District 15 launching science, math program

Palatine Township Elementary District 15 will move forward with a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program officials tout as an investment in creating 21st century learners.

The school board recently voted 6-1 to launch STEM curriculum next year at all four of its junior highs, a departure from last September when the administration supported implementation on a smaller scale.

“District 15 (will) be better equipped to offer world-class education to all of its students,” Deputy Superintendent Jim Garwood said.

A semester-long design and modeling course will offered to both seventh and eighth graders next year at Sundling, Plum Grove, Sandburg and Winston Campus junior highs. An automation and robotics course also will be included in the following school year’s curriculum.

All students will continue to take science and math, and will have the option of taking the STEM class as an “enrichment” course similar to orchestra and foreign language.

Garwood estimates startup costs could total up to $170,000 over the next two years. Though that’s just a fraction of the district’s $140 million annual budget, board members had debated whether the program is a prudent use of funds given a dire financial outlook.

District 15 recently began holding a series of special budget meetings for teachers, staff and the community on how to go about chipping away at next year’s roughly $10 million projected deficit.

Board members Rich Bokor and Peggy Babcock said they’d rather the district delay the program a year because of so many unknown variables, including exact costs and the severity of likely personnel cuts.

“It just feels to me we’re rushing,” said Babcock, who ultimately voted for the proposal to show her support for the STEM program and to go with the board majority.

Proponents acknowledged the conflict between deciding to spend more while demanding officials find ways to cut, but pointed out what they deemed important distinctions.

For one, the STEM classes won’t add to the district’s structural deficit problem, board member Scott Herr said. After startup costs for equipment, class reconfiguration and training, annual material purchases are projected to be slightly less than current supplies.

Garwood also is confident the district will receive grant money, up to $20,000 for each junior high. Officials are reaching out to local technology corporations including Motorola and Northrop Grumman about possible program support, as well.

And by implementing one course per year, teacher training will be cheaper because it takes place in Chicago as opposed to Champaign.

“I see it as a business investment for the kids’ future,” board President Tim Millar said. “It’ll pay dividends in the long term.”

Garwood said officials at Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 and Northwest Suburban High School District 214 are excited that freshmen will come in better prepared, and have discussed possible partnerships with District 15.