News | Lincoln

D75 SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Cowell

Jun 30, 2026

At Lincoln Early Learning Center, communication is more than just words; it’s connection, confidence, and access. For paraprofessional Kelly Cowell, helping students find their voice is at the heart of everything she does. “I love seeing the growth in students from the beginning of the year to the end,” Cowell said. “Especially when they start using sign language, learning colors, numbers, and shapes, and then applying it in the right context. That’s really special to see.”

D75 SPOTLIGHT: Ashley Blennerhassett

Jun 16, 2026

For early childhood teacher Ashley Blennerhassett, some of the most meaningful moments come through the relationships she builds with students each day. Whether it’s a student using a new word for the first time, interacting with a peer, or excitedly greeting her with a hug after a brief time away from the classroom, those moments are reminders of the trust and connection that help young learners grow.

MHS School Board approves hiring of new assistant superintendent

Mar 11, 2026

The Mundelein District 120 School Board on March 10 approved hiring Dr. Art Vallicelli as the new Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, effective July 1. Vallicelli, currently the principal of Woodstock High School, will provide district-level leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning for grades 6-12.

Special Ed Alliance honors Mundelein schools administrator

Mar 03, 2026

Jamie DiCarlo, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120, received a regional leadership award on February 26 for her work in special education. The Special Education Leadership Award was presented by the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) during the group’s Winter Conference in Champaign.

State recognizes Lincoln as a top-level preschool - again

Nov 24, 2025

The state is again recognizing Lincoln Early Learning Center as a top-level school for its Preschool For All (PFA) and Preschool For All Expansion (PFAE) program. For the second time, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) gave Lincoln its highest quality ranking - a Gold Circle of Quality. The District 75 Board of Education publicly recognized the accomplishment during its Nov. 18 meeting.

D75 Board earns second governance recognition honor

Sep 29, 2025

The Illinois Association of School Boards is once again honoring the District 75 School Board for its effective governance behaviors. The Board was one of 42 Illinois school districts honored with the School Board Governance Recognition. It recognizes the Board’s effective governance behaviors and its commitment toward obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively govern the district.

D75 Board adjusts school calendar to match high school changes

Aug 27, 2025

Mundelein elementary and middle school students will begin school after Labor Day in the next two school years to match calendar changes at Mundelein High School. The District 75 School Board approved the changes Tuesday night. The Mundelein High School District 120 School Board adjusted its calendar on August 12 in an effort to allow for construction at the high school to proceed as effectively as possible.

Mundelein's shared services model helps save on administrative costs

Jun 23, 2025

The shared services model used by Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120 has proven beneficial in many ways. It provides continuity and collaboration among staff from both districts, efficiencies in materials, supplies and skilled labor, and cost savings in administrative compensation.

Mundelein school boards name next superintendent

Feb 19, 2025

School Boards from both Mundelein School Districts 75 and 120 on Tuesday named Dr. Corey Tafoya as the next superintendent to lead within its shared services model. Tafoya, currently the Superintendent of Harvard Community Unit School District 50, will take over the leadership of retiring Mundelein Superintendent Dr. Kevin Myers beginning on July 1.

Preschoolers meet animals during in-house field trip

Dec 03, 2024

The students in Mallary Burke’s preschool class didn’t have to travel very far for their first-ever school field trip. No buses or permission slips were required. They simply walked down the hallway to the multipurpose room at Lincoln School. But the students wouldn’t have seen as many creatures if they had spent the entire day in a forest. That’s because Jan Ward, Environmental Educator for the Lake County Forest Preserve, brought the wildlife to them.