By: Andrea Azzo, Public Information Specialist
Shepard High School has officially been annexed into the City of Palos Heights, marking a new chapter in its relationship with the local community. This change means the school may receive municipal services—including police protection—from the City of Palos Heights.
The Community High School District 218 (CHSD 218) Board of Education unanimously approved the annexation resolution 7-0 at its meeting on Thursday. The Palos Heights City Council initially approved the measure on April 15 and finalized the ordinance with updated legal language on Tuesday.
Previously located in unincorporated Cook County, Shepard High School received support from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. CHSD 218 is now working on an agreement with the City of Palos Heights to provide a school resource officer, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
“This is a significant milestone for our school community,” said Shepard Principal Dr. Tim Baker. “Becoming part of Palos Heights not only strengthens our identity within a vibrant and supportive municipality but also opens the door to new opportunities for collaboration, community engagement, and shared resources. We’re grateful to the City of Palos Heights for welcoming us, and we look forward to building strong partnerships that benefit our students, staff, and families.”
CHSD 218 Superintendent Dr. Josh Barron said the Palos Heights community already has a strong relationship with High 5 Heights, a business that is run by students with special needs from the Adult Transition Program at CHSD 218. The police department and nearby businesses have supported the store since it opened at 12213 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, in November 2023.
“I’m elated to form this partnership with the Palos Heights community,” Barron said. “This takes community to a whole new level. On behalf of the Board of Education, we are grateful to the City of Palos Heights, Mayor Robert Straz, and community leadership for this connection.”
CHSD 218 board members said that moving from an unincorporated area to within city limits would be positive for Shepard High School. CHSD 218 Board President Carol Kats noted that the Palos Heights police chief also spoke positively about the annexation at a meeting she attended.