Waukegan board hears Destination 2028 update highlighting literacy gains, EL exits and capital work
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Summary
District leaders presented a Destination 2028 strategic‑plan progress report showing literacy implementation steps, large increases in English‑learner exits, expansion of bilingual programs, increased inclusion for students with IEPs and a multi‑million dollar capital program funded partly from a $30 million bond.
Waukegan CUSD 60 leaders on Nov. 10 presented progress on the district’s Destination 2028 strategic plan, highlighting academic shifts, inclusion gains and major capital projects.
Academic presenters described a districtwide literacy initiative emphasizing knowledge‑building curriculum, common assessments and monthly coaching for teachers. The bilingual and multicultural department reported that EL exits increased substantially this year — the presenter cited a roughly 520% increase in middle‑school EL exits and a 129% increase at the high school — and that the EL graduation rate has risen to about 79.5% over several years.
Special education and inclusion figures also drew attention: presenters said the percentage of students with IEPs spending 80% or more of the school day in general education has risen from about 40.5% in 2018 to roughly 55% today, exceeding the state average cited in the presentation.
Operations staff summarized recruitment successes (including international recruitment of teachers), safety training (100% CPI certification among safety officers and completed drills) and capital projects financed from local funds and a voter‑approved bond. The business office representative said the district has spent roughly $84 million on capital improvements without issuing new bonds for all projects and cited a remaining balance of about $19.6 million of an earlier $30 million bond. Examples listed included a Brookside Campus roof replacement (approximately $10 million) and other projects ranging from window replacements to parking lot work.
Administrators also previewed a public performance dashboard to track Destination 2028 indicators and said they will seek community feedback before rollout. Board members asked about communicating new accountability cut scores and how the numeracy plan will align with literacy work; administration said a data presentation is scheduled at the next board meeting to explain new state accountability metrics.
The presentations concluded with board appreciation for classroom, wraparound and operations staff and a request for more detailed project timelines and budget breakdowns for specific capital projects.