what they’ve learned over the years, and feel free to explore our 2025 CS Education Week website! Common Sense Media– Family Resources: Common Sense Media is a not-for-profit organization that provides digital literacy resources to schools and families. These up to date guides for parents tackle current topics like artificial intelligence, TikTok, and home technology use. This helpful website has a large variety of guides for your use. Check it out! Securly Filtering– at School and at Home New this school year, all district issued Chromebooks have Securly software which screens internet activity and allows us to see all sites their child visits while on a CCSD15 device. You may have read in earlier newsletters this year about Securly Parent, which allows users to have access to this information and download an app to monitor their child’s activity in real-time. Currently about 12% of our parents have taken advantage of this by downloading the Securly Parent app. If you’d like to utilize this tool to stay connected to your student’s Chromebook usage, read our ParentSquare post with more information about the platform and how to join.   Assessment Updates: NWEA MAP Norm Update 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. Beginning later in January, Powerschool will show an update to your child’s Fall MAP percentile score to reflect the new 2025 norms.  These updated norms help schools set more accurate, ambitious, and achievable goals for students. Schools will still have access to both the 2020 and 2025 norms, as a way to ensure all information is considered for placement criteria and decisions continue to reflect current data and student needs. If you have questions about how this update affects your child’s results, please contact your school for more information.   Help Keep District 15 Moving! District 15 is looking for bus drivers to support our students and schools. This position follows the school-day schedule and school calendar and offers competitive pay and benefits. Depending on routing needs, some drivers may have the opportunity to drive their own child to school as part of their route, making mornings and afternoons a little bit easier. Our bus drivers are a valued part of the school community, helping students arrive safely and ready to learn each day. If you or someone you know are interested in steady work with a schedule that aligns with family life, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and apply on the district’s employment page! View Transportation Openings   Welcome to D15 News! Join us as we celebrate the exciting learning, memorable moments, and wonderful people who bring our schools to life. We’ll share stories of students, educators, and programs that help District 15 thrive and create an environment where every learner can grow with confidence. The news section is now readily available to view on our district homepage.   Stay in the Loop 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!   Student Fees Reminder As a reminder, 2025-2026 Student Fees were due on July 15, 2025. Log in to Powerschool to review your balance and make payments in e~Funds. Questions regarding student fees can be directed to Kameswari Pullela, Business Department, 847-963-3065.   Dual Language Kindergarten Informational Meetings Join us to learn more about Dual Language programming and the 2026-27 school year registration process! Please see below for session information. Click Here for More Information   BPAC Conference: David Carrillo on Building Bridges to Success Please join us at Willow Bend on Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 PM for the next BPAC meeting. David Carrillo will be sharing practical strategies for Building Bridges to Success and tips on how to strengthen the home-school relationship. The meeting will be held in Spanish, with live English translation available. All are welcome! Click Here for a Special Message   Mark Your Calendar for Key Dates January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school) January 20–21: Teacher Institute Days (no school) 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 2025-26 school year are as follows: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (and Retirement Reception) Wednesday, June 10, 2026 2015-26 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

