North Chicago, IL — North Chicago School District 187 celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Forrestal School, made possible by a Public Schools on Military Installations (PSMI) grant of over $57 million from the Department of Defense. The significant investment underscores the district's commitment to providing top-quality education and facilities for military families and all of their students.
North Chicago is located approximately 40 miles north of Chicago. It is home to the Naval Station Great Lakes, the Navy's largest training facility and the sole location for its Boot Camp. With the military owning 31 percent of the city's property and over 11 percent of our students coming from military-connected families, District 187 is closely tied to the military and dedicated to supporting military families and has fostered a strong, collaborative partnership with the Navy.
“Forrestal School has long been a cornerstone for our military families,” said Dr. John P. Price, Superintendent of North Chicago School District 187. “This generous grant allows us to provide state-of-the-art facilities that our students deserve, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in education.”
The ceremony featured performances by the Navy band, the North Chicago Community High School NJROTC cadets, and the Forrestal Choir. Federal, state, and local officials and military representatives gathered to mark the occasion.
“When we invest in education, we help provide students with the tools they need to succeed both in and outside of the classroom,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. "I am thrilled to break ground on Forrestal Elementary School at Naval Station Great Lakes. I will continue working to support our exemplary military families and their access to quality education.”
“Investing in our children's education is investing in our nation's future,” stated U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10). “This new school will not only serve the educational needs of military families but also strengthen the entire North Chicago community.”
Captain Stephen M. Yargosz of Naval Station Great Lakes highlighted the critical role of supporting military families: “The new Forrestal School will allow our service members to be more focused on their duties knowing their children are receiving a top-quality education. Naval Station Great Lakes thanks School District 187, the City of North Chicago, and Lake County for their teamwork, dedication, and steadfast commitment to our servicemembers and their families wellbeing.”
“This groundbreaking is a shining example of what can be achieved when federal, state, and local entities collaborate,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson. “I'm proud to be part of this effort that will provide a nurturing learning environment for our students.” Sandy Hart, Chair of the Lake County Board, remarked, “The rebuild of Forrestal School signifies our collective dedication to the well-being and success of military-connected students. It's an investment that will yield benefits for generations to come.”
“The City of North Chicago cherishes its close relationship with the military and our schools,” added Mayor Leon Rockingham. “This project strengthens that bond and demonstrates our shared commitment to the education of our youth.” Dora King, Chair of the D187 Independent Authority Board, expressed her enthusiasm: “This is more than just a new building; it's a renewed promise to our students and their families. We're excited to see the positive impact this will have on our community, and I want to personally thank Dr. Price for his unwavering dedication and hard work in making this project a reality.”
Daniel Glasson from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation commented, “Supporting educational infrastructure for military families is crucial. This project reflects the Department of Defense's commitment to partnering with local communities to enhance the quality of life for our service members.”
Since 2017, under the leadership of Dr. Price and with the support of the Financial Oversight Panel (FOP) and Independent Authority (IA), the district has made significant strides. Dr. Price and his team have worked to create better opportunities and outcomes for students. Notably, the Freshman-On-Track for graduation rate increased from 56% in 2018 to 91% in 2023, and the district’s 4-year graduation rate rose to 88%, up from 56% in just four years. In addition, the district has seen a significant improvement in teacher retention, jumping from 61% in 2018 to 83% in 2023. These achievements lay a strong foundation for the continued progress throughout the district.
High-resolution photos from the groundbreaking ceremony, including images of the ceremonial shovels, are available for media use. These images are accessible here (courtesy of Mike Kelly Photography).
About District 187:
District 187 serves a diverse community with a significant military presence. The district is dedicated to providing high-quality education and support to all students, including those from military families. The rebuilding of Forrestal School is a testament to the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education and community partnership.
Media Contact:
For more information or to arrange interviews, please get in touch with Stacey Finkel at 703-304-1377 or finkelstacey@gmail.com.