Maercker School District 60 has reached an exciting milestone, and it's one worth celebrating!
For the first time in district history, Holmes Primary, Maercker Intermediate, and Westview Hills Middle School have each earned an Exemplary designation from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) - the highest recognition a school can receive through the state's accountability system. What makes this accomplishment especially remarkable is that, before this year, no D60 school had ever earned an Exemplary designation. In 2026, all three schools achieved that distinction together!
The designations, released Friday, October 30, as part of the annual Illinois School Report Card, represent a historic moment for our district and reflect years of intentional work, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
"When I think about all of the work that has taken place over the past few years, this is an incredibly rewarding moment for our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Sean Nugent. “We've remained committed to getting better, year after year, and this recognition is a testament to the people who have embraced that work. To see all three schools earn Exemplary status for the first time together is something truly special."
A Reflection of Our Collective Work
Each year, ISBE evaluates schools using multiple measures of student success, including academic achievement and growth in reading and math, student attendance, and the performance of different student groups.
For Maercker D60, this year's recognition reflects several years of intentional work across all three schools. Since adopting the district's Blueprint for the Future Strategic Plan in 2023, D60 has maintained a consistent focus on strengthening literacy instruction, improving student attendance and engagement, fostering a sense of connection and belonging that supports student well-being, and using student learning data to guide instructional decisions.
Throughout this work, the district has emphasized strengthening existing practices, supporting teachers, and ensuring students receive the instruction and resources they need to be successful.
A significant part of this work has been the district's continued development of its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Through regular collaboration and the thoughtful use of assessment data, teachers and support staff work together to identify student needs, adjust instruction, and provide additional support or enrichment opportunities.
"Getting to Exemplary doesn't happen overnight," said Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Susan Ejma. "This has been a journey built on the dedication of our teachers, staff, and administrators, and their commitment to working together to meet the needs of every student. We've remained focused on helping all students grow, regardless of where they begin, and it's exciting to see that work reflected in these results."
Something Worth Celebrating
The district's Board of Education also recognizes the significance of this milestone and the collective efforts that made it possible.
"Our district has always been a special place, and this historic recognition is a wonderful affirmation of the work taking place in our classrooms every day," said Board of Education President Priya Linson. "On behalf of the Board, I want to express our appreciation to the teachers, staff, administrators, students, and families whose dedication and partnership make accomplishments like this possible. We are incredibly proud of our entire school community."
While the Exemplary designations provide an important measure of the district's progress, D60 leaders also recognize that no single rating tells the complete story of a school.
Behind these results are students who have challenged themselves and grown as learners, teachers who continuously refine their practices, support staff who help students feel safe and connected, and families who partner with schools every day.
Those efforts, and the relationships that make them possible, are at the heart of what makes Maercker D60 special.
"One of the things I appreciate most about our district is our commitment to continually getting better," added Dr. Nugent. We know there will always be opportunities to improve, but it's equally important to recognize how far we've come and celebrate the people who made that progress possible. This is a special moment for our district, and one that everyone should feel incredibly proud of."
Three schools. Three first-time Exemplary designations. One incredible achievement for Maercker D60.