Board expels one student for weapons offense and approves modified expulsions for others

The Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education on Oct. 28 adopted a resolution expelling student number 790 after a hearing officer’s report found the student committed a weapons offense involving a handgun (classified as a level‑2 offense). The board concluded the student’s presence would substantially disrupt school operations and pose a threat to staff and students and expelled the student effective Oct. 28, 2025, through the remainder of 2025–26 and 2026–27, with an opportunity for reinstatement after successful completion of an alternative placement. The resolution also requires referral for special-education evaluation subject to parental consent.

The meeting also addressed five other mandatory-expulsion referrals for weapons offenses. The superintendent recommended—and the board approved—modifications to the one-year expulsion period for several students, replacing the mandatory year with a mix of out-of-school suspension days already served, individualized safety plans on reentry, ongoing counseling where recommended, and in two cases a board reprimand. The administration said suspension days in these cases have already been served and that board-reprimand meetings will be scheduled as required to identify further supportive services.

Board members emphasized safety while also noting the need to provide supports. Miss Lensing said the recommendation is grounded in a desire to keep schools safe while addressing student needs through evaluation and support. Miss Fabian added: "It is because of safety that we need to push the student out. But when a child is still a child, we also, as adults, need to do what we need to do in order to ensure that we give them proper support and resources." The board declined to share identifying details of the incidents to prevent identification of students when combined with other information.

Actions ordered by the board include assignment to alternative placements (where appropriate and accepted by the placement), individualized safety plans and referrals for evaluation and counseling. The board authorized the Board President to sign the individual resolutions documenting each disciplinary action.

The expulsion and modification resolutions passed by roll call; one modification (student 147) was pulled for separate discussion and was approved after board members raised concerns specific to that case. The board directed Student Services to coordinate alternative placements and follow-up evaluations as permitted by law.