District 204 puts overcrowding in its sights
Some overcrowded Indian Prairie District 204 schools, such as Young Elementary, can expect boundary changes for 2013-2014, while the rest of the district could face changes the following school year.
District 204 board members voted this week to hire RSP & Associates to prepare a demographic study of the district. The company, used previously by Naperville Unit District 203, plans to report back to the board in October with a detailed look at current demographics including population, diversity, home values, income levels and census information; a forecast of future enrollment; and an analysis with maps using a geographic information system.
“In October, we’re going to tell you where the problems are and it’s going to be put right back in your lap with how to proceed,” said Mark Porter of RSP.
District officials are recommending the board first address overcrowding issues, make changes for the 2013-2014 school year and then look at the district as a whole.
“I’m thrilled the district won’t be moving families without this meaningful demographic study to make these decisions, calculated decisions,” board member Dawn DeSart said.
Families at Young have been complaining about overcrowding and promises by board members to address the issue several years ago when portable classrooms were added to the school. Parents say Young students don’t have enough time to finish lunches because of long lines; the library and school stage are used as alterative teaching spaces; art is taught from movable carts; and kindergarten is taught in a conference room.
“We shouldn’t force our children to achieve despite their environment,” parent David Zolnier said. “That’s what’s not fair about Young right now.”
Board member Mark Rising, also a parent of a Young student, wants to see the school’s problems addressed more quickly. “Something has to be done because it is a bad situation,” he said.
But officials also have been monitoring high enrollment at Cowlishaw and Longwood schools, and say a snapshot of the district as a whole is needed.
“We should have been looking at this a year ago if not two years ago. We waited too long. We have let a community down tremendously,” board member Susan Rasmus said. “Young community, I’m sorry what has happened to you. You are probably going to make this district a better place.”
The district also shows signs of a coming growth spurt as residential developers have been showing interest in the community. Board members recognized any decisions they make will be emotional.
“Each and every family, you have to look in their eyes and say, ‘You are going to have to be moved for this reason and it is the right thing to do,’” DeSart said.