Waukegan Schools Expel One, Suspend Five for Weapons Violations

UPDATE: The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education has taken decisive action against six students for serious weapons violations, with one student expelled and five others suspended. This decision was made during an urgent board meeting on October 28, 2023, at the Education Service Center in Waukegan.

The board’s unanimous vote reflects the gravity of the offenses under Illinois law, which mandates a one-year expulsion for such violations. However, the law also allows for lesser punishments at the discretion of the principal and superintendent. All modifications to the punishments were approved by the board. The expelled student will not return to school for the remainder of this academic year or the next, and will instead attend an alternative school managed by the Lake County Regional Office of Education.

Board member Rick Riddle stated, “The student’s continuing presence in school would substantially disrupt or impede the operation of the school.” He emphasized that the severity of the incident poses a direct threat to students and staff alike. In a move aimed at ensuring future support, the student will be evaluated for special education services, pending parental consent.

Another board member, Christine Lensing, expressed her regret over the expulsion, noting the importance of providing support for students facing challenges. “Though it’s never a good experience to expel a student, when safety is compromised, it must be done,” she said. Board member Carolina Fabian echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the difficult decision but underscoring the need for safety in schools. “It is because of safety we need to push this student out,” she stated.

The suspensions for the remaining five students vary from one to ten days and include the requirement for individualized safety plans. The board approved these measures in response to the serious nature of the violations.

In an unrelated discussion, board members Lensing and Fabian addressed the heightened anxiety in the community due to intensified deportation efforts under the Trump administration, particularly referencing Operation Midway Blitz. Fabian shared her own fear of potential encounters with immigration enforcement, which she believes has impacted community engagement. “Half the number of children came to my door on Waukegan’s official day of trick-or-treating than usual,” she lamented.

The emotional toll of these enforcement actions is palpable, affecting students’ ability to focus on their education. “ICE continues to terrorize our community,” Lensing stated, highlighting the broader implications for families in Waukegan.

As the district navigates these complex issues, the safety and well-being of students remain the highest priority. The board’s actions serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address both educational safety and the socio-political climate affecting students and families in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Waukegan school community grapples with these significant changes.