BULLETIN – March 18, 2026

By Tim Dempsey

 

President Tome Gore rang the bell, Ron Lapins gave the Pledge, and Jon Robb, greeting for Doug Fendon, led us in prayer. There was no song!

 

-Ron Lapins bragged that his hip replacement happened 3 weeks ago and he is doing well. He said his wife Pam was taking care of him, and he referred to her as “Nurse Ratchet”. I hope she doesn’t read the Bulletin! He also reminded us that the 4-way testers golf league will start on April 27^th and emails will be going out.

 

-The Charitable Giving Committee is beginning their work. There are 3 permanent members, and the group is looking for 3 at large members. Please let Scott Hezner or Howard Jaffe know if you are interested.

 

-Jim Laverdiere was unprepared for Fun & Frolics. Is there a wheel in his future? Scott Hezner filled in with an odd or even quiz. Well done Scott!

 

Today’s program was Dr. Michael Karner, Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools. The office has a staff of 120, and reviews 45 public, 27 private, and 3 special schools. They visit every school each year and check for safety, hiring practices and curriculum. They also issue construction permits for new school buildings or remodeling. They do compliance visits every 4 years to review hiring and to ensure that schools adhere to state curriculum guidelines. They also license teachers and bus drivers. They issue Illinois High School diplomas. Michael told us there are 2000 homeless students in Lake County. He is working on early childhood development. 60,000 students do not have access to preschool. He hopes to have preschool in every district in 10 to 12 years. They also operate a Regional State School for students who have been expelled. This is a short-term intervention. Offenses include violence, drugs, and weapons. Students can return to their regular school if they improve.

There is a statewide K-to-12 teacher shortage. The office participates in Illinois Virtual schools. There are some 20,000 students statewide on the platform. They award “Educator of the Year” awards. Last year they had 1,078 applicants. Michael has received $700k plus grants for funding the initiatives. Lake County has initiated the Smart program which is for student safety. There is a Regional Board of Trustees that decides if districts should consolidate or detach.

The office offers 24/7 tutoring and conducts ACT test classes. Since Michael’s election they have received $12 million in grants. They have awarded $4.1 million in scholarships. They have applied to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which distributes 6500 free books each month. Navigate Lake has offered 6000 students hands-on career paths. There is a County wide Institute Day which gives 3300 educators professional development. There is a School Safety Conference for school staff annually. The office puts on a Lake County Educator Job Fair each year. They also developed a work base learning platform so that every district has pathways for their students. 

 

-Daily: $31 won by Larry Neal.

-Progressive: $ 1,001 (24 cards). Rich Babjak drew the 7 of diamonds. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Tim Dempsey. 

-Fun & Frolics: Charles Lesser.

-Program: Steve Debretto from Lake County Partners.

 

Tom Miller led us in the Four Way Test.

 

“The best time to make a decision is before you have to make one” Nelson Price