Strategic Planning Public Meeting
On Wednesday, April 15, board members, parent representatives, and district administrators will meet from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM to engage in our strategic planning process. This is one of the final steps in a 7-month process of developing a strategic plan that will guide our success for the next five years.
Participation in this process will be limited to those who volunteered to be part of this committee work, but because more than two board members will be present, the meeting must be held as a public board meeting per the Open Meetings Act. The public is welcome to attend and listen to the dialogue, and will have the opportunity to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.
This meeting will not be live streamed or recorded. We will provide a summary of this meeting, and the committee's input will be considered when drafting the final version of our strategic plan.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, and feel free to join us tomorrow night if desired.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent Updatecelebrating our students' success
Western Springs Park District Survey
The Park District is seeking community input to help guide future improvements to parks, facilities, and programs. All residents and families are asked to participate.
As a thank you, participants may enter a drawing for one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. Thank you for helping shape the future of our parks!
Use the link below to complete the survey by April 3.
Student safety reminder
We love to see more students riding their bikes and walking to school as the weather warms up. We need your help keeping our students safe as they navigate their routes home. Please partner with us in the following ways:
- Please drive slowly on the streets leading to and away from our campus.
- If you drop your child off or pick them up by car, please do so by utilizing our drop off and pick up lines rather than parking along the street and walking to the school.
- During arrival and dismissal, several streets around our campus have parking restrictions or become one-way streets. Please abide by these posted rules. Not doing so results in cars encroaching into the space our students need to walk down the street safely.
- If you park near the school rather than use the drop-off line, please walk your child to and from the school rather than having him/her walk off campus to meet you.
It takes all of us being patient and looking out for each other to ensure that the student arrival and dismissal process is safe. Thank you for your partnership on this matter.
March 24 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
reports and discussions
Superintendent's Report
Middle School Schedule Committee Update
Recommendations were made regarding the 2026-27 Middle School schedule based on the work of the staff and parent committees.
- In order to preserve our students' unique opportunity to take band/orchestra, electives, and world language during the day, we decided to maintain the current A/B schedule.
- In order to protect the integrity of every student's academic experience, we will prioritize class sizes by adjusting band and orchestra ensembles as needed and offering Spanish as the sole world language. Students in 6th and 7th grade currently taking French will continue in that course during their time at Highlands.
Staffing Update
Four open positions for the 2026-27 school year have been posted. We invest a lot of time and effort into finding the right teachers for Highlands as we know that our students' success is largely impacted by the quality of our staff. We are committed to maintaining our strong tradition of having exemplary teachers at Highlands.
Extra-Curricular Update
Contingent on student interest, an 8th grade boys basketball B-team, a girls volleyball B-team, and participation in the IESA cheerleading competition will be added to the opportunities available to our students.
Strategic Plan Update
The next parent and Board member strategic plan meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Fiscal Year 2025 Audit and Annual Financial Report
A representative from Lauterbach and Amen presented the Audit and Annual Financial Report. Highlights included the district receiving a Financial Profile score of 3.9 out of 4.0 and an “unmodified” rating (the highest available).
Chiller Replacement and Roofing Improvements
Summer 2026 building improvements include replacing a roof and chiller unit that are at the end of their lifespan.
Long-Term Capital Financing Plan
A plan to complete all needed capital improvements over the next 25 years was presented to the Board. Highlights include:
- Refinancing existing capital bonds in 2032 to fund deferred and upcoming capital improvements.
- Reducing the annual transfer of the Operations and Maintenance Fund to Capital Projects Fund beginning this year.
- Reserving our Fund 60 balance to be used on unexpected equipment or infrastructure failures over the next 6 years.
- Accomplishing these capital improvements with the goal of not increasing annual debt payments.
Action items
- Accept the Audit and Annual Financial Report
- Approve the FY27 School Fees
- Approve a portion of the technology purchase
- Award the bid for the chiller unit to C. Acitelli Heating and Piping, Inc.
