Park Ridge-Niles District 64 adopted its FY27 budget on Thursday, Sept. 17 and released a performance report showing high marks on both internal and state assessments.

Board President Matt Doubleday presided over the public hearing at the regular meeting in the Hendee Rooms at Jefferson Early Childhood Center. The district did not release total revenue or expenditure figures with the adoption announcement. The budget aligns with the district's Strategic Plan 2030 goals.

According to the district's 2025-26 Academic Performance Report, students in grades 2-8 averaged 93% at or above grade level in math and 89% in reading on internal assessments. On state tests, 81% of District 64 students met reading and writing standards and 68% met math standards. Fifth graders scored 78% on the state science assessment. Eighth graders scored 86%.

District leaders also reported that District 64 serves 4,433 PreK-8 students and has added certified staff to strengthen specialized education programs.

Separately, Jefferson Early Childhood Center earned the Gold Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois, the highest rating awarded by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. The Preschool for All program earned the distinction on its first audit, according to Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins.

"Earning a Gold Circle of Quality on a first audit is exceptional, and it speaks volumes about the incredible work happening at Jefferson every day," Collins said in the district's Sept. 18 announcement of the award. Assessors from National Louis University, working under a state contract, evaluated Jefferson on classroom environment quality and compliance with preschool standards.

Principal Michele Barkley said in the same announcement that the recognition reflects the school's instruction quality, learning environment, family partnerships and staff qualifications.

The board also received the 2026 School Board Governance Recognition from the Illinois Association of School Boards, as we reported Sept. 23. Board member Monica Milligan will present on artificial intelligence when members formally accept the award at the North Cook IASB dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Glenbrook High School.

A Parent University session on the CHAMPS and STOIC behavior framework is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hendee Rooms at Jefferson. The next District 64 board meeting is Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.