Monday, Jan 12 2026

D15 eNews: December 7, 2025

December 7, 2025 Dear District 15 Families, As the days grow shorter and winter settles in, it has been a real joy to spend time in our schools with the students, staff, and families who make D15 such a special place.  Thank you for making time to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences. Conferences allow parents and teachers to connect around progress made, goals still waiting to be achieved, and help deepen the home-school connection. When we work together, we help our students—your children—achieve. I know I speak for the entire staff when I say thank you for your partnership.  As I continue to prioritize time in our schools, I have had the absolute pleasure of working with students as they puzzled through math problems, seeing a group of fourth graders talk through a science project, watching presentations being delivered in a STEM Lab, and listening to eager students tell me about the book they are reading—the sparks of learning fully ignited, the beauty of teaching and learning in action. What wonderful moments to be part of. Witnessing such growth and engagement has been a bright spot for me as a leader. Time spent in our schools continues to be so heartwarming and I can think of no better way to spend time on these cold winter days.  As winter break approaches, I hope your family finds space for rest and connection. The holidays offer a chance to step away from the busy rhythm of our typical days to enjoy slower pace and more time with the people who matter most. I hope this holiday season allows you and your family to do so. When we return in 2026, I am confident we will start the new year full of wonder, energy, and a tangible readiness to build on the progress our students have already made.  Thank you for the trust you place in us. I wish you a joyful holiday season and peaceful days ahead. Your Partner in Education, Laurie Heinz Superintendent of Schools   Superintendent Search Listening Sessions As part of our ongoing Superintendent Search process, the district will host Listening Sessions on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, facilitated by our search firm partners. These sessions give staff, families, and community members the opportunity to share their perspectives on the priorities and leadership qualities desired in our district's next Superintendent. We encourage you to attend the session that best fits your role and share your voice as we move forward in this important transition. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students and community. Click here to view session times   Board of Education Meeting Our next Board meeting is on Wednesday, December 10. You are welcome to join us at Walter R. Sundling or you can tune in via our livestream to Youtube.   Elementary School Progress Report Cards Progress Report Cards for T1 were released to families on Friday, December 5. For information on grading, please visit the CCSD 15 Progress Report Cards page. For information on accessing student reports on the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please visit our PowerSchool page. Please note, student reports cannot be viewed on the PowerSchool app, only on the web version of the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Progress Report Card Page D15 PowerSchool Page   Band and Orchestra Enrollment REMINDER: Students currently in 4th grade can now enroll in band or orchestra for the 5th grade next year. Information about this program, including the enrollment form, can be found HERE. You will need your child's Student ID from the text/email you received about enrollment (or found in PowerSchool) to complete the enrollment form. We are so excited to welcome you to this amazing program! Enrollment is closing soon!   Welcome to D15 News! Join us as we celebrate the exciting learning, memorable moments, and wonderful people who bring our schools to life. We’ll share stories of students, educators, and programs that help District 15 thrive and create an environment where every learner can grow with confidence. Check out our first story about computer science at Plum Grove Middle School! Catch up on D15 News here!   ParentSquare Update: Streamlining Notifications We're excited to announce an improvement to how you receive notifications for posts on ParentSquare. Soon, if you use the ParentSquare app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you'll receive post notifications through the app, with text notifications sent only as a backup when needed. This smart delivery system will simplify and streamline how you receive your school communications.  What's changing?  Currently, you might receive duplicate notifications for posts via both the app and text message.  With this update:  App-first delivery, with text as fallback: When a post is shared, you'll receive a notification through the app first, with a backup text notification only if needed. This applies to posts, post digests, and updates to posts. No change for time-sensitive messages: Direct Messages and alerts will continue to be delivered via your preferred methods.  Why it’s changing  This change streamlines how you receive post notifications. By reducing the number of notifications sent to your device for each post, it will be easier for you to keep track of school updates in one place.  What do you need to do?  No action is required from your side! If you already use the app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you'll automatically benefit from this smart notification delivery.  If you haven’t downloaded the ParentSquare app or turned on app notifications, now is a great time to do so. This gives you the best way to access and customize classroom communications on your mobile device.  To learn more about this change, see ParentSquare's Help Article.   Stay in the Loop 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! Community e-Flyers Page   Student Fees Reminder As a reminder, 2025-2026 Student Fees were due on July 15, 2025. Log in to Powerschool to review your balance and make payments in e~Funds. Questions regarding student fees can be directed to Kameswari Pullela, Business Department, 847-963-3065.   Board of Education Meeting & E-Learning Plan At the January 14, 2026 Board of Education meeting, District 15 will hold a brief hearing to apply for renewal of its state-approved e-Learning Plan. While our priority is to cancel school and make up the day at the end of the year when possible, having an e-Learning option allows us flexibility in the event of emergency school closures, such as during severe weather. E-Learning days follow a regular school day structure, including live virtual instruction and scheduled services for students who receive them. Maintaining our approved e-Learning Plan simply ensures the district has options to make the safest and most practical decision for students and staff during emergency situations.   Dual Language Kindergarten Informational Meetings Join us to learn more about Dual Language programming and the 2026-27 school year registration process! Please see below for session information. Click here for more information   Mark Your Calendar for Key Dates December 10: Superintendent Search Listening Sessions December 22–31: No School (Winter Break) 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 2025-26 school year are as follows: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (and Retirement Reception) Wednesday, June 10, 2026 2015-26 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

