Superintendent Update
We can't wait to have our students back!
Summer break was nice, but we are excited to have the schools full of our amazing students again. Below are a few important things we want you to know as we start the year.
Strategic Plan
We are excited to begin implementing our new strategic plan. Over the course of this year, we'll provide updates on our progress and opportunities for you to be involved. The full document and a brief overview video are linked below.
2026-2031 Strategic Plan
Communication Portal
We greatly value the partnership with our parent community and know the importance of keeping you well-informed. School-wide communications from the principals and me are sent via email and then housed on the "Communications & Updates" portion of our website. The grade-level team updates can also be accessed here. (Emails specific to a particular student, teacher, or class are not stored here.) If you haven't explored this portion of our website before, click on the image below to check out the site.
School security & Student safety
Student and staff safety continues to be a foundational priority for our district. The following section outlines the safety measures currently in effect.
Secured entrances - All exterior doors remain locked at all times, and when not in use, are always closed. All visitors to the school must enter at the main office, and all visitors are screened using our visitor management system before being allowed into student spaces. In all three main offices, the door that leads to the school is always locked, and is only opened for those who have been cleared to enter student spaces.
Readiness to respond - Through explicit direction and repeated practice, our students and teachers are ready to respond to a threat in a matter of seconds. This response is situation-specific and tailored to the capacity of the students, but typically includes taking shelter in a locked room.
Hardened exterior - All glass on first-story windows and doors has been treated with 3M shatter-resistant glass, which significantly slows entry to the school by shooting or smashing the glass.
Refined practices - Each year, we collaborate with local law enforcement to review and refine our safety protocols and practices. We also do safety drills under their supervision and refine practices based on their feedback.
your help is requested
Every school day, 1,000 students make their way to our campus and back home. Ensuring our students are safe during that process and that we are good neighbors takes the collaboration of everyone. As you get your kids to and from school this year, please follow the pick-up and drop-off procedures and routes communicated by the building principals. A few important highlights are below:
- Only drop students off and pick them up in designated areas. Parking along the streets and having students walk to your car creates congestion, and the mingling of cars and students leads to unsafe situations.
- Parking in the fire department lot and waiting for your child is not allowed. Additionally, please be mindful not to stop in the marked fire lanes in front of the fires station as you approach the stoplight at Wolf & Plainfield.
- Please be patient and prioritize student safety above convenience. Our drop-off and pick-up procedures are designed to keep students safe and be as efficient as possible. All cars are typically cleared out in less than 15 minutes.
We greatly appreciate your partnership on this.
After 23 years of incredible service to the students of Highlands, Mrs. Laura Jost has decided to retire. Mrs. Jost's positivity, genuine care for students, and kindness will be missed in the halls of Highlands.
August 11 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda or review the documents submitted to the Board, use the links below.
board meeting documents
reports and discussions
Seven new teachers were welcomed to the district by the Board.
The Superintendent’s Report included details on a professional development workshop the Board completed with the support of a facilitator from the Illinois Association of School Boards. Two areas of focus for the new school year were identified during this session: supporting the new strategic plan and strengthening community partnerships
The FY27 Tentative Budget was presented and approved to be placed on display for 30 days. A public hearing for the budget will be held at the September Board meeting.
Action Items
- Accept the FY27 Tentative Budget and place it on display for 30 days
- Approve the 2026-27 Student Handbooks
Consent Items
The minutes of previous meetings, financial business, FOIA report, and personnel report, and destruction of previous closed session audio were approved.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Board meeting preview
The District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
Board meeting documents
Board meeting live stream link
New Teacher Welcome
Tonight we will welcome the teachers who will be joining Highlands for the upcoming school year.
Reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report will include information about upcoming parent communications, updates on summer projects, and a recap of a School Board Professional Development Workshop completed in July.
The FY27 Tentative Budget will be presented and then approved to be placed on display for 30 days. A public hearing for the budget will be held at the September Board meeting.
Action items
- Accept the FY27 Tentative Budget and place it on display for 30 days
- Approve the 2026-27 Student Handbooks
Consent Agenda
- Approve the minutes of previous meetings
- Financial business
- FOIA report
- Personnel report
- Destruction of previous closed session audio
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent Update
May 19 Board Meeting summary
Celebrations and gratitude
We celebrated two fantastic Highlands teachers who are retiring at the end of this year. Denise Funk is completing her 35th year of teaching at Highlands and Jeanette Bailey is wrapping up her 13th year. Both of these amazing individuals have made a significantly positive impact on so many students and will be dearly missed.
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We celebrated the winners of the annual art contest. The work of each of these students will be framed and permanently displayed in our offices.
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We celebrated Highlands Middle School being chosen to receive the IESA Divisional Sportsmanship Award for 2025-2026.
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We thanked the LaGrange Highlands Woman's Club for their generous donation to the school district.
Middle school schedule and course offerings update
Our Middle School Schedule and Electives Committee worked throughout the year to consider changes that would allow us to distribute class sizes more evenly, which helps us provide an equitable and rich learning experience for all students.
