Year Round Education Committee Reaches Decision

On April 27, the Board of Education decided to discontinue any further investigation into the concept of Year Round Education, at least for the time being.  Board members cited a number of reasons for this decision including; anticipated administrative costs associated with the implementation phase; survey results from District 202 staff as well as the larger school community expressing opposition to the concept; and the challenges and complications of implementing YRE in a rapidly growing school district.  In casting their votes to suspend any further investigation into YRE, individual Board members were deliberate in noting that future conditions and circumstances may cause them to reconsider the concept at a later date. 

Projections insist that if the current growth trend continues (2,400 new students to District 202 annually), and in the absence of a successful future building bond and education fund referenda, student enrollment will exceed building capacity in the 2007-2008 school year.  

While no specific alternative to YRE was set, it appears evident that overlap schedules and/or split-shifts scheduling alternatives at all school levels will be explored in great detail as the administration moves toward developing auxiliary plans.  Finally, the Board of Education and the administration will continue to lobby with our state legislators and municipal leaders to assist the district with the challenges imposed by this rapid growth while at the same time address the State formula for funding  public education.