Sunday, Dec 07 2025

D15 Inclement Weather Protocol 2025-26

November 19, 2025 This year, District 15 began the school year slightly earlier than usual. This adjustment was made intentionally to help balance last year’s later start, which was required due to Moving 15 Forward construction. Beginning earlier this fall allows us to return to our regular calendar rhythm and better align with the high school districts we feed into, creating a smoother experience for families with students across multiple schools. As we move into the winter months, we want to be sure families understand how District 15 will handle inclement weather. There will be no eLearning this year. If weather conditions require schools to close, the day will be treated as a traditional emergency closure with no remote instruction. Any days canceled due to weather will be made up in accordance with our approved school calendar. If severe weather conditions exist, the decision to close school is made by 5:30 a.m. Although we strive to share closure information the night before, final decisions are guided by our local weather experts so that families receive the most accurate guidance possible. Our priority remains the safety of our students and staff. As always, we will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and communicate any closure decisions as early as possible through the following communication channels: How You’ll Be Notified To inform you of school closures due to inclement weather, District 15 will send notifications through multiple channels:   Email, text message, and phone call notifications via our mass notification system. Website updates on the District 15 and individual school websites. Social media posts on the District’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts. Mobile app notifications via the ParentSquare mobile app.   Please ensure your contact information is current in PowerSchool to avoid missing critical updates. For assistance updating your contact information, please contact your child’s school.   UPCOMING EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION TEST To verify the effectiveness of our mass communication system, District 15 will conduct an emergency test message on Friday, November 21, 2025, between 12:00 - 1:00 PM. You will receive test messages via email, text, phone, and the ParentSquare mobile app (if you are signed up). If you do not receive one or more of these communications, please fill out this Communications Support Form so we can assist you with ensuring accurate contact information.   To-Do List and Reminders Check the Emergency School Closings/Severe Weather webpage. Update Contact Information on PowerSchool. Emergency Communication Test Message on Friday, November 21 between 12:00-1:00 PM Fill out this Communications Support Form if you DON'T receive the scheduled test message As always, thank you for partnering with us to keep our community informed, prepared, and supported throughout this winter season.  

