Flat Staffing In Elmhurst Schools Next Year

ELMHURST, IL – With a small increase in enrollment projected, Elmhurst school officials are proposing to keep staffing the same next year.

"In staffing terms, this triggers a neutral approach from an enrollment perspective," Joseph Schumacher, assistant superintendent of human resources, told the school board Tuesday.

Enrollment is expected to rise to 8,261 next year, an increase of 53 students. That's a hike of six-tenths of a percent.

In 2019-20, Elmhurst School District 205's enrollment was 8,573.

Over the years, the district has increased staff, which has not sat well with longtime board member Jim Collins. He has long questioned the staff expansion when enrollment has been relatively flat.

A year ago, the district presented a plan that called for 7 ½ more certified positions.

In Tuesday's presentation, the district revealed the number of expected teacher retirements. They amount to 13 this year, 26 in 2025-26, 14 in 2026-27 and 19 in 2027-28.

Officials know these numbers because teachers notify the district of their retirements four years ahead of time. That way, they can get 6 percent annual salary increases in their last four years.