Waukegan School District addresses teacher turnover and introduces Area 1 Superintendent

The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education meeting on May 27, 2025, focused on significant staffing challenges, particularly concerning diverse learners and the recruitment of international teachers.

A board member expressed concern over the increasing number of resignations among teachers who work with diverse learners, attributing this trend to visa-related issues. The board member highlighted that many resignations were from teachers who had been part of the district's efforts to diversify its teaching staff. This raises questions about how the district will address the needs of diverse learners in the upcoming school year.

In response, district officials outlined their ongoing initiatives to recruit teachers both locally and internationally. They noted that the district has formed partnerships with countries like the Philippines to bring in international teachers. However, these teachers face specific visa constraints that limit their tenure in the district. The first cohort of these international teachers, who joined five years ago, will be returning home this year due to visa regulations from their home country.

The district's Human Resources department continues to prioritize local recruitment while also maintaining international partnerships to mitigate the impact of the teacher shortage. Officials acknowledged the emotional toll of losing these educators, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the Waukegan community.

In addition to staffing discussions, the meeting introduced Lorraine Zayami as the new Area 1 Superintendent, who will begin her role with a base salary of $157,500. Her appointment marks a significant leadership change within the district.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support and recognition of the contributions made by departing teachers, emphasizing the importance of community and educational continuity in Waukegan schools.