Wednesday, Nov 19 2025

Board Brief - 11/12/2025

  November 12, 2025 The District 15 Regular Board of Education meeting was held on November 12, 2025. The full meeting agenda as well as the minutes from its October 8, 2025 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.   School Board Member Appreciation Day At the November meeting, Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz recognized School Board Member Appreciation Day, an annual observance organized by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to honor the nearly 6,000 elected board members serving across 863 districts in Illinois. Dr. Heinz extended heartfelt gratitude to District 15’s Board of Education members, President Samantha Ader, Vice President Frank Annerino, Secretary Jim Taylor, and members Lisa Beth Szczupaj, Zubair Khan, Wenda Hunt, and Eric Bachmann, for their dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the students, staff, and community of District 15. She highlighted how the Board’s thoughtful decision-making, advocacy, and focus on continuous improvement reflect this year’s IASB theme, “The Heart of Local Education.” On behalf of the entire District 15 community, Dr. Heinz expressed sincere appreciation for the Board’s unwavering efforts to ensure all students thrive.   Pledge of Allegiance Walter R. Sundling Middle School – Paladin Advisory Committee (PAC) At the November Board of Education meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by students from Walter R. Sundling Middle School’s Paladin Advisory Committee (PAC). Principal Mr. Dietz, along with staff sponsors Mr. Tony Illescas, Mrs. Grabowski, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Lane, and Mrs. Lillquist, introduced the students and shared how this student-led group provides valuable feedback that helps shape the school’s culture and climate. Comprised of students from all grade levels, the Paladin Advisory Committee serves as a voice for the student body, offering insight and perspective on topics such as social dynamics, school rules, and student-teacher relationships. Recent discussions have focused on the new cell phone policy, District 15’s updated Student Information System, and opportunities for student engagement both during and after the school day. The group reflects the diverse voices of the Sundling community, with members selected for their ability to communicate thoughtfully and represent their peers with empathy and integrity. Students leading the Pledge included: Jane S., Connor McC., Alexa M., Luca G., Abigail B., Lucas G., Calla D., Abigail B., and Ava S. We are proud of these Sundling Paladins for their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to making their school an even better place for all.   Student Recognition: 5th Grade District Cross Country Meet At the November Board of Education meeting, District 15 celebrated the student-athletes who participated in this year’s 5th Grade District Cross Country Invitational Meet, held on October 20 at Rolling Meadows’ North Salk Park. More than 320 fifth graders from across the district took part in the one-mile race, demonstrating perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork. This annual event serves as one of the district’s three intramural capstone experiences, offering students the chance to set goals, challenge themselves, and cheer one another on. Instructional Coordinator Julie Crawford recognized the first-place runners from each division for their outstanding performances: Green Division: Anya R. and Nolan C., Hunting Ridge Elementary School Yellow Division: Harper G., Marion Jordan School (also the fastest girl overall), and Erick M., Willow Bend School Blue Division: Sadie S. and Henry C., Pleasant Hill School (Henry also recorded the fastest overall time among boys) District 15 extends its gratitude to the many intramural coaches, supervisors, and maintenance staff including Scott Strik, David Sobel, and Joe Ahlgrim for their efforts in training students, organizing the meet, and ensuring a successful event. The district also thanks the Rolling Meadows Park District for its continued partnership and support in hosting this annual tradition. We are proud of all 324 student participants for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to doing their personal best.   