District 303 approves repurposing Fox Ridge, changing boundaries

Despite a final attempt by community members to save Fox Ridge, St. Charles Unit District 303 board members decided Monday night to close the elementary school and realign attendance boundaries next academic year.

The Fox Ridge building at 1905 E. Tyler Road will be repurposed into an early childhood center, according to a proposal approved by the school board in a 6-1 vote. In a separate vote, board members also unanimously agreed to change the elementary school boundary map, relocating as many as 600 students - about 100 fewer than originally proposed.

The plan, which was introduced by administrators in January, aims to balance student distribution and reduce class sizes at the elementary level, Board President Kathy Hewell said. The district for years has been trying to address declining enrollment numbers and a disparity in the use of school facilities, many of which are above or below target capacity, she said.

Repurposing Fox Ridge is expected to save the district about $280,000 per year, documents show. The district also plans to hire up to 10 additional teachers.

"The board is trying to do its job to look at the issues that face the district and look at the solutions," Hewell said. "We're trying to be fiscally responsible."

Community members have criticized the district for what they say has been a lack of transparency and communication in its consideration of boundary changes and school closures. Danielle Penman, a Fox Ridge parent and a vocal opponent of the proposal, said the process seemed rushed and failed to consider all options.

"I think a lot of valid questions have been asked and not answered," she said. "A lot of us in the audience tonight and in the community have many doubts that this is the best possible option for our students."

The decisions, though difficult and uncomfortable, were made to better the entire district in the long term, board members said. Edward McNally called the closing of Fox Ridge a "Catch-22" but said the issue of overcrowded schools couldn't be ignored any longer.

Board member Carolyn Waibel, who cast the lone dissenting vote on the Fox Ridge measure, said she believes the process lacked communication and caused a rift in the community.

"Together, this board can do better than that," she said, urging her colleagues to mend the relationship with constituents. "We can create a better environment."

Administrators said they are developing a transition plan for the students and families who have to change schools. Third- and fourth-graders at Richmond Intermediate will be allowed to continue at the school through fifth grade, regardless of whether their attendance areas change.