News Briefs: New K9 officer follows in hero dad’s pawprints; Wilmette principal gets district job; Park district earns high Moody’s rating

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s newest officer has heroism in his blood.

K9 officer Lux is an offspring of K9 officer Dax, who died following an injury sustained in the line of duty in 2024.

Before his passing, Dax fathered a litter of puppies, and among them, Deputy John Forlenza — Dax’s longtime partner — “recognized that one (Lux) stood out with the potential to follow in his father’s footsteps,” according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

Forlenza was one of two deputies selected this winter to be a handler of one of the sheriff’s office next two canines. Upon receiving this opportunity, he donated Lux to Tops K9, the training facility responsible for preparing the Sheriff’s Canine Unit.

Lux and Forlenza are officially partners who will begin training together this spring to be the newest Lake County Sheriff’s Office Canine Team.

“I would like to express my profound sense of gratitude and happiness that the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has officially named K9 Dax’s son, K9 Lux, as my new partner,” Forlenza said in the release. “Dax was remarkable and always did his duty with great courage and dedication throughout his career. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue as a member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team, and to serve the citizens of Lake County with K9 Lux.”

Highcrest principal moves to Wilmette District 39 office

Wilmette District 39’s School Board approved the promotion of Highcrest Principal Kelly Jackson to D39’s next assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

According to a press release from the district, Jackson will be charged with directing the long-term planning of the educational program to provide for the future educational needs of the community.

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected as District 39’s next assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction,” said Jackson in the release. “My passion lies in guiding the students of Wilmette and helping them develop, grow, and find their path to future success.

“During my time in the district, I have worked positively affect students as both a teacher and school administrator, and I am looking forward to continuing that work in my new role.”

Jackson has nearly 25 years as a District 39 educator. She began with D39 as a Spanish teacher before taking on the role of curriculum coordinator in 2005.

In 2009, Jackson transitioned to school administration, serving four years as a grade level administrator at Wilmette Junior High School before taking over as principal of Cherokee Elementary School in Lake Forest.

She returned to D39 in 2015 as principal of Highcrest and WJHS, leading the implementation of standards-based grading at HMS, serving as an administrator on the English Language Arts Curriculum Review Committee, and co-leading the World Language Curriculum Review Committee.

Jackson then in 2021 became Highcrest Middle School principal and district administrator for social emotional learning and family engagement.

Glencoe Park District with ‘highest available rating’ for recent bonds

Moody’s Investors Service on Jan. 31 affirmed the Aaa rating for Glencoe Park District for the district’s 2025 general obligation bonds, according to a release from the park district.

The rating also applies to all of the district’s outstanding general obligation bonds and to the overall credit of the district.

The bonds, which were approved by voters in November 2024, reportedly will finance various capital improvements within the district, including improvements to Glencoe Beach and an athletic field, and construction of and equipment for a new community greenhouse and parks maintenance facility. 

“Our excellent credit rating is the result of sound financial management and our commitment to being the most fiscally responsible park district for current and future generations,” said Lisa Sheppard, the district’s executive director, in a statement. “I would like to thank Finance Director John Cutrera and our business team for outstanding financial leadership that helped us reach our goals.” 

She added, “We are grateful to the Glencoe community for their ongoing support, which plays a crucial role in making these achievements possible.”

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