Student Recognition: Middle School IESA Sectional and State Finishers At the November Board of Education meeting, District 15 proudly recognized middle school athletes who qualified for and competed in the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Cross Country State Meet. All five of the district’s middle schools—Carl Sandburg, Plum Grove, Thomas Jefferson, Walter R. Sundling, and Winston Campus—participated in the IESA State Series, which began with sectional meets held October 10-11. Schools competed in two divisions based on size: Winston, Plum Grove, and Sundling in Class 4A, and Thomas Jefferson and Carl Sandburg in Class 3A. Following outstanding performances at sectionals, five individual runners and the Winston Campus boys’ team advanced to the state competition in Bloomington on October 18, where each race featured more than 220 competitors. State Qualifiers included: Class 3A Boys Individual: Andres B. (Carl Sandburg) – 16th at Sectionals, 150th at State (PR 12:29) Class 4A Boys Individuals: Charles C. (Walter Sundling) – 4th at Sectionals, 56th at State (PR 11:34); Emilio P. (Plum Grove) – 1st at Sectionals, 4th at State (10:54) Class 4A Girls Individuals: Adelynn M. (Plum Grove) – 12th at Sectionals, 24th at State (12:13); Samantha C. (Walter Sundling) – 2nd at Sectionals, 14th at State (PR 12:07) Class 4A Boys Team (Winston Campus): Joshua Q., Matthew J., Mario R., Victor P., Eamonn F., Thomas C., Nicholas P.; Alternates Matthew C., Tommy L., and Owen E. The team placed 1st at Sectionals and 11th at State, with several athletes earning personal records. District 15 extends sincere appreciation to coaches Buelow (Carl Sandburg), Padal (Plum Grove), Smith (Thomas Jefferson), Soto (Winston Campus), and Gabriel (Walter Sundling) for their leadership and dedication to student-athletes throughout the season. The district also thanks the families who supported runners every step of the way by providing encouragement, transportation, and team spirit. Congratulations to all of our middle school cross country athletes for their perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. You’ve made District 15 proud and showed us all what it means to #AimHighAchieveHigher!   Above & Beyond Staff Recognition: Gorman Christian, Director of Information Systems At the November Board of Education meeting, Chief Technology Officer Mary Jane Warden recognized Gorman Christian, Director of Information Systems, for going Above and Beyond in his service to District 15. Gorman was celebrated for his visionary leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to innovation. Over the past year, he has led the district through the complex migration and implementation of a new student information system (SIS), a project that has strengthened District 15’s data architecture and streamlined essential systems, including the new ParentSquare communication platform and multiple curriculum integrations. Through months of long work weeks and countless hours of coordination, Gorman demonstrated perseverance, even working through illness to ensure district operations remained seamless. His problem-solving and deep care for the greater good have set an inspiring example. Mrs. Warden also acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the Information Systems team including Andrew Senff, Bonnie MacEachern, Lucy Gazda, and Vanessa Caro, whose collaboration and dedication made this large-scale transition a success. Gorman’s leadership and his team’s collective efforts continue to power the systems that keep District 15 running efficiently and effectively. We are deeply grateful for their behind-the-scenes work that enables staff and students alike to Aim High and Achieve Higher.     Departmental Update: Teaching, Learning, and Assessment: Action and Results Presented by: Dr. Emily McFadden, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Dr. Shayne Birkmeier, Director of TLA  Mrs. Tiffany Costa, Director of TLA At the November 12 meeting, Dr. Emily McFadden and the Department of Teaching, Learning, & Assessment shared that as a district, their work is grounded in high expectations, curricular alignment, and data-informed practice. She shared that as a District, we continue to trend positively on State-level assessments. Illinois has implemented a new scoring system to account for its rigorous standards. This data clearly shows student growth is accelerating. District growth percentiles have moved from about 46 percent to almost 53 percent in ELA and from about 44.6 percent to above 51 percent in Math, signaling that students are not only meeting annual targets, but exceeding them and closing gaps. English Language Arts scores increase year after year, demonstrating that the longer students are in District 15, the more growth they make. Math has recently undergone a curriculum redesign at the Middle School level in partnership with Districts 211 and 214, to ensure all students leaving the district are equipped with fundamental math skills to make them successful in High School and beyond. District scores in science continue to grow as students are gaining technical reading and thinking skills. Overall, District 15 continues their upward trajectory in student growth and content proficiency. This progress is the result of intentional work to ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum, consistent pacing through district road maps, and common assessments that let teams see what students know and need next. The introduction of the Pear Assess platform provides immediate item analysis and standard-level insights so teachers can reteach quickly and focus instruction where it counts. In mathematics, the district has strengthened the balance between inquiry and