After considering the input of the staff and parent volunteers who were part of this process, it became apparent that a top priority was preserving our students’ unique opportunity to take all of the following without having to choose between:
- Electives (art, STEM, music)
- Instrumental music (band, orchestra)
- World language
Initially, we attempted to solve schedule complications by considering alternatives to the A/B schedule. However, it became clear that moving away from the A/B schedule would force students to choose between courses, ultimately reducing their opportunities. Rather than pursuing an alternative structure, we shifted our focus to creating more flexibility within our current schedule.
After careful consideration and conversation, we are making changes to align our scheduling practices with our priority of providing an equitable learning experience for all students. These changes include offering Spanish as our one world language option by phasing out French over the next two years and mixing band and/or orchestra ensembles as needed. One of the primary drivers for these changes are the unbalanced class sizes we currently experience in some areas because of the many complexities in our schedule. Our middle school scheduling team does a fantastic job of limiting class size issues to the greatest extent possible, but 32 unique class combinations at each grade level creates some unavoidable issues.
The table below shows some of the class size discrepancies that we have experienced over the last two years.
While eliminating opportunities for students is not something we take lightly and is never our first option, making these changes will help us:
- Continue to provide every student with the ability to be involved in electives, instrumental music, and world language without having to choose between them.
- Provide more balanced class sizes to ensure an equitable and rich learning experience for all students.
We will monitor this topic over the course of next year and will refine our systems and practices as needed to ensure we continue to provide our students with an amazing education.
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
board meeting documents
Board Meeting Recording
reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report included an update on changes to next year's middle school schedule and course offerings.
An update on the health insurance for some employee groups was provided. In short, we are planning changes to reduce costs and protect the long-term financial health of the district. We were intentional to make changes that met all of these goals:
- Maintain the great health insurance coverage our employees currently enjoy.
- Decrease insurance costs to protect the financial health of the District.
- Ensure the changes are beneficial for our employees and that their cost does not go up.
See the slides linked below for more details.
Health Insurance Change Details
A draft of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan was presented to the Board. A final copy will be brought to the Board for approval at the June Board meeting.
Action & Consent Items
Action Items
- Approve agreement renewals for the District's food service and transportation providers.
- Approve the FY27 Consolidated Grant Application.
Consent items
- Approve minutes of previous meetings
- Financial business
- FOIA report
- Administrator contracts
- Personnel report
- Destroy closed session audio from a previous meeting
- Accept the LaGrange Highlands Woman's Club donation
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Board meeting preview
The District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
Board meeting documents
Board meeting live stream link
celebrations
The following celebrations will be highlighted at tonight’s meeting:
- D106 Foundation’s Annual Permanent Art Award Winners
- Retiring Teachers: Denise Funk and Sheila Bailey
- LaGrange Highlands Woman's Club Donation
- IESA Sportsmanship Award
Reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report includes information about the changes to the middle school offerings and schedule for the 2026-27 school year.
An update on employee health insurance will be provided to the Board.
A draft of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan will be shared with the Board.
Action items
- Approve a Food Service Contract Renewal with Just A Dash
- Approve a Transportation Renewal with First Student
- Approve the 2026-27 Consolidated Grant Application
Consent Agenda
- Approve the minutes of previous meetings
- Financial business
- FOIA report
- Personnel report
- 2026-2027 administrator contracts
- Destruction of audio from previous closed session meetings
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Middle School Principal Update
As you know, Ms. VerVynck has accepted an exciting new opportunity for next year as the principal of Elmwood Park High School. Ms. VerVynck and Mr. Steele have provided great leadership for the middle school over the past four years, so selecting a new principal who can build on their success is a top priority of mine.
Over the past four years as Assistant Principal, Mr. Steele has done an exemplary job of connecting with students, supporting staff, building important relationships with parents, and providing great leadership. In light of who he has proven himself to be as a person, teacher, and leader over the past 20 years at Highlands, I am happy to share that he has accepted the privilege and responsibility of leading and serving the staff and students of Highland's Middle School as building principal.
Please join me in welcoming and supporting him in this important role.
Have a great weekend,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent Update
celebrating our students' success
Administrator update
Congratulations to Megan VerVynck who is taking the next step in her professional journey. Ms. VerVynck is completing her doctorate degree and has accepted a principal position at Elmwood Park High School for next school year. We are grateful for Ms. VerVynck's four years of leadership and service to the students and staff of Highlands Middle School.
April 21 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
board meeting documents
Board Meeting LIve stream
reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report included updates on employee insurance and the strategic plan.
Health Insurance Update
- Insurance costs for the district and its employees has gone up 54% ($540,000) over the past five years.
- Strategies to control the cost while maintaining our excellent benefits and not increasing the cost for employees were explored.
- A plan to meet these goals was presented to the Board which involves converting PPO plans to High Deductible Health Plans and providing Board-paid contributions to a Health Savings Account. The full report can be read here.
