Waukegan Board Expels Student, Suspends Five for Weapons Violations

BREAKING: The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education has taken decisive action against six students for serious weapons violations. On October 28, 2023, the board voted to expel one student and suspend five others, highlighting urgent safety concerns within the school environment.

The board convened at the Education Service Center in Waukegan, where they approved the expulsion of one student for the remainder of the school year and the next academic term. The remaining five students received suspensions ranging from one to ten days. Specific details about the weapons involved were discussed confidentially, in compliance with state law.

Board member Rick Riddle stated that the expelled student’s presence posed a significant threat to both staff and peers. “The severity of the offense demonstrates that the student’s continuing presence threatens school staff and the students,” Riddle emphasized. The expelled student will transition to an alternative school facilitated by the Lake County Regional Office of Education.

The board also discussed the necessity of individualized safety plans for the suspended students, with a focus on ensuring a secure learning environment. The vote passed unanimously at 5-0, with two members absent.

Board member Christine Lensing expressed the emotional toll of such decisions, stating, “It’s never a good experience to expel one of our students… when that line of safety is so egregiously crossed, it has to be done.” She highlighted the importance of addressing the expelled student’s needs through a special education evaluation, pending parental consent.

Meanwhile, board member Carolina Fabian voiced her concerns over the implications of pushing a student out of school, stressing the need for support and resources to aid their development. “It is because of safety we need to push this student out,” Fabian stated, underscoring the delicate balance between discipline and support.

In an unrelated discussion, board members reflected on the community’s anxiety stemming from heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, specifically referencing Operation Midway Blitz. Fabian recounted a personal experience of fear when she encountered a suspicious vehicle, emphasizing that such incidents contribute to a climate of fear among families in Waukegan.

“It was very disappointing,” Fabian lamented, referring to a noticeable drop in trick-or-treaters during a recent community celebration. “Half of our families could not participate due to fear,” she stated, illustrating the broader impact of immigration policies on community morale.

Lensing added, “Our students aren’t able to focus on their academics, let alone just be a kid,” calling for compassion and understanding in addressing the challenges families face amid these ongoing issues.

As the Waukegan community grapples with these dual crises of school safety and immigration enforcement, the school board’s actions reflect a commitment to prioritizing student safety while also acknowledging the broader social implications that affect families and students alike.

The situation remains fluid, and the board’s next steps will be closely monitored as they continue to address safety and support for all students in the district.