Academic transformation plan summer update

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Greg Wolcott provided the Board of Education with a summer update on the district’s Academic Transformation Plan, highlighting student achievement, grant funding, and instructional priorities for the 2026–27 school year.

The presentation shared encouraging academic results, with English language arts proficiency increasing from 68.1% to 72.1% districtwide, while math proficiency also improved and will remain a primary instructional focus, particularly in grades 4-5 and among identified student groups. The update also reviewed federal grant funding that supports intervention services, professional learning, multilingual programs, and special education.

Looking ahead, district initiatives will focus on increasing active student engagement, providing timely and specific feedback, implementing the new Language Power curriculum for multilingual learners, and launching updated gifted identification protocols.

Consolidated district plan

The Board of Education approved Woodridge 68's 2026-27 Consolidated District Plan, an annual planning document required by the Illinois State Board of Education that serves as the foundation for receiving federal education funding. Rather than applying for individual grants separately, the plan outlines how federal funding will work together to support district goals, instructional priorities, and student needs.

The approved plan includes funding to support elementary reading interventionists, professional learning for staff, multilingual services, well-rounded educational opportunities, and special education programs, ensuring continued resources to meet the diverse needs of Woodridge 68 students.

FY27 tentative budget & public hearing

The Board of Education approved the tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, as presented. A public hearing on the budget will be held on September 21, 2026 at 7:45pm at the District Administrative Center.

The tentative budget is available for public review on the district website and in the business office at the District Administrative Center.

Stipend & supervision rate change

The Board of Education approved the hourly rate increase for junior high after-school detention supervision from $24.61 to $29.90, effective for the upcoming academic year. This adjustment is necessary to achieve pay equity with comparable after-school roles and to ensure continued staffing for this critical intervention program.

The existing hourly rate did not sufficiently account for the specialized engagement, preparation, and high level of responsibility the role demands. Detention at Jefferson has transitioned from a basic disciplinary measure into a significant restorative intervention focused on social-emotional growth. Supervisors now function as intervention specialists, employing diverse behavioral and academic tools to support student development.

One-year director position to support student achievement

The Board of Education approved the creation of a one-year temporary Director of Learning Acceleration and Student Engagement position. The role is designed to support districtwide efforts to improve academic achievement, strengthen student engagement, reduce chronic absenteeism, and enhance outcomes for identified student groups.

The position will also provide leadership for Meadowview Elementary School's targeted school improvement planning, support principal transitions, and coordinate professional learning and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) initiatives across the district.

The one-year position will be funded through existing federal Title I, II, and IV grants, along with state grant funds.

Data center management & protection

The Board of Education approved a $212,881.91 investment in a new Dell Data Center and Dell Hyper-V data management platform to ensure the district's technology infrastructure remains secure, reliable, and prepared for future needs. The project includes updated hardware, software licensing, and migration of the district's data recovery system.

Funded through the 2026–27 IT operating budget, the new system is expected to be delivered this fall and installed over winter break, allowing for a seamless transition before the district's current platform reaches the end of its support period in April 2027. The investment will provide a modern, dependable technology foundation for district operations while minimizing ongoing annual costs.

Hazardous crossing determination request

The Board of Education approved the submission of an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) hazardous route review request for Route 53 between Hobson Road and 59th Street. The request asks IDOT to evaluate whether six residential areas along this corridor should be designated as hazardous walking routes for students. If approved by IDOT, the affected areas will be included in the district's 2026-27 state transportation claim.

Discussion items

The following topics were discussed by the Board of Education. Any action has not yet been taken.

• Fund balance analysis and review
• FY27 capital improvement work plan
• Summer construction update

Next meeting

The next Woodridge School District 68 board of education regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026 at 7:30pm at the District Administrative Center. All regular Board meetings are also streamed live on the Zoom platform; links to the livestream will be posted on the district calendar. A schedule of upcoming meetings, notices and agendas are posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/) on the district website through BoardBook.