February 2026

Dear Lake County Community,

When systems are strong and innovation is intentional, students thrive. In this month’s edition, we spotlight North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 and Lake Villa School District 41 — two districts demonstrating how strategic vision translates into measurable impact.

North Chicago CUSD 187 has reached a historic benchmark, with every school now certified under the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework — ensuring that student achievement is never left to chance. At the same time, the district celebrates record college acceptances, scholarship awards, and community partnerships that prepare students for life beyond graduation.

Lake Villa School District 41 is advancing its commitment to clarity and consistency in learning through a Human-Centered AI approach to rubric design. By placing educators at the center of AI-supported innovation, the district is strengthening its Standards-Based Grading system and creating greater transparency for students and families.

These districts remind us that progress happens when leadership, collaboration, and purpose align.

We are proud to share their work with you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

Lake Villa School District 41 Leverages Human-Centered AI

Lake Villa School District 41 is leading with clarity and purpose as it reimagines grading through a thoughtful use of artificial intelligence. In partnership with LEAP Innovations, the district has launched an innovative initiative to redesign K–8 rubrics using a Human-Centered AI approach. This approach supports the district’s Standards-Based Grading (SBG) system. This work is a deliberate component of the district’s three-year AI integration plan, ensuring emerging technologies are used responsibly and strategically in direct service of teaching and learning. The goal is to create a more coherent, transparent, and consistent learning experience for every student.

For over two decades, educators in Lake Villa School District 41 have been committed to functioning as a collaborative Professional Learning Community. This strong foundation of collective practice, with a focus on standards, has guided our instructional decision-making and professional dialogue across grade levels. Building on that commitment, this project focused on co-redesigning a unified kindergarten through eighth-grade rubric system aligned to the district’s Standards-Based Grading framework, establishing shared expectations for learning and performance across classrooms.

At the heart of the work is a “Human-in-the-Loop” design philosophy, where Playlab AI serves as a collaborator rather than a replacement. AI accelerated the creation of initial rubric drafts across hundreds of priority standards, significantly increasing efficiency, while educators remained central decision-makers throughout the process. Educator workgroups reviewed and refined the language to ensure grade-level appropriateness and fidelity to standards, and teachers are piloting the rubrics in classrooms to gather feedback on clarity, usability, and instructional value.

The pilot has already generated valuable insights, including strategies for making rubric language more precise and student-friendly. Enhancements such as trimester-based color coding and a “Key Differences for Teachers” summary have improved scoring accuracy, efficiency, and instructional conversations. Looking ahead, Lake Villa School District 41 is preparing for a full rollout in the upcoming school year, ensuring students, families, and educators share a common understanding of learning expectations and mastery.



Through this work, Lake Villa School District 41 continues to demonstrate how educator expertise, innovation, and responsible AI use can come together to strengthen teaching, learning, and assessment across an entire system.

Visit Lake Villa School District 41 website

We are proud to announce a historic milestone for North Chicago CUSD 187: as of November 2025, every school in our district is now Marzano High Reliability Schools (HRS) certified. This data-driven framework ensures that student success is never left to chance. By transforming our schools into "high reliability" organizations, we are working together to guarantee a standard of excellence that minimizes failure and prioritizes student outcomes.

With North Chicago Community High School, Evelyn Alexander Elementary, and Green Bay Early Childhood reaching Level 1, and Neal Math and Science Academy, Forrestal Elementary, and A.J. Katzenmaier advancing to Level 2, our entire district is now unified under this rigorous commitment. We celebrate the dedication of our educators and families in making North Chicago a premier place for every student to learn, grow, and thrive.

Piece of History for Forrestal Elementary

The USS Topeka Anchor at Forrestal Elementary



We are thrilled to share a powerful new addition to the North Chicago community! A nearly 11-ton anchor from the USS Topeka has officially been installed at the brand-new Forrestal Elementary School.

This remarkable piece of naval history, which stood the test of time through service in both WWII and Vietnam, was brought to its new home through a dedicated partnership between Naval Station Great Lakes, Bulley & Andrews, and Perkins Eastman.

More than just a monument, the anchor serves as a meaningful focal point for Forrestal, a school that proudly serves our North Chicago families alongside the children of those currently serving in the military. It stands as a lasting symbol of the deep commitment, resilience, and service that define the Great Lakes community.

Reflecting on the significance of the installation, Superintendent Dr. John Price shared, "This was a highlight of the year and will be a focal point for the New Forrestal.”

Celebrating Student Success: Milestones on the Path to College and Career