foundational fluency and deepened vertical alignment with high schools. In science, teachers are increasing hands-on learning and tying literacy more closely to scientific thinking. Looking ahead, a comprehensive ELA review is underway, beginning with grades 3 through 5, with pilots planned for winter and spring and a proposed adoption in August 2026, followed by K through 2 the following year. Our students are growing, our systems are working, and our schools are using timely, accurate data to make better instructional decisions every week. This data serves as a guide for teachers, a signal for interventions and enrichment, and a roadmap for setting the next round of goals. By anchoring decisions in evidence and staying aligned from classroom to district, D15 is meeting several long-term targets ahead of schedule and laying a stronger foundation for every student’s future in high school, college, career, and life. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 35:19). FY25 Final Audit Results with Sikich Presented by: Mrs. Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official Mr. Anthony Fashoda, Director of Fiscal Services Ms. Lindsey Fish, Principal with Sikich At the November Board meeting, Chief School Business Official Diana McCluskey and Director of Fiscal Services Anthony Fashoda introduced Lindsey Fish, Principal with Sikich, who presented the results of the District’s Fiscal Year 2025 independent audit. This was Sikich’s first year conducting the audit for District 15. Ms. Fish reported that the District received an unmodified (clean) opinion, the highest level of assurance an organization can receive, indicating that its financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit also found no material weaknesses or compliance issues, reflecting strong financial oversight and sound accounting practices. While the District’s operating fund balance decreased from the prior year due to planned capital spending and one-time expenditures, District 15 continues to operate from a position of stability with responsible fiscal management. The District’s ISBE Financial Profile Score moved from “Recognition” to “Review,” due to a drawdown of fund balance and a decline in bond rating. Financial Review still represents stable financial operations with areas for continued monitoring. Overall, the presentation reaffirmed the District’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent financial planning as it looks ahead to FY26. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 1:11:39). 2025 Health Life Safety Report with Wold Architects Presented by: Mrs. Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official Mr. James Kaplanes, Director of Facilities Mr. Mike Eichhorn, Wold Architects and Engineers Mr. Justin Wendt, Wold Architects and Engineers At the November 12 meeting, Chief School Business Official Diana McCluskey and Director of Facilities James Kaplanes were joined by Mike Eichhorn and Justin Wendt of Wold Architects and Engineers to present the results of the 2025 Health Life Safety Survey, a comprehensive 10-year facilities review required by the Illinois State Board of Education. The review, conducted throughout the spring and summer, identified approximately $32.5 million in total facility needs across District 15 schools. Of that amount, $492,000 were classified as Priority A (urgent) items to be addressed within one year, $27.8 million as required Priority B (recommended) items within five years, and $4.2 million as recommended Priority C (not required) improvements, including pavement work, and general enhancements. Wold Architects and Engineers emphasized that these findings reflect routine maintenance and modernization needs, not unsafe conditions, and demonstrate the district’s progress since the last decennial review in 2015 when $156 million in needs were identified. Thanks to the Moving 15 Forward initiative and the 5-Year Master Facility Plan, much of that previous work has already been addressed through significant upgrades to HVAC systems, roofs, and building interiors. The Health Life Safety results will now be integrated into the district’s broader 10-Year Master Facility Plan to guide upcoming bond issuances and project scheduling. The Board will be asked to approve the formal Health Life Safety application in December, allowing the district to remain in compliance while continuing to enhance learning environments across all campuses. The Board and the District 15 Facilities team reflected on how this work, paired with strong academic growth data, demonstrates that District 15’s investments in facilities and instruction are moving forward hand in hand to create safe, modern, and inspiring schools for every student. