Lake County Leader and Educator Essentials

November 14, 2025

Dear Lake County Community,


As November invites us to pause and reflect, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible educators, leaders, and students who make Lake County schools a place where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrive. Each district continues to find meaningful ways to empower learners, strengthen communities, and prepare students to make a difference in an ever-changing world.


In this month’s edition, we are proud to feature two districts whose stories exemplify these values. Lincolnshire–Prairie View School District 103 continues to bring its vision and values to life through innovative learning and a focus on the whole child, while Fremont School District 79 demonstrates how collaboration and community can create lasting impact.


Together, these stories reflect the spirit of gratitude and growth that defines this season—and the shared commitment that makes Lake County a place where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.


Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the success of every student in Lake County.


Sincerely,


Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

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Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103

Leading Through Vision and Values: How District 103

Brings Its Mission to Life


At Lincolnshire–Prairie View School District 103, every decision is guided by our vision to be “Leaders in Learning”—a premier educational organization—and our mission to provide innovative learning experiences that empower each student to excel and make a difference in a diverse and interconnected world. This article highlights how District 103 exemplifies its core values and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to academic

excellence, innovation, and the development of the whole child.

Academic Excellence

District 103 prepares students for the now and the future through rich, inquiry-based learning experiences. Our Strategic Plan emphasizes authentic, curiosity-driven exploration in every classroom. Initiatives such as Building Thinking Classrooms in

mathematics inspire curiosity, collaboration, and critical problem-solving, allowing students to engage deeply in their learning.


Meeting Individual Student Needs

Through our Student Services programs, including MTSS and special education, students receive support ranging from resource-level interventions to specialized programs. Real-world, student-led experiences such as the snack shop and coffee cart provide pre-vocational learning opportunities that build independence and confidence. Our summer Jumpstart program supports multilingual learners in strengthening their skills in the target language before the school year begins. Beyond core academics, students explore their passions through a wide range of electives: 52% of Half Day students and 44% of Daniel Wright students participate in chorus, band, or orchestra. Courses in art, digital media, physical education, STEM, family and consumer sciences, and performing arts further nurture creativity and personal growth.


Social Responsibility and Global Preparedness

All schools participate in composting programs, promoting environmental awareness and accountability. This commitment extends to student and parent collaboration projects, such as the D103 Club’s garden at Sprague School. Our redesigned 6–8 STEM curriculum integrates coding, robotics, and sustainable design, preparing

students to think critically and act responsibly in a global context.


Long-Term Vision and Facilities

Our strategic planning process ensures flexibility and innovation, allowing us to adapt to emerging trends such as artificial intelligence. A 10-year facilities plan supports healthy, modern, and inspiring learning environments that sustain our mission and vision for years to come.



Visit the Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 website


Fremont School District 79

WATCH: Experience Fremont School District 79


Location: Mundelein, Illinois

Communities Served: Mundelein, Hawthorn Woods, Wauconda, Round Lake, Grayslake, Long Grove, Libertyville

Enrollment: (PK-8): 2,089

Schools: Lincoln Early Learning Center (PK/EC), Fremont Elementary School (K-2), Fremont Intermediate School (3-5), Fremont Middle School (6-8)


2023-2027 Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC GOAL HIGHLIGHTS


Safe, Healthy & Connected Culture

  • Fostering civic responsibility with 100% of students engaged in service projects 
  • Instituted “Away for the Day” cell phone initiative, correlating with a positive shift in student behavior and increased classroom engagement
  • Investing in emotional intelligence with all staff Yale RULER training (2025-2026) to establish a shared, evidence-based framework for supporting student well-being
  • Established a K-8 Student Ambassador Program to develop student leadership and ensure seamless integration for new students


Growth & Achievement for All

  • Fremont eighth-grade students performed at the 96th percentile nationally in math and in the 89th percentile in reading in fall 2025 (NWEA assessment)
  • Fremont students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or are multilingual performed in the top 10% in the state of Illinois on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)
  • Fremont students are in the top 20% in the state of Illinois for performance on the IAR in both Math and English Language Arts 
  • Increasing STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways across all grades


Talent Recruitment & Development

  • Maintaining a high 94% Employee Satisfaction Rate, reflecting a supportive and engaging workplace culture.
  • Earned the “2025 Top Workplaces” honor from the Chicago Tribune
  • Enhancing partnerships with aspiring educators via internships, observations, and student teaching opportunities
  • Developing a mentoring and professional learning system for all employee groups
  • Offering low-cost teacher licensure opportunities for paraprofessionals and aspiring educators


Financial & Facility Stewardship Highlights

  • Approved a 20-year Educational Long-Range Facility Plan in December 2024
  • Recipient of Meritorious Budget Award for 14 consecutive years
  • Among the 10% of schools in the nation to be rated Aa1 or higher from Moody’s Investment Service
  • Earned the highest designation possible for Illinois schools with a financial rating of 4.0 
  • Secured Health/Life Safety Bonds to fund required facility maintenance and projects, representing the District’s only current long-term debt


Visit the Fremont School District 79 website