- Award the bid for roofing improvements to Combined Roofing Services, Inc.
consent agenda items
Minutes of previous meetings, financial business, FOIA report, personnel report, rehire of probationary certified staff, purchase of LADSE services for the 26-27 School year, and the destruction of audio from previous closed session meetings were approved.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent update Registration for summer school camps and the 2026-27 school year is now open through April 5 using the link below.
Board Meeting Preview
The District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
celebrations
The following students will be recognized at tonight’s meeting:
- The ISBE Art Contest winner
- Battle of the Books Champs: The Bookie Cookies
- Spelling Bee Champ
Reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report includes:
- Plans for the Middle School Schedule
- Staffing for the 2026-27 School Year
- Updates on the Strategic Plan
The FY25 Audit and Annual Report will be presented by Lauterbach and Amen.
Bids for the replacement of a chiller unit and roofing improvements in the Middle School will be reviewed.
The FY27 technology purchase will be discussed.
The District’s long-term capital financing plan will be presented.
Action items
The Audit and AFR will be accepted.
The 2026-27 School Fees will be approved.
A partial technology purchase will be approved.
Bids for the chiller replacement and roofing improvements will be awarded.
Consent Agenda
- Approve the minutes of previous meetings
- Financial business,
- FOIA report
- Personnel report
- Purchase of LADSE services for 2026-27
- Reemployment of probationary staff,
- Destruction of audio from previous closed session meetings
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
registration for the 2026-27 school year and 2026 summer school is now open.
registration for early childhood education
RETURNING ECE STUDENTS should use the link below to register for the 2026-27 school year or the ECE Summer Camp.
Returning ece student registration link
NEW ECE STUDENTS: D106 offers a limited number of tuition-based seats in our ECE program. We have received a strong response for tuition-based seats for the 2026-27 school year, and a waitlist has formed. Families who have already submitted a tuition application will be notified in April regarding their student's placement for the 2026-27 school year. We will continue accepting waitlist applications and will offer available openings throughout the summer and into the school year as they become available.
tuition-based program information
registration for students entering kindergarten
Kindergarten registration will take place by appointment from March 23-26 and from April 7-10. Use the link below to make your appointment.
kindergarten registration appointment
registration for students entering grades 1-8
Registration for Summer School Camps (current K-7th grade students) and the 2026-27 school year is now open through April 5 using the link below. Please note that Summer School Camps are only available to students who are currently in kindergarten through 7th grade.
Payment is due immediately for Summer School and by August 19 for the remainder of the registration fees. Credit card, check, or cash payments are accepted.
Please note that all registration fees for the 2025-26 school year must be paid in full in order to register for the 2026-27 school year.
GRADES 1-8 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR AND 2026 SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION LINK
questions?
If you have questions about Summer School, please contact Ali Beiermeister at summerschool@district106.net or 708-485-3054.
If you have questions about billing or payments, please contact the business office at 708-485-3564.
If you have any other registration questions, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate school office.
Superintendent UpdateIn this update...
- Student Celebration
- Welcoming New Administrators
- Strategic Plan Update
- Middle School Graduation Date set for Monday, June 1.
- Board Meeting Summaries
8th grade boys place 4th at state
Our 8th grade boys basketball team placed 4th out of 116 teams in the Class 3a state tournament. Congratulations to Coach Kyle Platt and this group of boys on a great season and for doing such an excellent job of representing Highlands at the state level.
Welcoming new administrators
Two fantastic administrators will be joining Highlands for the 2026-27 school year.
Nichole Reiser will be serving as Highlands' Director of Student Support Services. Nicole comes to Highlands with twenty years of experience in education. She spent thirteen years as a school social worker, two years as an assistant principal, and five years as a Special Services Coordinator in Frankfort 157c School District. Nichole has a true passion for supporting and empowering students and a strong track record of partnering with parents and staff.
Rob DuChateau will be serving as Highlands' Director of Technology. Rob has 16 years of experience in school technology and is currently the Senior Systems Administrator in Hinsdale 181 School District. He brings vast technical knowledge to this position and a firm belief in the importance of education and how technology can enhance our students' learning and opportunities.
The reference checks for both of these administrators were nothing but glowing. I have no doubt that both Nichole and Rob have the experience, knowledge, and passion to build upon the great work that is currently happening in our student services and technology departments.