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 1:23:42). Tentative 2025 Tax Levy Presented by: Mrs. Diana McCluskey, Chief School Business Official Mr. Anthony Fashoda, Director of Fiscal Services Per statute, the LY25 tentative levy comes to the Board at least 20 days before adoption, with final action planned for December 10, 2025 and certification to the Cook County Clerk by December 30. Because the recommendation is under 5 percent, a Truth in Taxation hearing is not required. The levy is the annual ask to the County to extend 2025 taxes. Under PTELL, growth is limited to the lesser of 5 percent or the December 2024 CPI-U, which is 2.9 percent. The 2025 extension will also capture new property that hits the tax rolls at the full rate. The proposed levy for LY25 is $164,079,854, an ask that maximizes the district’s ability to capture unknown new property. Based on current modeling, the actual 2025 extension is expected to land near $161.6 million once the County applies the 2.9 percent cap and adds new property. With the 2025 reassessment, equalized assessed valuations rose, which means the estimated total tax rate moves down to about 3.4499 percent. Fund allocations will be adjusted modestly to use existing balances in IMRF and Social Security, with corresponding relief to the Education Fund. Operationally, Cook County’s delayed second-installment bills are now expected to be mailed this week, with a mid-December due date, and the business office will monitor cash flow as funds are received. Overall, the approach protects long-term revenue, remains compliant, and aligns with the district’s financial planning for the year ahead. You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube (skip to 1:47:17).   Board Committee Updates Education Research Development (Ed-RED) Committee Board Vice President Annerino reported that the General Assembly’s fall veto session concluded on October 30. A key outcome for districts was passage of Senate Bill 243, which creates a five-day human verification window for suspected AI-generated FOIA requests to reduce burdens on staff. He also noted that Cook County second-installment tax bills are expected to mail around November 15, and Ed-RED will support legislative fixes to avoid future delays. Ed-RED held its annual kickoff luncheon on October 20 and outlined three priorities: 1) flexibility in the world language graduation requirement to better align with students entering trades; 2) full and timely funding of mandated categorical (MCAT), with emphasis on transportation, special education, truancy prevention, and bilingual education, including a district survey to document transportation costs; and 3) clarifying school procedures with law enforcement during off-campus activities so protections and protocols mirror those on school grounds while limiting staff liability. For more information, visit Ed-RED website. one-five Foundation Board Member Bachmann shared that the one-five Foundation’s Teacher Mini-Grant Program closed on November 7, with an impressive 60 applications submitted by staff across the district. The Foundation is currently reviewing all proposals, and grant recipients will be selected and notified in December. Bachmann expressed enthusiasm about participating in the upcoming award celebrations, noting the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and supporting innovative classroom projects that enhance student learning experiences. The next one-five Foundation meeting is scheduled for next week, where members will continue discussing fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives. 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 shared that the Finance Committee met on Monday to review several fiscal items, including a detailed discussion of the tentative 2025 tax levy presented earlier in the evening. The committee also examined the District’s school fees for the upcoming year, with recommendations expected to come before the Board for approval next month alongside final levy adoption. Equity Committee Board Member Khan shared that the Equity Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He noted that with the upcoming state education conference, there will be a variety of equity-focused sessions and learning opportunities. Khan plans to collaborate with committee members afterward to bring back new perspectives and ideas that can help strengthen the district’s ongoing equity and belonging initiatives.   8.1 Approval of the Personnel Report: Recommendations for Administration, Certified, and Non-Certified staff members - APPROVED 8.2 Approval of the Semi-Annual Review of Closed Session Minutes - APPROVED 8.3 Approval of Bid Award #26-003 Emergency Transportation Services for Unassigned Bus Routes - APPROVED 8.4 Approval of Bid Award #26-004 Mechanical Replacements at Winston Campus - APPROVED 8.5 Approval of the Resolution Estimating the Aggregate Levy for the Year 2025 - APPROVED 8.6 Acceptance of FY2025 Final Audit - APPROVED   Next meeting of the Board of Education The next Special meeting of the Board of Education will be held at Walter R. Sundling Middle School, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 5:45 PM. 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, December 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM. https://www.ccsd15.net/

