Wilmette Public Schools District 39 outlines strategic‑plan progress, full‑day kindergarten planned for 2025

Wilmette Public Schools District 39 officials presented an update on the district’s five‑year strategic plan, describing curriculum revisions, new student supports, facility upgrades and a planned shift to full‑day kindergarten.

A presenter for the district told listeners the five‑year plan, adopted in August 2021 after more than three years of planning, has guided work across five key initiatives: student achievement and growth; supportive community; professional community; family partnerships; and stewardship of resources. "Together, we are fostering a thriving learning community that cultivates growth for all," the presenter said.

The district outlined several curriculum actions. Officials said committees recommended new or updated materials for kindergarten through fourth‑grade mathematics, fifth through eighth‑grade social studies, kindergarten through second‑grade early literacy foundational skills, K–8 social‑emotional learning competencies, and seventh‑ and eighth‑grade STEM exploratory courses. The district also said it will review kindergarten through eighth‑grade English language arts this school year, has added math intervention teachers, and launched student‑centered instructional coaching.

Officials announced plans to transition the kindergarten program from a half‑day model to full‑day instruction. The presentation includes two timing references: one line states the transition is "starting in 2025," while another passage refers to launching "full day kindergarten free for all next school year." The transcript does not specify a meeting date, and the two references create ambiguity about the exact start; the district presentation made the intent clear but did not resolve the timing inconsistency.

The district reported expanded social‑emotional learning efforts across grade levels, added advisory periods for grades 5–8, and increased opportunities for student voice, clubs and leadership. Officials said the district has increased mental and behavioral health supports by adding social workers and psychologists.

On staffing and professional development, presenters described investments in teacher development for differentiated instruction and culturally supportive teaching, including training from outside partners.

On facilities and finances, presenters said the district completed multiple infrastructure projects without seeking a referendum: electrical upgrades, new windows, new roofing, plumbing improvements, enhanced security and — described as a notable addition — districtwide classroom air conditioning. The district also said it has maintained the board’s commitment to holding at least a 40% fund balance.

The presentation closed with the presenter summarizing accomplishments midterm in the five‑year plan and reading a series of student affirmation statements (for example, "I am creative... I am a District 39 Scholar").

What happens next: the transcript records the district’s commitments to curriculum reviews, continuing SEL implementation and a planned kindergarten transition, but contains no formal motions or votes and does not supply a definitive start date for full‑day kindergarten. The district did not cite statutes, ordinances or external approvals in the recorded remarks.