Framework for excellence
(strategic plan) update
We have started gathering input from staff on our strategic plan and will partner with parents in this process in March and April. We are very excited about the progress made thus far and are looking forward to sharing the final plan with you before the end of the school year.
If you are interested in serving as a parent on our strategic plan work, please use the link below.
Jan. 20 & Feb. 17 Board Meeting summaries
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesday, January 20 and Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
The summaries are included below. To access the agendas, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream,s use the links below.
Reports & discussions
Middle School Schedule & Electives Committee Update
- The input from staff and parents has been very valuable. A common theme from all was that the best interests of our students should be the primary driver of these conversations.
- The current A-B schedule presents several challenges, but also provides for a rich learning experience in which students are able to be part of a wide variety of programs and activities.
- There are system-wide changes that could be considered as potential solutions to our current challenges, but these options require an extended period of study and consideration.
- There are adjustments to the current schedule that are being considered for next year. These recommendations will be shared at the March or April Board meeting.
School Fee Proposal
Consistent with CPI, an increase of $5 is recommended for the 2026-27 school fees.
Superintendent Evaluation & Goals
On an annual basis, it is the responsibility of the Board to assess the Superintendent’s performance in the following areas:
- Short and long-term planning and management of the School District’s enrollment growth.
- Review of the School District’s budget, with a focus on proposing alternatives to the Board if actual and projected growth in operating expenses is not sustainable over the long term.
- Effectiveness of the communications between the School District and its stakeholders.
- The working relationship of the Superintendent with the Board, the faculty, the staff, students, and the community.
This evaluation also includes assessing the progress toward the achievement of performance goals, which are aligned with the District’s strategic plan.
- Increase the resilience, personal growth, and academic performance of each student.
- Model core values and promote learning outcomes to produce an empowering, dynamic, and engaging learning environment.
- Implement a system of selection, retention, professional learning and support, ensuring every student has an exemplary teacher.
- Make effective and efficient use of resources to advance the educational success and well-being of our students now and into the future.
- Cultivate partnerships within the community to provide each student with extended learning and service opportunities.
In addition, the evaluation will include goals that are specific to the current year or an active initiative. These include:
- Lead the District through a process of creating a new Strategic Plan.
- Lead the District through a process of evaluating the schedule and elective offerings at the middle school, and if determined to be warranted, recommend changes that will best serve our students and staff.
- Create a comprehensive report of the District’s achievements, initiatives, and financial standing, and other relevant topics to be distributed to parents and the broader Highlands community.
Evidence of meeting these goals will be provided at the end of the year during the period of Board evaluation.
Action items
- The Board adopted a resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer’s Office to resolve systemic issues regarding tax payment distributions.
- Board Policy language updates were approved.
Consent agenda items
The board approved the minutes of previous meetings, FOIA report, financial business, a personnel report which included a contract with a Director of Technology, a contract with the new Director of Student Support Services, and an amendment to the CSBO’s contract. The board also adopted a resolution to designate the CSBO to prepare the tentative budget.
The middle school graduation date was set to June 1, 2026.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Hello Highlands Families and Staff,
As I'm sure you are aware, the forecast is calling for some frigid temperatures on Friday morning. We are tracking the projections as they develop and will continue to do so throughout the day tomorrow. If it is determined that temperatures are unsafe for students and staff to travel to school, we will use one of our inclement weather days on Friday, January 23rd. If students are not in attendance, it will be an emergency day and not an e-learning day.
I will send an email and text message tomorrow before the end of the school day to let you know whether we will be in attendance on Friday.
Have a great night and stay warm,
John Munch, Superintendent
jan. 20 Board Meeting PreviewBoard meeting preview
The District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
Reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report includes updates on the District's committee work, administrative team, and Superintendent goals and evaluation.
Board Policy updates will be reviewed.
Action items
The Board will adopt a resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer’s Office to resolve systemic issues regarding tax payment distributions.
Consent Agenda
- Approve the minutes of previous meetings
- Financial business
- Personnel report (including a contract with the new Director of Technology and the amendment to the CSBO’s contract)
- FOIA report
- Adopt a resolution to designate the CSBO to prepare the tentative budget
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent UpdateHappy Holidays!
