As students returned to classes this week, Sandra Zalewski, director of communications and development for Joliet Public Grade Schools District 86, said the biggest challenge facing District 86 this year is filling job vacancies, including teachers, paraprofessionals, clerical, maintenance staff, and school bus drivers.
But she stressed that staffing woes have not stopped District 86 from setting goals for a successful school year.
“Student and staff safety remains our top priority,” said Zalewski. “Building relationships with all our students and families, and student growth by providing the necessary tools and resources for each child to meet their needs,” are other goals, she added.
After nearly 3-years of either at-home or hybrid learning, students in Will County are excited to return to the classroom this week. Zalewski said the district is launching the district’s new five-year strategic plan this school year.
“Plans have begun on our approved $95.5 million referendum to update and
improve our facilities, including finalizing plans to build two new junior high schools to replace Gompers and Hufford. We hope to open the new buildings at the start of the 2026-2027 school year,”Zalewski said.
Additionally, she said, the district over the summer installed new security cameras inside and outside of all District 86 buildings by utilizing cutting-edge technologies that provide the tools and resources necessary to keep everyone safe.
“We have also expanded our partnership with the Joliet Police Department to
increase police presence at our schools,” Zalewski added.
In Joliet Township High School District 204, board president Michelle Stiff said this year the district is unveiling a new electronic attendance system that will streamline the process. “Both schools (Joliet Central and Joliet West High Schools) got new football fields, stadium seating and a new track.” As with other districts, they are dealing with a shortage of bus drivers.
While every school year offers something new or different for parents, students, and staff. Stiff said, “this year parents should expect partnerships will be formed with teachers and the district to ensure that their child has a positive learning environment, fostering a sense of belongingness, and establishing social and emotional development.” staff will build relationships with our students, to have a positive classroom environment, so they can experience academic success.”
“The expectations of our students are to come to school and learn, engage positively with classmates, and have fun so that everyone can have a productive and successful school year.”
District 204 was established in 1899 and founded in 1901, making it one of the oldest school districts in the country. The public high school includes grades nine to twelve.
Students in Plainfield School District 202 returned to classes this week on Thursday. Superintendent Glenn Wood said students can expect some changes when they enter the halls of their respective schools but reiterated that safety remains the district’s top priority.
“This summer, we updated procedures and had three days of first responder training that will continue to ensure a safe environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth,” he said.
While the goal for District 202 this year is to minimize the disruption to the learning
environment brought on by the pandemic, Wood said students can expect some changes when it comes to technology.
“We are implementing our recently updated policies that limit cell phone access to students during the school day to support learning, improve relationships, and focus,” he said. “These policies are giving control back to the adults inside our schools.”
Wood said students are expected to put their phones away when a staff member requests it. He admits it is a challenge for students to limit their screen time, regardless of whether they are in school or not. Also, he asked parents to be involved in their children’s education progress.
“We ask parents to please continue to monitor your student’s progress, stress the importance of completing homework, and encourage your children to get involved,” he added.
District 202 serves about 25,000 students each year in a 64-square-mile radius that includes parts of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Naperville, Plainfield, and Romeoville. It is the fifth largest public school system in Illinois, with 18 elementary schools, seven middle schools and four high schools.
Student Elias Martinez of Joliet said he is excited to start his sophomore year in District 202.
“I am looking forward to seeing my friends every day, but it will be a challenge as we got used to learning from the comforts of our bedroom or living room,” said the 16-year-old. “Now, we have to get up, shower and get to school on time.”
