Reflecting on the 2025-26 School Year

May 22, 2026 

Dear District #7 Families, Staff, and Community Members, 

It's hard to believe the 2025–2026 school year is almost behind us. These past months have moved quickly, but taking a moment to look back has allowed me the opportunity to reflect on how much our community has accomplished. I am genuinely proud of our students, our staff, and every family and partner who made this year what it was. 

There is so much worth celebrating: 

• Outstanding academic growth — Four District #7 schools earned Exemplary status on the Illinois Report Card, while every remaining school earned a Commendable designation. Leclaire Elementary was also recognized as a Model PLC School for its commitment to collaboration and student learning. 

• Expanded opportunities for students — Students benefited from continued investments in learning environments and experiences, including the completion of the expanded Edwardsville High School Commons and the opening of the Lincoln Middle School renovation and addition project. District #7 students also continued to shine beyond the classroom, including the Edwardsville High School Band representing our community in the London New Year’s Day Parade. In addition, 42 EHS students enrolled in Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) programs this year, expanding access to hands-on career and technical education opportunities that help students explore future career pathways, gain industry-relevant skills, and prepare for success beyond graduation.  

• A continued commitment to student wellness and belonging — Across our schools, this shows up in meaningful ways, like Woodland and Cassens building a “family” culture, Leclaire’s inclusion foyer celebrating diversity, Liberty’s Veterans Day recognition, and EHS ROAR Week that builds school pride and connection. We also bring families into the experience through transition days, welcome events, math nights, preschool activities, arts performances, and athletics that help students feel at home in their school community. 

• Meaningful community partnerships that strengthened our schools — District #7 continued to build strong connections throughout the community by co-hosting the Chalk This Way Chalk Art Contest with the Village of Glen Carbon, participating in the community Halloween Parade, and launching the inaugural Senior Breakfast for local senior citizens. 

Students and staff showed up every day, rose to every challenge, and gave their best. From classrooms and cafeterias to stages, athletic fields, and offices, our students and staff continued to support one another, persevere through challenges, and create a culture that reflects the very best of District #7.  

None of this happens by accident. It happens because teachers, counselors, aides, families, and community partners are all rowing in the same direction, creating an environment where every student is loved, supported, and pushed to grow. That kind of unity is rare, and it is not something I take for granted. 

This summer, our leadership team will take time to reflect honestly on where we succeeded and where we still have room to grow. Our work going into next year stays centered on the same goal: making sure every staff member has what they need to empower each student to achieve personal success. 

Your perspective is a meaningful part of that planning. If something made a real difference for your family this year or if something fell short, I want to hear about it. Please don't hesitate to reach out. Those conversations help us get better. 

Finally, I want to say something simple about summer: let it be summer. The school year asks a lot of our kids and families, and these three months matter.  Encourage your children to slow down, explore what they love, and spend time with the people who matter most to them. They have earned it. 

Thank you for the trust you place in District #7. That trust carries real weight, and we do not take it lightly. It pushes us to strive for excellence because our students and this community deserve nothing less. It is a privilege to serve here, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together. 

Wishing your family a safe, restful, and wonderful summer. 

Sincerely,  

Dr. Allen Duncan, Jr.  
Interim Superintendent