I hope you and your family have an fantastic break that is filled with quality family time and making great memories. We look forward to seeing our kids again on January 5.
celebrating our students' success
Family multicultural night
The first annual Family Multicultural Night was an incredible opportunity to learn about the lives and experiences of our families who make up the Highlands community. There were 50 students in 32 families proudly representing 17 countries. Hundreds of families attended and listened to stories, created art, learned about other cultures, and tasted many new and delicious global flavors.
The rich diversity of the Highlands community is one of its strengths; this event was an amazing way to learn about, celebrate, and embrace that diversity.
Administrator update
Amy Laskowski, Highlands’ Director of Student Support Services for the past 12 years, has accepted a new career opportunity. Amy’s leadership and dedication to inclusive practices have been outstanding, and will continue to shape the way we teach, support, and care for students. We are committed to building upon the strong foundation she established. Hiring a Director of Student Services who shares our values of inclusion and student success will be a top priority in the months ahead.
Under Amy’s leadership, Highlands has become a model for inclusive learning, where students of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and recognized as essential members of our school community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Amy, and look forward to continuing the great work she started.
Framework for excellence
(strategic plan) reminder
The Framework for Excellence (Strategic Planning) Committee will gather input on the six common commitments that are part of our Framework for Excellence. This work is part of a system-wide refresh of our current Strategic Plan and will guide our work for several years to come.
If you or a community member you know would like to be part of this important work, please use the link below to submit your interest.
- Meetings 1&2: D106 Administrators & Staff - February 19 & March 5 from 3:30-5:00.
- Meetings 3&4: D106 Administrators, Parents, & Community Members - March 11 & April 15 from 5:30-7:00.
2026-27 School calendar
December 16 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
reports and discussions
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent's Report included information on the delinquent Cook County Payments that have not yet been received by the District.
- While Cook County has collected the taxes, they have not yet determined dates for the distribution of taxes that the District should have received months ago.
- Due to the Board's commitment to maintain appropriately healthy fund balances, D106 has enough money in reserves to continue meeting all it's financial obligations for a few more months while we wait for payment from Cook County.
- We are currently involved in advocacy efforts with other local public bodies to get this matter resolved as soon as possible.
Superintendent Committee Updates
INSURANCE COMMITTEE- Meetings were held on December 3 and 17 to discuss recent and projected increases in the cost of insurance as well as potential strategies to reduce costs.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND ELECTIVES COMMITTEE- Meetings were held on December 1 and 17 to establish common understandings, discuss the benefits and challenges of our current schedule, and explore potential changes to our middle school schedule and course offerings that may benefit our students and staff.
Action items
The Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Tax Levy, a resolution to reduce certain fund levies, and the 2026-27 Final School Calendar.
Consent agenda items
The Board approved the minutes of previous meetings, financial business, personnel report, FOIA report, and the destruction of previous closed session audio recordings.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
registration for the 2025-26 school year and 2025 summer school is now open.
registration for early childhood education
NEW ECE STUDENTS for the 2025-26 school year will receive communication in May to begin the registration process.
RETURNING ECE STUDENTS should use the link below to register for the 2025-26 school year or the ECE Summer Camp.
Returning ECE student super long registration LInk
D106 offers a limited number of tuition-based seats in our ECE program. For more information, use the link below.
tuition-based program information
registration for students entering kindergarten
Kindergarten registration will take place by appointment from March 21 to April 11. Use the link below to make your appointment.
kindergarten registration appointment
registration for students entering grades 1-8
Registration will be open from March 21-April 6. Use the link below to register for the 2025-26 school year and 2025 Summer School Camps. Please note that Summer School Camps are only available to students who are currently in kindergarten through 7th grade.
Payment is due immediately for Summer School and by August 19 for the remainder of the registration fees. Credit card, check, or cash payments are accepted.
grades 1-8 and summer school registration
questions?
If you have questions about Summer School, please contact Ali Beiermeister at abeiermeister@district106.net or 708-485-3054. If you have any other registration questions, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate school office.
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