'School Choice' splits residents in St. Charles area
School District 303 Superintendent Don Schlomann's idea "School Choice" was met with plenty of passion Thursday night -- from those both for and against the program.
He was not surprised.
"I received more e-mails on this topic than any other topic," he told an audience of more than 200 parents, teachers and administrators. "Nobody's in the middle on this issue."
The program gives district parents more input into what their children are learning by allowing them to choose which school their children attend within the district, based on the programs a school offers.
Schlomann presented the idea at this month's Summit 303 meeting. Summit 303 is a series of monthly public forums that give residents a chance to provide feedback on issues that concern St. Charles Unit District 303.
Among the programs Schlomann brought up as possible "School Choice" programs were programs focused on second languages, fine arts and technology. The programs would begin in kindergarten and continue as long as the students wanted to remain in them, Schlomann said.
Jen Fisher, who teaches English as a Second Language at Munhall Elementary School, said the language programs could improve students' experiences at school.
"It would enhance the overall language ability of the district," she said.
Schlomann got the idea from the school district in Appleton, Wis., where he worked for nearly a decade in the 1990s.
Not everybody agreed that the plan is a good idea.
Kathy Brens, a retired English teacher in the district, said the plan would create inequity when it comes to opportunities for children.
"We need to return to flexibility within our curriculum," she said. "If we offered Chinese or French or any language, it should be available at all schools. There should be an equal curriculum at each school."
Schlomann said he welcomed those opposed to the plan and looked forward to hearing more.
"It's really split," he said. "It warrants some more discussion and we'll take it from there."