November 2026

Dear Lake County Community,

As we settle into our new location at the Lake County Regional Office of Education, I’m excited about the opportunities this next chapter brings. Our new Lake Forest location provides additional space for professional learning, collaboration, and connection, and it has been wonderful to see our staff begin settling in and making it their own. While our address has changed, our commitment to serving Lake County’s schools, educators, students, and families remains stronger than ever.

This month, we also celebrate the accomplishments of our school communities. Congratulations to May Whitney Elementary School (D95) and Vernon Hills High School (D128) on being named 2026 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools! Their recognition reflects the dedication of educators, school leaders, students, and families who work together to create exceptional learning environments.

Last month, more than 7,500 students attended Navig8 Lake, connecting with over 150 businesses and organizations to explore career pathways and future opportunities. It was a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish when education and community come together.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the dedicated educators, school staff, community partners, and organizations who make Lake County such a strong place to learn and grow. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students. On behalf of the Lake County Regional Office of Education, I wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and restful Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

Lake County ROE has Moved!

The Lake County Regional Office of Education has officially moved to our new location in Lake Forest! We are excited to welcome educators, students, families and community partners to our new home at:

1905 W. Field Court, Lake Forest, IL

Please note the following service updates:



• Fingerprinting - will be available by appointment ONLY; no walk-ins will be accepted. Please contact our office at 847-543-7833 to schedule an appointment. During the transition to our new location, fingerprinting may temporarily be conducted at our Vernon Hills location for the next few weeks. Staff will provide the location details when your appointment is scheduled. We appreciate your patience as we complete the transition.

• Bus Driver Training - Starting November 1, all Bus Driver Training classes will be held at our new location: 1905 W. Field Court, Lake Forest, IL

• Regional Safe School Program (RSSP) will remain at the Vernon Hills location through the end of the 2026–27 school year.

We appreciate everyone's patience and support throughout this transition. We look forward to this exciting new chapter and welcoming you to our new location.

Navig8 Lake Connects Students to Future Careers

Last month, the Lake County ROE hosted its largest-ever Navig8 Lake event, bringing together more than 7,500 middle and high school students and over 150 businesses and community organizations at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Students participated in hands-on demonstrations, connected with local professionals, and explored careers across seven industry pathways. Navig8 Lake brings classroom learning to life while helping students discover new possibilities, learn about regional career opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward their futures.

Visit Navig8 website

Congratulations to May Whitney Elementary School - Lake Zurich CUSD 95 and Vernon Hills High School - CHSD 128, two Lake County schools named 2026 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools! Both schools were recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, student achievement, and creating supportive learning environments where every student can thrive.

May Whitney demonstrated significant gains in reading and math, along with strong multilingual learner supports and opportunities for intervention and enrichment. Vernon Hills High School was recognized for its college and career readiness, with more than 94% of graduates enrolling in college, an 88% AP exam success rate, and a strong culture of belonging and student engagement. These honors reflect the dedication of their educators, staff, students, and school communities.

Congratulations to May Whitney Elementary School, a 2026 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!

Highlights:

🔹 Significant gains in reading and math achievement

🔹 Multilingual learner supports in 28 languages

🔹 Dedicated daily intervention, enrichment, and acceleration time

Congratulations to Vernon Hills High School, a 2026 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!

Highlights:

🔹94%+ college enrollment

🔹88% AP exam success rate

🔹Nationally ranked for belonging and school safety

Enrollment in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program for the 2026-2027 school year is now open.

Enroll your elementary or middle school for $199 until November 30 and receive everything to start your students on a spelling bee journey!



Enroll Your School Today

First Quarter Wrap-Up

As the first quarter comes to a close, the Regional Safe School Program (RSSP) is celebrating a strong start. Our students have settled in well, focusing on personal growth and overcoming life obstacles. This quarter, we partnered with Dr. Michael Allen and Gilbert Allen of Brotherly Love to support our high school students with social-emotional learning and decision-making. We are also thrilled to announce that two RSSP students have met all high school graduation requirements and are embarking on their next chapter!

Meanwhile, the BASE (Behavioral, Academic, Social, and Emotional) Program continues to offer a constructive alternative to 4–10 day out-of-school suspensions for students across the county. By keeping students connected to their education, BASE equips them with practical tools for positive behavior and decision-making. So far this year, the program has already supported over a dozen students across eight Lake County school districts.

Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy Continues to Expand Opportunities for Students



Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy (IVSA) continues to expand access to flexible learning opportunities for students and support for school districts across Illinois. With more than 400 course offerings, IVSA provides students with access to core subjects, electives, world languages, business and Career and Technical Education courses. Through its Teacher Shortage Solutions program, IVSA also partners with districts to help address staffing challenges and maintain access to courses and programs. The November newsletter also highlights four new partner schools, upcoming January 2027 enrollment opportunities and the educators who make virtual learning engaging and supportive for students.



The National Art Competition is open to all enrolled students in grades K–12, with submissions accepted November 3–14. Students are invited to create original two-dimensional artwork, including drawings, paintings, collage, mixed media or digital art, showcasing what community means to them. Participants have the chance to win prizes and have their artwork featured across the network. AI-generated artwork is not permitted.

January Registration is OPEN!



IVSA offers over 400 courses in our Fall Program. Do you need Consumer Economics, Health, PE, World Languages or an Elective? What about taking Photography, Geometry, Digital Media, Forensics, or get credit for working this fall with our Workplace Experience course.

IVSA COURSE CATALOG

Listen in as Dr. Michael Karner and IPA Executive Director Dr. Jason Leahy discuss how Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy got started and learn more about why IVSA exists! IPA TALK

Looking for a rewarding career in education? Explore current job opportunities across Lake County schools and districts. From teaching and support staff positions to administrative roles, there are many ways to make a difference in the lives of students. View available openings and learn more through the Lake County education job board.



Registration Is Closing Soon

In a few short weeks, hundreds of Illinois educators will be picking up new classroom strategies, swapping ideas, and hearing from keynote speakers Gerry Brooks and Kim Strobel. Registration for RSAC closes in one week — don't miss your chance to build a schedule from 160+ breakout sessions.

December 7–8 | Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center | One day $260, two days $415. Register before 11/20.

Register: https://rsac2026.sched.com/

November Licensure Reminders

Keep Your ELIS Account Up to Date

Take a few minutes to review your contact information, license expiration dates, and endorsements in ELIS. Keeping your email address current helps ensure you receive important licensure notifications.

Check Your License Registration

An issued license must also be registered to be valid for employment. Check your ELIS account for any pending registration steps.

Planning to Add an Endorsement?

Completing coursework or passing a content exam does not automatically add an endorsement to your license. Be sure to submit the appropriate application through ELIS and have official transcripts sent directly from your college or university to licensure@lake.k12.il.us

Name Changes

If your legal name has changed, update your ELIS account so it matches your identification, transcripts, and testing records. Name differences can delay the posting of test results.

Need Assistance?

Contact licensure@lake.k12.il.us for help with applications, endorsements, registration, or other licensure questions.