August 7, 2026

Dear District 96 Families,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the fast approaching 2026-27 school year. This is a bittersweet welcome as I begin my eleventh and final year as District 96 Superintendent. While I look forward to retirement, I am also eager for a meaningful and memorable year together. Here are a few important reminders to help your family feel ready for another year of learning. Your building principal will also send a welcome email on Tuesday, August 11 with school-specific information. Reach out to the registrar if you are a new district family and have not yet received a school placement email.  

Summer Construction 

Over the summer, we worked on several building improvement projects. Windows were replaced at Hauser along with a new boiler. Some minor tuckpointing and field landscaping were also completed. At Blythe Park, new playground construction remains underway and is projected for completion in mid-September. Thanks to our custodial team, deep cleaning at each school has been completed ensuring our schools are safe, clean, and ready to go for opening day.   

Meet & Greet and First Day

Families are invited to a meet and greet at all five schools on Wednesday, August 26 from 8:15 am to 9:00 am. Early Learner meet and greets will take place on August 27 and 28 from 8:00 am to noon. Our teachers and school staff look forward to greeting elementary and Hauser students for the first full day of school on Thursday, August 27. Early Learner students start on Monday, August 31. Teacher assignments will be emailed Friday, August 21. Hauser schedules will be emailed Monday, August 17.

New Strategic Plan

Our new five-year strategic plan was approved as the 2025-26 school year wrapped up. Over the summer, district leadership has been working to align our new mission, vision, and values with our goal target areas. Objectives are being developed to meet these goals with updates available on our strategic plan page as this work continues. 

Half Day Reminders

When our 2026-27 calendar was approved in February, there was an adjustment to our professional learning days. Three half-day institute days were added on October 30, January 28, and May 14, along with the established April 23 half day, allowing staff to collaborate and plan ahead while maintaining a student instruction day. Riverside Parks and Recreation will provide free childcare on these dates. Before/After and Half Day enrollment information is available through Riverside Parks and Recreation. Visit our calendar of events page for an easy “add to calendar” option to add all of our important dates to your personal device. 

Board of Education Meetings

As a reminder, all of our Board of Education meetings are livestreamed and recorded. At our August 5 meeting, we reviewed progress on summer facilities projects, the FY27 budget draft, and contract recommendations for Panorama Survey Services, Ed-Red, School Data Solutions, and Health Life Safety survey. There were also presentations on a new social emotional learning curriculum for Hauser students and an update on district technology changes for the 26-27 school year. The Board meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 

Stay Informed

Stay connected with district news, updates, and photos by following us at the social media links above, or by downloading the D96 app. 

As always, thank you for your partnership. We are looking forward to another great year of “empowering learners for life!” 

Sincerely,