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Board schedules vote, forms task force for K–5 dual‑language consolidation to Oak Terrace
Summary
The North Shore SD 112 administration recommended phased consolidation of the K–5 dual‑language program to Oak Terrace and launched a Superintendent Task Force to guide implementation; the Board will vote at a special meeting on June 26, 2025.
The North Shore School District 112 administration recommended a phased consolidation of the district’s K–5 dual‑language program to Oak Terrace and announced a Superintendent Task Force to guide implementation. Superintendent Dr. Michael Lubelfeld told the Board the plan prioritizes English‑learner needs, seeks stakeholder engagement, and proposes kindergarten students enroll at Oak Terrace beginning 2026–27 with full K–5 consolidation in 2027–28.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Monica Schroeder outlined the task force’s structure, membership and timeline: monthly meetings from August 2025 through April 2026, an initial launch meeting on Oct. 23, 2025, and a final report to the Board in May 2026. The task force will include three subcommittees — Student Success, Family Engagement, and Facilities/Operations — each led by district administrators and including voluntary staff and family representatives. Dr. Schroeder also said the administration will issue an RFP in 2025–26 to evaluate a possible transition to an 80–20 instructional model.
The administration provided projected seat counts and class sizes after consolidation: 23 K–5 dual‑language sections are anticipated for 2025–26, 24 in 2026–27, and 22 in 2027–28, with an expected total enrollment of 457 students and average class sizes of about 19.5 to 21.75 in 2027–28. Dr. Schroeder clarified facility considerations, noting Oak Terrace has about 100 parking spaces and that a co‑principal and associate principal leadership model is planned post‑consolidation.
Board members and parents expressed differing views on the proposal. Board member Lori Fink registered opposition; Board members Jenny Butler, Lisa Hirsh, Melissa Itkin, Bennett Lasko and President Art Kessler voiced support for moving forward to a vote at a special meeting on June 26, 2025. Parents testified during public comment in opposition to the consolidation (Lacey Kornick, Katey Irey, Colleen Callihan and Jennifer Klein). Dr. Schroeder responded to calls to delay by saying, "it’s not a feasibility task force, and delaying would not change enrollment declines."
