Goals & Progress 2026-2027
Goals & Progress 2026-29
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Objective 1: Improve Differentiation Practices
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Continue to deepen and expand Math Specialist roles by strengthening instructional coaching skills to better support math teaching and learning in classrooms. Math Specialists participated in three full days of professional learning focused on the student-centered coaching framework, instructional coaching best practices, individualized consultations, and coaching labs, where they observed instructional coaching in action.
Improvement in math proficiency levels among students at all achievement levels. Student growth and achievement scores on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) at the November Board of Education Meeting.
Complete June 2026 B. The District 63 Math Leadership Team met three times during the school year, with the middle school subgroup meeting more frequently. The elementary representatives opted to stay with the current core curriculum, Eureka^2, by an 80% margin. The middle school representatives opted to evaluate and pilot alternative math curricula. After a thorough piloting process, the middle school representatives recommended adoption of a new math curriculum: Amplify Desmos Math. A new Math Instructional Framework will be introduced to staff in August 2026. The accompanying one-page overview outlines the District's expectations for high-quality math instruction in K-8 classrooms. In addition, middle school members of the Math Leadership Team shared their feedback and recommendations following the grades 6–8 math curriculum review process. Based on this work, the Board of Education approved the adoption of Amplify Desmos Math as the new middle school curriculum resource for the 2026–2027 school year at its June 4, 2026, meeting.
Complete June 2026 C. Engage in monthly Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, a form of action research designed to support ongoing professional learning and continuous improvement, at all schools, focusing on two shared school improvement goals: implementing the District's new Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework with fidelity and strengthening practical, "doable" differentiation practices in the classroom to meet the needs of learners at all levels. Improved classroom instruction and student outcomes through effective differentiation practices, supported by positive teacher feedback and observation data. Student growth and achievement scores on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) at the November Board of Education Meeting.
Complete June 2026
Objective 2: Deepen Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Efforts
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. The Director of ML Services provided professional development focused on improving differentiation practices for
A guidance document outlining best practices for co-planning and co-teaching diverse learners and for supporting continuity of expectations across the District was developed and disseminated to staff. Professional development focused on improving differentiation practices for newcomer/multilingual students was provided to ensure staff meet their needs. Classroom teachers continue to tailor instruction through these effective practices, leading to improved student outcomes, as validated by teacher feedback and observation data.
Complete June 2026 B. Regular communication was sent through Parent Square during the school year regarding student attendance, including monthly attendance reminders as well as more direct communication to parents when students missed over 5% of total school days or were frequently tardy. Additionally, new sign-in procedures were implemented at the Early Learning Center and in our elementary schools that require parents or guardians to enter the building with their children to sign them into school.
Attendance saw a 2% increase from the 2024-25 school year to the 2025-26 school year. Students who were considered chronically absent decreased by 2.3% in 2025-26. In Progress June 2027 C. Following up on its September meeting, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee met on January 22 and April 16. The team participated in professional development, worked on the tasks outlined in the three-year EDI plan, and gathered feedback on the overall operational framework of the EDI team during the 2025-2026 school year as we plan for next year.
The team successfully completed the tasks outlined for the 2025-2026 school year as they were listed, highlighting the addition of EDI activities to the District's essential curriculum maps and creating guidance for family and community engagement activities across our District. In Progress June 2027
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Objective 1: Champion Technology Innovation
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Instructional Technology Coaches delivered specialized professional development in March and April on AI prompting and introduced teachers to the newly established District Technology Committee guidelines for student AI use.
Following the training, users of our District-approved AI platform jumped by 15% (from 391 to 450). Staff are preparing to guide students in using AI safely and responsibly.
In Progress June (Annual) B. Build upon the foundational Digital Citizenship Framework mini-lessons completed during the fall by having Librarians and social studies teachers finalize the delivery of their full, year-long lessons. 100% of social studies teachers completed the digital citizenship lessons for grades 6-8. 73% of elementary and middle school classrooms taught all of the digital citizenship mini-lessons, and 27% of classrooms completed most of the mini-lessons.
In Progress June 2026 Objective 2: Continue Student, Parent, and Staff Education
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Complete virtual onboarding training for each new 2025-26 certified staff member.
