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West40 held the 21st Annual Illinois School Safety Conference and welcomed approximately 850 school personnel, law enforcement officers, and public safety professionals on October 7 at the event's new location, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. West40 hosts the free annual event alongside partners from across Illinois, bringing together experts and professionals to share strategies and resources for keeping schools safe. This year's conference featured key

The 2026 Illinois School Safety Conference will be held October 7 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont as an opportunity for school personnel, law enforcement and public safety workers to learn from school safety and crisis prevention experts. The annual conference is hosted by West40 and our partners from across the state. The event is free and is open to district and school administrators, police and fire departments, transportation directors, safety and

“A shining example.” “A diligent worker.” “Extraordinarily ambitious.” These are among the many praises heaped upon young recipients of the 30th Annual School Citizen of the Year (SCOTY) Awards, organized by West40 and held on March 19 at West Leyden High School. West40 recognized 142 students from across West Cook County school districts for demonstrating exceptional character in their everyday actions. While academic achievement and participation in activities are considere

West40 congratulates Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, for being named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by an independent panel commissioned by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). According to the IASA, nominees are judge d on the following criteria: academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction and leadership. “Dr. Polyak’s recognition as the 2026