LM July 2026

Want to nominate someone? The third area of focus has been expanding access to Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses. Lyons Township has long held a reputation for high academic standards, but Waterman wanted to take that reputation to the next level—both in access and performance. mon areas, new band, choir, and orchestra facilities, renovated restrooms, and major HVAC upgrades. Plus, both campuses are now nearly 100 percent air conditioned. Focus groups revealed two things that mattered most to students and staff: air conditioning’s impact on their ability to work and learn, and outdated restrooms, some still with original 1956 fixtures, flooring, and tile. “As a society, we often underestimate how important updated and modern facilities are in a school,” Water man said. The second area of focus has been building a re storative culture of belonging for students and staff. Two years ago, the district implemented a restorative intervention room to support students, shifting away from traditional exclusionary disciplinary measures and more toward support during the school day. The approach extends beyond that physical space—the district also uses restorative circles in classrooms and office areas to help build a broader sense of communi ty and belonging. The results have been significant. Out of 3,800 stu dents, only eight were suspended this past school year, down from close to 100 in years past. That work matters in a diverse community—roughly 64 percent white, 27 percent Hispanic, with a mix of other ethnicities. The district has also implemented celebratory events throughout the year for every culture represented in the school, further reinforcing that sense of belonging and contributing to the drop in suspensions. “We want an environment where every student and staff member feels like they belong,” Waterman said. “I’m really proud of where we’re at, and I know we have more work to do.”

The district began partnering with Equal Opportunity Schools in Fall 2021, with a focus on increasing minority student participation in advanced coursework, and has partnered with colleges and universities to offer dual credit options. As access has expanded, Water man said the district has worked to ensure upper-level classes reflect the school’s overall student demo graphics, a goal the district has nearly achieved.

In 2022, 49 percent of students took an AP or dual credit course. Last year, that number jumped to 79 percent.

The results extend beyond access numbers. Two years ago, Lyons Township received an Exemplary rating on the state report card. This past fall, Gov. JB Pritzker named the district a Blue Ribbon School. “We believe giving students access to the most rigorous courses possible is a big driver,” Waterman said, pointing to both academic data and improvements in school climate and culture. As Lyons Township enters the final year of its strategic plan, Waterman is preparing to do it all over again. Recruitment launches this fall, with Board approval of a new community strategic plan expected by February 2027 for a plan that will begin during the 2027-28 school year. The most important role a superintendent plays during strategic planning, Waterman said, is to ensure the planning team represents the entire school community. This year, the district is trying something new — running each session as an open Board meeting, with all seven Board members present, and opportunities for the community to observe the process. “Most importantly, I couldn’t do any of this without the leadership and support of our Board of Education,” Waterman said. “They’ve been incredible partners in this work since the beginning, and their commitment to our community is what makes all of this possible.”

Contact Jason Nevel at jnevel@iasaedu.org

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LM July 2026