Elmhurst D-205 Seeks Critic's Help To Get Money

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst School District 205 is seeking the help of local state legislators, even one who has criticized the district in recent months.

The state plans to distribute $60 million for construction at public and nonprofit preschools. The local district wants a piece of that pie for Madison Early Childhood Center, 130 W. Madison St., where enrollment is up.

As part of the process, the district is giving area state lawmakers tours of Madison and seeking their feedback.

The first such meeting was last week with state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi, R-Elmhurst, who has denounced the district in recent months. At one point, Mazzochi called for the school board to "clean house."

At last week's board meeting, Chris Whelton, assistant superintendent of finance, said the money would provide a "tremendous" opportunity for Madison to increase the scope of planned renovations.

It could also give the school more capacity for children up to age 3, he said.

Over the last 13 years, the school has seen its enrollment increase to more than 300 children, from 75, Whelton said.