All certified staff completed training.
Complete April 2026 B. STEAM clubs took place at all schools. Three elementary schools introduced an invention convention club, while two continued to host robotics and 3D printing clubs. Gemini Middle School continued to host robotics clubs. All clubs were completed in the Spring.
In Progress April 2026
C. Review and approve the District AI Guidelines for teachers and students. The guidelines were rolled out to all certified staff in the spring. The District AI Guidelines for teachers and students were officially finalized and published. 100% of certified staff received the new guidelines during the spring rollout.
In Progress June 2026
Objective 3: Strengthen Systems Integration
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Continue using our new school-to-home communication application, Parent Square, to keep communication with district parents on one platform.
Through our District outreach, we have a 97.6% outreach to all families using our new communication application.
Complete June 2026 B. Complete training for all elementary and early childhood staff in January 2026. Begin work with Schoolytics, which offers a more dynamic and intuitive product that will provide us with greater flexibility in the product. In February 2026, information we received from our vendor caused us to look for other data warehouse solutions. Our customized data warehouse and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) system are currently being produced, and training will begin on August 12, 2026. Staff in all elementary schools and the Early Learning Center completed training in Analytics and Insights in January 2026. Classroom teachers used the MTSS Intervention platform to track at least one classroom-based intervention group and tracked data for students.
In Progress June 2026
C. Complete another audit of our cybersecurity best practices in March. In May, all administrators participated in a cybersecurity tabletop exercise. The completion of the March cybersecurity audit and the May administrator tabletop exercise demonstrated our ongoing commitment to data privacy. Because of these continued efforts to enhance cybersecurity and protect student and staff online data, the District was awarded the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seals for Professional Development and Classroom Practices.
In Progress June 2026
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Objective 1: Maintain State Board of Education Financial Review or Recognition Profile
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Financial results for the 2026 Fiscal Year (FY26) are projected to deliver a rating of at least Financial Review, and it is estimated that we will remain at the highest rating of recognition. The tentative budget for FY27 maintains this rating.
Achieving a rating of Recognition or Financial Review.
In Progress September (Annual) B. Five-year financial projections, presented at the April 2026 Board meeting indicate that our revenues and expenditures are aligned, resulting in an estimated balanced budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (FY27). This is primarily driven by staff attrition from the prior two fiscal years. The projection model shows a fund balance of 62% of annual expenses in the 2030-2031 fiscal year (FY31). This strong fund balance is significantly higher than the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidance of 25%.
Annual revenues are aligned with annual expenditures for the FY27 Budget.
In Progress
April/May (Annually)
Objective 2: Build Equitable Learning Spaces to Meet Student Needs
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Presented the details of the Facilities Plan to all Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and held individual school meetings with school staff to share the proposed plan to raise funds in March and April. The next phase of significant improvements in the District's learning spaces hinges on a successful infusion of capital. The rest of the community was also informed of the plan during open houses held at each elementary school.
An infusion of capital to address facility needs.
In Progress
November 2026
B. Continue to prepare for a possible referendum and develop a plan to address facility needs, including the timing and sequence of potential projects. It's important to note that the extent of the improvements will depend on available capital to address facility needs.
The BOE approves a plan to improve our learning spaces, which includes timing of funding, procurement method, and completion timelines.
In Progress
March 2027
Objective 3: Modernize Infrastructure
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Wold Architects filed the Life Safety reports with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in March. Since then, our architects have answered questions and provided additional information.
The Life Safety Reports were approved by ISBE on June 22.
Complete June 2026 B. Update the District's priority list with the updated Life Safety Reports, which include replacing all sidewalks and parking lots, roofs, and upgrading all galvanized piping to copper piping at each school.
Priority list and plan for replacing infrastructure presented to the BOE.
In Progress December 2026 C. The Board of Education (BOE) approved a resolution of intent to issue life-safety bonds in the amount of up to $35 million. Additionally, the BOE held a hearing at the April board meeting regarding the intent to issue said life-safety bonds. Based on these BOE actions and having received full approval from ISBE, we are moving forward with the issuance of the bonds and anticipate that the sale will close and proceeds will be received on September 14.
Issuance of bonds is complete.
