The special education department here in Community High School District 117 is committed to providing high-quality education in a supportive environment to students with special education needs.  Community High School District 117 believes all students can learn if given appropriate support and services.  We provide a continuum of programs and services to meet the needs of our students, as each student deserves an educational environment in which he or she can be most successful according to his or her individual needs.  

Students with disabilities may receive support and services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may qualify for support and services and/or protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. Community High School District 117 adheres to all Federal and State rules and regulations pertaining to the availability and implementation of Special Education Services and 504 Services.  If you have any questions, please contact our staff.

District Staff

Jennifer Ballard, PSP to the Assistant Superintendent - jennifer.ballard@chsd117.org
847-838-7288

Antioch Community High School

Randee Kallison - Coordinator/Department Chair - randee.kallison@chsd117.org

Dr. Kara Bolton - IEP Specialist - kara.bolton@chsd117.org

Christina Jorgensen - 504 Specialist - christina.jorgensen@chsd117.org

Lakes Community High School

Jacqueline Selfridge - Coordinator/Department Chair-jacqueline.selfridge@chsd117.org

Frank Fracek - IEP Specialist-frank.fracek@chsd117.org

Jill Carasso - 504 Specialist - jill.carasso@chsd117.org

District Transition Services and PUNS

Andrew Seketa - Coordinator-andrew.seketa@chsd117.org

PUNS is a database that registers individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver services (i.e. Community Integrated Living Arrangements, Home Based Supports, Child Group Homes) funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities. As funding is available, individuals are selected from PUNS and invited to apply for DD Waiver services.  The PUNS categories, criteria, forms and instructions for completing the form have recently been revised and now reflect a more streamlined approach to the process. These changes were necessary to reduce confusion, increase transparency, and make the selection process more predictable for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Understanding PUNS