District 214 Board Hears Presentation on New College Now Dual Degree Program

High School District 214 is joining Harper College and neighboring districts in launching College Now, a new dual degree program that gives students the opportunity to graduate from high school with both their diploma and an Associate of Arts degree.

At its September 11 meeting, the Board of Education heard a presentation about the initiative, which was developed through a collaborative design process facilitated by the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS). The program builds on District 214’s strong record of early college opportunities and directly supports Strategic Plan Goal 1C: ensuring smooth transitions into and beyond high school

College Now will be open to students who demonstrate consistent academic performance, strong attendance, and readiness for college-level work. Beginning in their junior year, participants will take morning courses at Harper College before returning to their home high school for required classes and activities. In their senior year, students will transition to full-time coursework at Harper while still maintaining access to high school supports and co-curricular opportunities.

Applications will open this fall, with the first College Now cohort beginning in August 2026.

Roof Replacement Planned at District 214’s Specialized Schools

High School District 214 is moving forward with plans to replace the roof at its Specialized Schools, located in the A Building of the Forest View Educational Center.

For the past several months, the roof has experienced ongoing leaks that have affected building operations. A roof moisture survey conducted on August 4, 2025, confirmed that nearly half—49.3%—of the roof area contains wet insulation. The survey, which included core samples and pin meter testing, underscored the need for full replacement rather than short-term repairs.

The existing roof membrane, originally designed with coal tar pitch to withstand ponding water, has reached the end of its useful life. The building’s flat structure holds more water than expected, and over time the roof has lost its ability to effectively prevent leaks. Heat from the sun also accelerates deterioration of the coal tar pitch, further limiting its waterproofing capability.

To ensure the Specialized Schools remain watertight and functional, the District will replace the roof system entirely. The project includes removing the existing roof down to the structural deck, installing new tapered insulation, and applying a fluid-applied waterproofing system. To avoid disruptions, all work will take place after school hours.

District 214 will purchase materials and installation services through a competitively bid joint purchasing contract with Omnia Partners, ensuring efficiency and cost savings. The total project cost will not exceed $1.5 million.

This investment reflects District 214’s commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and modern learning environments for all students.

District 214 Board of Education Considers On-Site Solar Energy Project

High School District 214 is exploring a new chapter in sustainability and resource management, as the Board of Education considers the potential installation of on-site solar panels at district facilities. The initiative aligns directly with Goal 3 of the district’s five-year strategic plan—maximizing the impact of district resources—and reflects a forward-looking approach to both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.

The district has partnered with Nania Energy Advisors, its long-standing energy advisor firm, to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar energy systems across various schools. With energy costs representing a significant portion of annual operating expenses, solar solutions offer a promising way to capture savings while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Beyond lowering utility bills, the project would allow the district to benefit from federal financial incentives currently available, positioning District 214 to secure long-term economic advantages before those opportunities expire.

Administrators are recommending a phased approach, beginning with Rolling Meadows High School as the site for a Phase I pilot project. The Board’s consideration of solar energy represents more than just a facilities decision—it is an investment in the district’s future, one that prioritizes financial responsibility while modeling forward-thinking practices for students and the broader community.

District 214 to Host Graduations at NOW Arena

High School District 214 will host its graduation ceremonies at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates beginning in 2026.

This decision reflects the district’s commitment to providing a high-quality, family-friendly graduation experience. The NOW Arena offers numerous advantages, including seating for up to 8,000 guests, 3,200 free on-site parking spaces, full ADA accessibility, and professional coordination of logistics such as graduate lineups, security, and family reunification areas.

2026

• 5/24/2026 Sunday: Elk Grove, Prospect, Rolling Meadows
• 5/26/2026 Tuesday: Wheeling
• 5/27/2026 Wednesday: Hersey
• 5/28/2026 Thursday: Buffalo Grove

2027

• 5/14/2027 Friday: Elk Grove
• 5/15/2027 Saturday: Buffalo Grove, Hersey, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling
• 5/19/2027 Wednesday: Prospect