Hinsdale D-86 Board United On Keeping Disparity

DARIEN, IL – Much is made of the differences on the Hinsdale High School District 86 board.

But the board stands united on perhaps the district's biggest issue – the disparity in course offerings between Central and South high schools.

The numbers show the far wealthier Central has many more course offerings for its students. Central's enrollment is twice that of South's.

Six of the seven board members hail from the Central zone. Only Cynthia Hanson lives in the South area.

During meetings earlier this month, the board twice discussed the staffing levels at the high schools. Staffing determines the number of offerings.

At one meeting, Hanson brought up the topic of a boundary change between the schools. Balancing the enrollments is seen as a way to give students equal opportunities.

But a boundary change is considered politically untouchable. That's because Central residents fear their home values would plunge if they were shifted into South's attendance zone.

In response to Hanson, one administrator said he wanted to be careful not to give his opinion. Two board members immediately downed the idea. Others stayed silent.

On Thursday, the board approved staffing levels for the schools. There was no discussion. Hanson seconded the motion to approve the administration's recommendation. The vote was unanimous.

Under the plan, South will increase by three teachers, to 117. Central will lose the equivalent of 1.7 positions, dropping to 200.6.

The district expects to see 60 fewer students at Central next year and 18 more at South.

Burr Ridge resident Alan Hruby, a watchdog over District 86, has said South will need many more positions to make up the disparity in courses. He favors a boundary change.

Last weekend, he compiled numbers showing Central is set to run nearly 100 more courses than South next year.

A year ago, he also released numbers that showed the difference was far greater than what the district portrayed. Officials later said he was right.

District officials have not returned Patch's message about Hruby's latest statistics.

The district says it aims to align courses between the two schools in the next few years.