School Board proposes raising academic goals to 90% proficiency by 2033

Flossmoor School District 161 is setting its sights high, aiming for a transformative educational experience that could redefine student achievement in Illinois. During the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 23, 2025, board members discussed ambitious new goals for student proficiency, proposing to raise the benchmark for academic success from 80% to a bold 90% of students meeting or exceeding state standards in English Language Arts and Math.

Board member comments highlighted a collective commitment to excellence, with one member stating, “We want to be the leaders. We don’t want to follow.” This shift reflects a broader vision to align with state objectives that aim for 90% proficiency by 2033, positioning Flossmoor as a frontrunner in educational outcomes.

However, the conversation also turned to the challenge of chronic absenteeism, which has been a concern since the pandemic. While the district has historically maintained absenteeism rates below 10%, board members acknowledged that achieving the new academic goals would require a concerted effort to address attendance issues. One board member emphasized the need for equally ambitious targets for absenteeism, suggesting that the current goal of 10% may not be sufficient to support the district's high academic aspirations.

The dialogue underscored a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to community feedback. As the board prepares to finalize these goals, they are poised to not only elevate academic standards but also tackle the underlying issues that could hinder student success. The next steps will involve refining these targets and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive educational environment.