On March 17, 2026, members of the Waukegan Teachers Council addressed the Waukegan District 60 School Board to voice their frustration over the district’s continued refusal to grant lane changes — despite teachers having submitted all required documentation proving completion of graduate-level coursework. Educators emphasized that they have met every contractual guideline, yet the lane changes they are entitled to have not been honored.

As part of the grievance process, both district administration and union representatives presented their positions to the Board during closed session on March 17^th. Teachers made clear that this issue is not simply procedural — it impacts their professional growth, compensation, and morale.

The presence of more than twenty teachers & supporters, all standing together in blue, sent a powerful message. Their unity filled the room, demonstrating that when educators show up, speak out, and support one another, their voices cannot be ignored. Their collective strength served as a reminder: visibility matters, solidarity matters, and together, we are seen.