Saturday, Nov 15 2025

D15 eNews: November 10, 2025

November 10, 2025 Dear District 15 Families, In the month of November, more than any other month, I find myself reflecting on the importance of gratitude. In my professional life, I have so much to be grateful for. Whether I’m hearing students describe a project they’re proud of, watching teachers guide meaningful lessons, or meeting families who are deeply engaged in their child’s education, I am reminded just how much care and pride live within District 15. As many of you know, I recently shared that I will be retiring at the end of the 2025–26 school year. While this announcement brings a mix of emotions, what has stood out most is the overwhelming encouragement I’ve received from our community. District 15 has shaped me both personally and professionally for many years, and I am deeply grateful for your kind words and support. If you haven’t done so already, please remember to take the survey to aid the Board of Education in their search for the next superintendent of District 15. This year, more than ever, I’m taking extra time to soak in the small moments of joy and connection that make our district such a special place. I love seeing students lean into challenges, ask questions, and celebrate one another, and I’m continually inspired by our teachers, who nurture curiosity and create spaces where children feel welcomed, capable, and known. Thank you for the many ways you support your children and our schools. I look forward to all that is still ahead this year and am grateful to experience it with you.   Board of Education Meeting Our next Board meeting is on Wednesday, November 12. You are welcome to join us at Walter R. Sundling or you can tune in via our livestream to Youtube. As always, I very much appreciate your continued support of all things D15.  Your Partner in Education, Laurie Heinz Superintendent of Schools   A Look at Fall in District 15 🍂📚   Stay in the Loop 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! Community e-Flyers Page   Middle School Progress Report Cards Progress Report Cards for Q1 were released to families on Friday, October 31. For information on grading, please visit the CCSD 15 Progress Report Cards page. For information on accessing student reports on the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please visit our PowerSchool page. Please note, student reports cannot be viewed on the PowerSchool app, only on the web version of the PowerSchool Parent Portal. D15 Progress Report Cards Page D15 PowerSchool Page   Student Fee Reminder As a reminder, 2025-2026 Student Fees were due on July 15, 2025. Log in to Powerschool to review your balance and make payments in e~Funds. Questions regarding student fees can be directed to Kameswari Pullela, Business Department, 847-963-3065.   Band and Orchestra Enrollment Students currently in 4th grade can now enroll in band or orchestra for the 5th grade next year. Information about this program, including the enrollment form, can be found HERE. You will need your child's Student ID from the text/email you received about enrollment (or found in PowerSchool) to complete the enrollment form. We are so excited to welcome you to this amazing program!    Spring IAR Student Reports Families should have now received their child’s Spring 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) results for students in grades 3–8, as well as Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) results for 6th-grade students. You can read more about IAR and ISA testing in the letter found at the link below. If you have questions about your child’s scores, please contact your school principal. IAR Student Report Letter   Immigration Resources and Updates Virtual Information Sessions We will be conducting two information sessions regarding immigration resources and updates. One will be held on November 19 (in Spanish) and the other will be on November 20 (in English). Please see below for more information. Date/Time: Wednesday, November 19th from 7:00-8:00 pm Meeting will be virtual and conducted in Spanish. Agenda includes: Updates from POC Staff Local Resources to Support Families Strategies to Talk with Children About Difficult Things Question/Answer Date/Time: Thursday, November 20th from 7:00–8:00 pm Meeting will be virtual and conducted in English with translation available as requested. Agenda includes: Updates Local Resources to Support Families Strategies to Talk with Children About Difficult Things Question/Answer   Resources for Families We recognize that many families may be navigating complex and emotional situations right now. We have resources available on the D15 website to help parents and caregivers support their children’s well-being. Topics include: Talking with Children About Difficult Things in the News Tips for Families and Educators Talking to Children About Violence Guide for Families Affected by Crisis and Displacement How to Talk to a Child Worried About Deportation Family Preparedness Plan A Bilingual Book Focused on Coping Skills for Children of Immigrants Click Here to Access Resources   2025 BPAC Conference - 11/13 You’re Invited! Don’t miss this FREE parent conference presented by BPAC! Join us for an uplifting evening with Elizabeth Duecker, family development specialist, as she presents “Superpowers of Self-Esteem: A Guide for Parents Who Inspire Confident and Happy Children.” In this transformative session, parents will discover practical strategies to build strong self-esteem at home and help children thrive with confidence, joy, and emotional resilience. Date/Time: Thursday, November 13 from 6:30–8:00 PM. Location: Willow Bend Elementary School Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Duecker, Author, Therapist, Parent, and Crowd Favorite! Theme: Padres resilientes: Superpoderes de la autoestima (The Superpowers of Self-Esteem) Presentation will be in Spanish with simultaneous headphone translation to English available. Sweat Kids will provide programming for kids in childcare! Families can participate in-person or virtually. Event will be meaningful for ALL families from PreK through Grade 8! Click Here for a Special Message   Mark Your Calendar for Key Dates November 24–25: No School (Parent / Teacher Conference Days) November 26: No School (Non-attendance Day) November 27–28: No School (Thanksgiving Recess) 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.  Dates for meetings for the 2025-26 school year are as follows: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (and Retirement Reception) Wednesday, June 10, 2026 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

Monday, Nov 10 2025

Community Input Requested: Superintendent Search Survey

November 4, 2025 Dear District 15 Community, With Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz announcing her retirement at the end of the 2025–2026 school year, the Board of Education is beginning the important process of selecting the next leader of Community Consolidated School District 15. As we begin this process, we want to hear directly from you – our families, staff, and community members. Your  confidential survey feedback  will help us identify the leadership qualities, experiences, and priorities that are most important as we look ahead to the future of District 15. The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete and is open to District residents and employees. The survey is meant to be completed only once per individual. All responses will remain anonymous and will only be reported in aggregate form.  The survey window will remain open until Friday, December 5, 2025.  Thank you for taking a few moments to share your thoughts and for your continued partnership in helping our District thrive. Thanks again to Dr. Heinz for her dedicated leadership and lasting impact on our students, staff, and community.  Your input is essential in helping us continue to build upon the strong foundation that defines District 15 as the Board embarks on finding our next Superintendent. Please  click here to complete the survey . Sincerely, Samantha Ader, Board of Education President  Community Consolidated School District 15

Tuesday, Nov 04 2025