Lake Bluff families who want to hear how their school district is planning for the new school year will need to show up in person.

Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65's Board of Education and administrators will hold a public retreat at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the district office, 121 E. Sheridan Place. The meeting will not be live-streamed or recorded, according to the district's public notice. That makes physical attendance the only way to observe the board's planning session in real time.

The retreat falls 16 days before the first day of school for students on Aug. 27, according to the district calendar.

How to participate

Parents and residents who cannot attend may submit written comments to be read aloud by emailing Amy Kotnik at [email protected]. Those who do attend should know the rules: in-person speakers are limited to three minutes and must wait to be recognized by the board president. Board members will not respond to public comment during the meeting, per Board Policy 8:30.

Speakers are expected to conduct themselves with respect and civility. The district asks that attendees address the board only at the designated time on the agenda.

First pre-school-year retreat in recent history

The Aug. 11 session is the district's first board retreat since June 25, 2024, when a special retreat was held at 8 a.m., according to BoardBook meeting records. That 2024 session took place in the summer as well, but the upcoming retreat is notable for its timing just weeks before classes begin.

The board's most recent regular meeting was June 23, 2026. No other summer meetings appear in the district's public records between that date and the Aug. 11 retreat.

What to know before you go

The agenda had not been posted as of Friday, Aug. 7, but the district says it will appear on the Lake Bluff Board webpage at lb65.org. The district office is on summer hours through Friday, Aug. 14: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Fridays.

The 9 a.m. start time is earlier than the board's typical evening meetings. Families juggling work schedules who cannot attend should use the email option to ensure their comments reach the board.