In Progress
September 2026
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Objective 1: Maintain High-Quality External and Internal Communications, Adapting to Communication Preferences
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. The District shifted to ParentSquare's Smart Sites website, which will better align with our ParentSquare school-to-home communications platform. The site went live on July 1. Of note: over the last few months, the District undertook extensive communication with families (and the broader community) about the Facilities Plan and our potential referendum.
Successful launch of ParentSquare website in June. All relevant staff trained, parents able to identify and navigate to needed information easily. Community well-informed about our facilities needs and the potential bond referendum.
In Progress June (Annual) B. Communications supported a wide variety of school and District priorities during the second half of the school year. Most prominently, the facilities proposal and work on a possible referendum. Other highlights included the winter print newsletter, promoting the Foundation Board, school activities, 2026-2027 registration, summer school and music program sign-up, new administrator appointments, Visitor Aware, graduation, and more. School and District priorities comprehensively communicated to key audiences.
In Progress June (Annual) C. See Item A above - the new website will make parent access to District and school news even more seamless. The District shifted to ParentSquare's Smart Sites website, which will better align with our ParentSquare school-to-home communications platform. The site went live on July 1. Of note: over the last few months, the District undertook extensive communication efforts with families (and the broader community) about our Facilities Plan and our potential referendum.
In Progress June (Annual)
Objective 2: Engage a Broader Parent Community
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Our third 2025-26 PTO President Leadership Council took place on April 1. We also included Presidents in Facilities Plan Task Force meetings and asked for help in spreading the word about our community meetings.
Leadership Council meetings complete for 2025-2026 school year. Attendance at Task Force meetings.
In Progress September (Annual) B. See Objective 1 Items A & C above.
Parents are educated about how to translate website content.
In Progress C. FRC programming continues to leverage District communications. FRC families are aware of District initiatives and events.
In Progress June (Annual)
Objective 3: Strengthen Community Partnerships
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Our local partners list was updated in January.
Task completed in January
Complete January 2026 B. Apollo and Twain once again participated in Congressman Mike Quigley's Valentine for Vets Program in February. Virtual meeting with Senator Ram Villivalam in March. In April, Morton Grove Mayor Jane Witko visited Melzer and State Representative Justin Cochran visited Apollo, and the ELC.
Elected officials are familiar with our schools and District.
In Progress June (Annual) -
Objective 1: Employ High-Quality Staff
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Conduct stay interviews with individuals from each work group to better understand why employees continue to want to work in District 63.
Trends shared by staff include highlighting district diversity, collaboration, satisfaction with our compensation, and ample professional development opportunities.
Complete June (Annual) Objective 2: Work to be Fully Staffed
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Continue marketing open positions using student perspectives on why individuals should work in District 63.
A student-focused marketing flyer was created and used at job fairs this past hiring season.
Complete June 2026 B. Attend three job fairs in winter/spring: Eastern Illinois/University of Illinois, North Cook ROE, and Illinois State University.
Three job fairs were attended by our administrative team and we continue to analyze staff hired from each university.
Complete April 2026 C. Select seven Illinois State University student teachers who are participating in the year-long PDS program for the 2026-2027 school year. We will evaluate how many of the Illinois State University PDS students we hire in the future.
In Progress June 2027
Objective 3: Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Action Evidence of Success Status Timeline A. Prepare for the East Maine Custodial Maintenance Association (EMCMA) negotiations scheduled for 2026.
East Maine Custodial Maintenance Association (EMCMA) negotiations were successfully completed.
Complete May 2026 B. Collect and analyze benefits information from our neighboring school districts, including District 34 (Glenview), District 62 (Des Plaines), District 57 (Mount Prospect), District 70 (Morton Grove), District 21 (Wheeling), District 23 (Prospect Heights), and District 26 (River Trails).
Benefits data were collected and analyzed, and a summary was provided to the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services on ways to maintain and/or enhance our benefits.
Complete June 2026 -
We believe…
. . . a safe, accepting, diverse community best supports learning.
. . . mutual respect is the norm.
. . . effective communication strengthens communities and student success.
. . . knowledge is power and enhances achievement.
. . . teamwork leads to better outcomes.