Advisory Committee Debates Rigor of Online Summer School Options

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026

Article Summary: The District 210 Advisory Committee reported on discussions regarding the potential expansion of online summer school offerings, highlighting teacher concerns about the academic rigor of core classes taken virtually. The committee recommended a data-driven review in the fall to compare student outcomes between in-person and online formats.

Advisory Committee Key Points:

• Summer Plans: In-person summer school remains the primary model for Summer 2026.

• Online Option: Families may petition for online summer school in cases of documented extenuating circumstances.

• Teacher Concerns: Educators raised questions about the rigor of online courses for Sophomore English, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus, specifically regarding ACT preparation.

• Future Review: The committee requested a data review in the fall to compare student outcomes from online versus in-person summer courses.

NEW LENOX – During the “Community Relations Report” at the February 19, 2026, Board of Education meeting, Board Member Dana Bergthold provided a summary of recent District 210 Advisory Committee meetings, highlighting a debate over the delivery of summer school curriculum.

At the committee’s January 20 meeting, discussions focused on the district’s plans for Summer 2026. While the district intends to continue offering in-person summer school, families will have the option to petition for online courses if they have documented extenuating circumstances.

Bergthold reported that this hybrid approach sparked “thoughtful discussion” among committee members, particularly teachers who voiced concerns about maintaining academic standards.

“Several teachers raised concerns regarding certain core courses including sophomore English, Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus and how online delivery of those courses could impact student readiness, particularly in preparation for the ACT,” Bergthold said.

The committee emphasized the need to maintain “academic rigor, instructional integrity, and student preparedness.”

As a result of the discussion, Bergthold recommended that the Board revisit the issue in the fall. She requested that administration compile data comparing the number of students who took online versus in-person summer school and analyze their subsequent academic outcomes, specifically performance on the ACT.

“I would like to see that data moving forward in the fall just to take a look at it,” Bergthold said.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the student handbook on February 10. Bergthold noted a proposed change to community service requirements for transfer students to ensure equity. Under the proposal, the required 25 hours of service would be prorated based on when a student transfers into the district—18 hours for sophomores and 12 hours for juniors.