Lake County Leader and Educator Essentials

October 16, 2025

Dear Lake County Community,

As we move further into the school year, the innovation and collaboration happening across Lake County schools continue to inspire. Each district is finding unique ways to make a lasting impact—by empowering students, strengthening communities, and redefining what excellence in education looks like.

In this month’s edition, we are proud to highlight two districts whose stories reflect these values. Aptakisic-Tripp District 102 demonstrates how small actions can create powerful ripples of impact across classrooms and communities, while Lake Bluff District 65 is reimagining public education through transformation, partnership, and a commitment to every student, every day.

Together, these examples remind us that meaningful progress happens when we work collectively—with purpose, vision, and a shared dedication to student success.

Thank you for your continued support in helping make Lake County a place where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

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Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102:

A pebble tossed in the middle of a still pond sends out ripples that scurry across the surface of the water. These small waves grow, stirring up quiet areas of the lake and touching distant shores. This simple image reminds us that small actions can have a big impact on the world around us and is central to D102’s word of the year: IMPACT.

Impacting every student, every day

Students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and strengths arrive in D102 each day to engage in rigorous learning experiences. Supportive and enriching programming, including Dual Language and five transitional bilingual programs, as well as exceptional special education support, fosters an environment that enables all students to thrive. Math and reading scores are well above the national averages, and D102 has won the NAMM award for music education for the past 11 years. In addition to rigorous content, students also progress in the district’s priority competencies as outlined in D102’s Portrait of a Graduate.

Community impact

D102’s teachers embody Portrait competencies as they lean on one another as a Professional Learning Community to realize the district’s vision of meaningful learning for every student, every day. While one dedicated teacher can make a profound impact on their students, a team of connected and committed educators makes an even bigger difference.

D102 is also part of a larger community that values collaborative relationships in supporting student growth and well-being. Thanks to community support for a 2023 referendum, the district was able to build a new gymnasium and nine additional classroom spaces at Aptakisic Junior High, while also completing much-needed infrastructure work at all buildings to ensure safe and updated facilities where students can thrive. The D102 community understands that one person’s actions can make a lasting impact, but our waves are even bigger when we jump in together!

Visit Aptakisic-Tripp District #102 website

Lake Bluff SD65 at a Glance

Lake Bluff District 65: Raising the Bar for Public Education

In Lake Bluff District 65, transformation isn’t just a goal; it’s the strategy. Guided by our Route 65 strategic plan and grounded in our motto of Excellence in Education, Enthusiasm for Life, Every Student, Every Day, we are reimagining what public education can be: inclusive, innovative, and relentlessly student-centered.

Academic Excellence

A Guaranteed, Viable, and Transparent Curriculum, launched this fall, is a tool that ensures every student has access to clear, consistent learning expectations while building stronger partnerships with families.

At Lake Bluff Middle School, students now explore real-world problem-solving through new communication and applied math courses that focus on relevant and engaging learning directly tied to the skills they need to succeed in high school. Students also have access to built-in intervention time, allowing all students to receive the support they need.

At Lake Bluff Elementary School, a four-person Enrichment Team delivers weekly science and social studies instruction with an emphasis on writing, to all students, creating more hands-on learning opportunities and investing in sustained teacher time for planning and collaboration.

Family Partnerships

Summer Book Clubs featuring bestselling authors and books like Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey.
Rethinking classroom technology by shifting to a “learning first, technology second” model and reducing overall screentime in schools.
Teachers and staff are using new platforms to connect directly with parents and guardians, delivering timely communication regarding their child’s academic progress.

“Everything we’re doing is intentional,” says Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali. “We’re focused on how we can best support student learning and growth in a changing world.”

These changes reflect a deep commitment to whole-child learning, developing curious, capable students who are ready for high school, life, and beyond. In Lake Bluff, we’re proud to be setting the standard for what public schools can accomplish when purpose and partnership lead the way.

Visit Lake Bluff #65 website