WAUKEGAN – With support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois State Board of Education awarded eight local school districts with a combined $400,000 for infrastructure improvements.

“School facility quality is an important factor in teacher retention and student learning,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “When individuals are comfortable in their classroom, they are more successful. This state investment will directly contribute to an improved learning environment.”

WHO: State Senator Adriane Johnson, Mundelein High School Adult Education department

WHAT: Ceremony to recognize students’ achievements in the English Language Acquisition program

WHEN: Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Ruprecht Company, 1301 Allanson Rd., Mundelein, IL

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is partnering with the Mundelein High School Adult Education department to recognize the success of the English Language Acquisition pilot program and celebrate the adult students taking an active role in furthering their education.

“Individuals who prioritize the time to learn English while living, working and raising a family in America have better opportunities for job training and therefore, an improved quality of life,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Mundelein High School Adult Education department is a blessing in our community, and this literacy program will continue to make a significant difference to immigrant families who call our area home.”

At the ceremony, adult students who have completed the first phase of English Language Acquisition will receive a monetary reward provided by Ruprecht Company. As a pilot program for Mundelein High School, officials hope to bring awareness to the effectiveness and sustainability of the program.

“To recognize these students’ accomplishments, we’re inviting members of the community and media to join in the celebration, hear their stories and learn the importance of this program,” Johnson said.

In collaboration with College of Lake County and the Job Center in Waukegan, the Mundelein High School Adult Education program offers students an opportunity to learn English proficiency to help them join the workforce or move to post-secondary education. The program serves 500 non-native English speakers yearly at 11 locations throughout Lake County with in-person and virtual classes. More information on the program is available on the Lake County Careers website.

WAUKEGAN – To hear from constituents and connect residents with resources, State Senator Adriane Johnson will host a Coffee & Connect event at Chipy Cafe in Lincolnshire.

The event is scheduled to take place at 275 Parkway Dr. in Lincolnshire on Saturday, July 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect with constituents at Chipy Cafe,” Johnson said. “If you want to discuss new legislation, state resources or another issue you care about, I hope to see you there.”

Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with Sen. Johnson about issues facing the region and state. The event is open to any resident of the 30th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events can visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

WAUKEGAN – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Adriane Johnson announced funding to support projects in the Buffalo Grove and Waukegan park districts as well as the Village of Libertyville.

“Parks are vital to the health of a community, and park districts ensure operations are functional and run smoothly,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By making improvements to parks in Buffalo Grove, Libertyville and Waukegan, we are supporting the overall well-being of our residents.”

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

The Buffalo Grove Park District received $400,000 to revitalize Prairie Grove Park, the Waukegan Park District received $400,000 to renovate Bevier Park and the Village of Libertyville received $400,000 for phase 1 of Nicholas Dowden Park.

“This Parks and Recreation Month, I encourage residents to spend time learning, playing or being active outdoors,” Johnson said.

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website.