The District 64 Board of Education held its regular meeting on March 19, where members discussed student achievements, enrollment updates, and approved several motions for the upcoming school year.
The meeting began with recognition of Shining Stars from Carpenter Elementary School. Fifth-grade student Matthew Rusiecki was introduced as a quiet leader who demonstrates steady character and kindness, especially through his willingness to help staff in the lunchroom and his compassion for his younger brother. Camille Derwin, an interventionist in her final year before retirement, was honored for her decades of dedication and recent efforts to improve the school’s lunch and transition programs.
Board members also celebrated the conclusion of the annual Battle of the Books competition. Fourth- and fifth-grade students competed over five weeks at the Park Ridge Public Library. Franklin Elementary School secured first place with 564 points. Washington and Field schools followed closely behind. The board expressed pride in all participating students who completed a challenging reading list.
Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins provided an update on enrollment figures, noting a slight increase in registrations by the Early Bird deadline compared to last year—82% of families registered this year versus 79% previously. Collins said this information is important for planning classroom sections for next year. He also commended Lincoln Middle School students and staff involved in their musical production, expressing hope that it would be the last one hosted at Emerson due to anticipated facility improvements.
The board approved several personnel-related resolutions including honorable dismissal of teachers, dismissal or non-reemployment of certain educational support personnel employees, non-renewal of administrators’ contracts, as well as routine consent agenda items such as bills approval, financial updates through January 31, E-Rate projects for technology upgrades in 2026, supplemental work at Lincoln Middle School—including installation of a Sweetwater system—and an intergovernmental agreement for North Cook Alternative Programs.
In closing remarks during his superintendent update, Dr. Collins highlighted efforts to engage prospective families during an annual realtor lunch event aimed at improving district communication strategies.
