November 4th 2026 - BOARD OF EDUCATION - Special Workshop

Waukegan Public Schools Board of Education special workshop, identified in the transcript as November 4, 2026 (meeting metadata lists November 5): administrators and board members reviewed Policy 4,505 on graduate coursework and teacher salary-lane changes in light of state requirements effective July 1, 2026. The current collective bargaining agreement requires the benefit, and the teachers’ contract expires June 30, 2027, with negotiations expected to begin shortly. Administrators reported that 185 teachers received lane changes in FY2026, adding about $628,000 to annual salaries; projected salary costs for those changes total about $1.962 million over three years under stated assumptions.

The workshop developed input for a revised policy, not a final policy decision. Participants generally supported prior approval, at least two years of teaching experience, proficient-or-better evaluations when seeking approval, a B-or-better coursework standard, an annual budget proposal, and a three-year service commitment after a lane change. The board did not settle every detail, including repayment if a teacher leaves early, how concurrent programs affect service commitments, and the review schedule. Administration and legal staff will draft language for a first reading and conduct impact bargaining with the union. No procurement activity was identified. The only formal vote was approval to enter closed session to discuss personnel performance; the motion carried.