At its January Board of Education meeting,  D63 was recognized for blazing a trail in working with students and families who are homeless. Under state law, students whose families lose housing don't have to leave their school mid-year even if they leave the district for emergency shelter elsewhere, and districts must cover the cost of transportation to and from school each day. This can be a considerable expense. But an amendment to the law now permits school districts to redirect those funds to a local nonprofit agency, which uses the dollars to house student families within the district - making it easier and more affordable to keep that student in his/her current school.

D63 is the first district in Illinois to take advantage of this change. Working with Niles Family Services and Northwest Compass, Inc., this school year, the District placed two families in local housing. At its Board meeting, D63 was honored for this pioneering work by the North Cook Intermediate Service Center and Regional Office of Education.

L-R: D63 Board President Alexandra Brook, Associate Superintendent Dr. Shawn Schleizer, Superintendent Dr. Scott Clay, North Cook ISC & ROE Homeless Liaison Dr. Thomas Bookler, Washington Social Worker Hanna Fradin, Gemini Social Worker Laura Mell, Will County ROE Homeless Liaison Matt Hanafee.