Strategic Plan Update
- A meeting with Board and parent representation was held on Wednesday, April 15.
- The important input gathered at this meeting will be considered along with all other input from staff, parents, and administrators to develop a draft of the final plan which will be presented at the May Board meeting.
Contract renewals for food service and transportation were discussed.
Action Items
- Transfer of $250,000 from the Operations Fund to the Capital Projects Fund
- Approve FY27 support staff compensation
- Technology approvals:
- Fiscal Year 2027 Apple products purchase
- End-of-life technology asset liquidation (mid-July)
Consent items
- The time and place of regular board meetings for the 2026-27 school year were established.
- The minutes of previous meetings, financial business, FOIA report, and personnel report were approved.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Strategic Planning Public Meeting
On Wednesday, April 15, board members, parent representatives, and district administrators will meet from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM to engage in our strategic planning process. This is one of the final steps in a 7-month process of developing a strategic plan that will guide our success for the next five years.
Participation in this process will be limited to those who volunteered to be part of this committee work, but because more than two board members will be present, the meeting must be held as a public board meeting per the Open Meetings Act. The public is welcome to attend and listen to the dialogue, and will have the opportunity to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.
This meeting will not be live streamed or recorded. We will provide a summary of this meeting, and the committee's input will be considered when drafting the final version of our strategic plan.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, and feel free to join us tomorrow night if desired.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent Update
celebrating our students' success
Western Springs Park District Survey
The Park District is seeking community input to help guide future improvements to parks, facilities, and programs. All residents and families are asked to participate.
As a thank you, participants may enter a drawing for one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. Thank you for helping shape the future of our parks!
Use the link below to complete the survey by April 3.
Survey link
Student safety reminder
We love to see more students riding their bikes and walking to school as the weather warms up. We need your help keeping our students safe as they navigate their routes home. Please partner with us in the following ways:
- Please drive slowly on the streets leading to and away from our campus.
- If you drop your child off or pick them up by car, please do so by utilizing our drop off and pick up lines rather than parking along the street and walking to the school.
- During arrival and dismissal, several streets around our campus have parking restrictions or become one-way streets. Please abide by these posted rules. Not doing so results in cars encroaching into the space our students need to walk down the street safely.
- If you park near the school rather than use the drop-off line, please walk your child to and from the school rather than having him/her walk off campus to meet you.
It takes all of us being patient and looking out for each other to ensure that the student arrival and dismissal process is safe. Thank you for your partnership on this matter.
March 24 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
board meeting documents
Board Meeting Livestream
reports and discussions
Superintendent's Report
Middle School Schedule Committee Update
Recommendations were made regarding the 2026-27 Middle School schedule based on the work of the staff and parent committees.
- In order to preserve our students' unique opportunity to take band/orchestra, electives, and world language during the day, we decided to maintain the current A/B schedule.
- In order to protect the integrity of every student's academic experience, we will prioritize class sizes by adjusting band and orchestra ensembles as needed and offering Spanish as the sole world language. Students in 6th and 7th grade currently taking French will continue in that course during their time at Highlands.
Staffing Update
Four open positions for the 2026-27 school year have been posted. We invest a lot of time and effort into finding the right teachers for Highlands as we know that our students' success is largely impacted by the quality of our staff. We are committed to maintaining our strong tradition of having exemplary teachers at Highlands.
Extra-Curricular Update
Contingent on student interest, an 8th grade boys basketball B-team, a girls volleyball B-team, and participation in the IESA cheerleading competition will be added to the opportunities available to our students.
Strategic Plan Update
The next parent and Board member strategic plan meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026.
Fiscal Year 2025 Audit and Annual Financial Report
A representative from Lauterbach and Amen presented the Audit and Annual Financial Report. Highlights included the district receiving a Financial Profile score of 3.9 out of 4.0 and an “unmodified” rating (the highest available).
Chiller Replacement and Roofing Improvements
Summer 2026 building improvements include replacing a roof and chiller unit that are at the end of their lifespan.
Long-Term Capital Financing Plan
A plan to complete all needed capital improvements over the next 25 years was presented to the Board. Highlights include:
- Refinancing existing capital bonds in 2032 to fund deferred and upcoming capital improvements.
- Reducing the annual transfer of the Operations and Maintenance Fund to Capital Projects Fund beginning this year.
- Reserving our Fund 60 balance to be used on unexpected equipment or infrastructure failures over the next 6 years.
- Accomplishing these capital improvements with the goal of not increasing annual debt payments.
Action items
- Accept the Audit and Annual Financial Report
- Approve the FY27 School Fees
- Approve a portion of the technology purchase
- Award the bid for the chiller unit to C. Acitelli Heating and Piping, Inc.
- Award the bid for roofing improvements to Combined Roofing Services, Inc.
consent agenda items
Minutes of previous meetings, financial business, FOIA report, personnel report, rehire of probationary certified staff, purchase of LADSE services for the 26-27 School year, and the destruction of audio from previous closed session meetings were approved.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
