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Board approves personnel slate; staff says some international teachers must return home because of visa limits
Summary
The board approved personnel recommendations May 27. During discussion, staff said the district's first cohort of international teachers (largely from the Philippines) are returning this year because of visa constraints on the sending country, and HR continues local and international recruitment.
The Waukegan CUSD 60 board voted May 27 to accept the administration’s personnel recommendations, including appointments, retirements, resignations and terminations listed on the agendas. During discussion of personnel items, staff told the board many of the resignations reflect the district’s international recruitment arrangements and visa timing.
"Our first...cohort of our international Filipino teachers that joined us 5 years ago...will be returning this year," a human‑resources staff member told the board, explaining that the requirement to return is tied to the Filipino side of the visa process rather than the U.S. side. The staff member said the district continues to recruit both locally and internationally, with a stated preference for local hires when possible.
The personnel motion — described on the agenda as approval of appointments, retirement requests and acceptance of resignations and terminations (schedules F1002, L949, T317 and G660) — was moved by a board member listed in the minutes as Mr. Bridal and seconded by Ms. Hannah. In the roll call on the motion, most trustees voted yes; one trustee (Miss Lensing) "passed" on the vote and was recorded as declining to vote. The board chair announced the motion carried and the personnel actions were approved.
Board members expressed concern about retention of teachers in specialized areas (for example, diverse learners) and asked what the district is doing to mitigate turnover. Staff responded that international recruitment agreements carry timelines that can require teachers to return to their home countries under the sending country’s rules, and that the district is pursuing local recruitment alongside ongoing international hiring.
What happened next: The personnel slate was approved. Staff said they will continue local recruitment and international partnerships while working to address retention and to welcome back teachers when permissible.
