D57 is making mistakes that D25 is not
It is sadly ironic that at the exact time that the middle school bands from Arlington Heights District 25 and Mt. Prospect District 57 (both Prospect H.S. feeder districts) were performing in an annual concert with the Prospect Symphonic Band, District 57 was eliminating the band (and orchestra) programs at the elementary schools in its district.
Also ironic is how the two districts differ in their perspectives. Just one day earlier, board members from both districts attended an Illinois Association of School Board session at which Arlington Heights District 25 gave a presentation on a new academic offering (Mandarin Chinese).
District 57, in contrast, is eliminating not just portions of its music program, but also gifted education and other programs that raise student achievement.
In years to come, assuredly students from Arlington Heights District 25 will be better prepared for Prospect than will their counterparts from Mount Prospect District 57. Further, given this disparity, prospective homebuyers with school age children will certainly opt for a home in a community with the strongest school system.
District 25 undoubtedly listens to its parents and community. By contrast, District 57 has ignored pleas from parents to avoid outsourcing its busing, went against parental desires to retain the principal at Westbrook, told music education supporters that it would never negatively impact that program (and reneged on that commitment) and even ignored its own survey results by eliminating programs and cutting staff.
The decision by District 57 to relocate first grade to Westbrook significantly drained its financial reserves, and increased its operating expenses.
Purportedly this decision was made to reduce overcrowding, thus maintaining class sizes. In less than a year, the exact opposite has occurred. Along with program cuts, over 20 teaching positions are being eliminated and class sizes are being raised because of dwindling financial reserves and budget deficits.
So while Arlington Heights District 25 is making the best of the times for its students, in Mount Prospect District 57 it's the worst of times for parents, kids and (ultimately) the entire community.
Rich Benson
Mount Prospect