D230 Candidates on Changing District Boundaries

The following question was asked of candidates campaigning for a seat on the Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education in Patch’s election questionnaire.

Answers are listed in the order they were received.

What are your thoughts on recent redistricting? Should students be able to go where their families originally planned or does the need to balance school population come first, and why?

Back in 1989, the district was facing a similar issue of redistricting that was done to alleviate overcrowding at Andrew and low enrollment at Stagg. Now 24 years later we are looking at a similar issue of balancing district resources and student population. The issue of redistricting has the possibility to help the district in the long run, but all communication of this action and justifications need to be presented, throughout the process, to all stakeholders of the community. Each school should have a population of students that provides equal opportunity for all students and staff to work and learn in an environment with adequate resources.

Ben Twietmeyer

The large amount of parent feedback and participation that was shown during the recent redistricting meetings displays that our parents are willing to get involved with the process of keeping our schools strong. I am very proud to live in a district where parents willing to participate in their children’s academic future.
It is difficult to ask families who take pride in their high school to make a change to a different school. The pride that families have in our schools is a part of what makes them great places to be and builds community. The board decision to redistrict was a tough, but necessary decision. The redistricting allows all three schools to have sufficient enrollment to offer complete academic and extracurricular programs. I support the decision that the current board made. This decision keeps our district strong as a whole and offers all our students opportunities to be successful.

Melissa Gracias

I don't think redistributing is a bad option. If you have multiple schools and one is loosing enrollment while the others are becoming over crowded, the best alternative for the student and staff is to try to strike a balance within the district. This is better for the students and staff. Alternatively, you could "borrow" staff or teachers from the school with less and place them into the school w the larger enrollment. Why loose a vetted teacher with a proven teaching record, when a sister school needs one? Plus, overcrowded classrooms make for difficult learning environment. Yes, I would definitely consider this option.

Tony Serratore

While I understand that parents may have a preference in the school that their child attends it is important that they understand that all three of our high school are quality schools and all are highly ranked educationally in the state.  The issue of redistricting is about ensuring that all three of our schools are able to continue to offer the same educational and extra-curricular activities that are currently available to the students. Current enrollment projections show a sharp decline in the Andrew enrollment. This decline will require significant cuts in programs due to the lack of student participants. In addition, the cost per student at Andrew will significantly increase as many of the fixed costs will remain the same while the student population decreases. Redistricting will enable Andrew to continue to maintain its current program offerings and help relieve some of the over-crowding at Sandburg.

Susan Dalton

I feel the current board made a thoughtful and logical decision on the redistricting issue. Changes like these are always difficult for families, especially for the students immediately affected. However I feel the board gave them the opportunity to make the best choice within their circumstances. We are a consolidated high school district, so at times changes may be necessary in order to ensure that all three schools are running at healthy levels.

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