Equality Between Central And South? Board Eyes Plan

HINSDALE, IL – Like many schools, Hinsdale High School District 86 has seen its share of hot-button issues of the moment – masks, critical race theory and anti-racism consultants, among them.

But one issue has lurked in the background – the unequal course offerings at Central and South high schools.

To address that situation, the district has been working in recent years on a unified program of studies for both Central and South high schools. Part of that effort has been the controversial changes to the science curriculum.

On Thursday, the school board plans to look at a proposal for a unified curriculum for the 2023-24 school year.

A couple of decades ago, the two schools' enrollments were about the same. Now, Central's is double South's.

That has meant Central has been able to offer a much wider selection of courses than South. South has a considerably higher percentage of low-income students.

Some in the South zone suggest a boundary change between the schools to equalize enrollment.

But such a move is considered politically untouchable. Central residents near the boundary fear their property values would plunge if the zones changed.

On many issues, the seven-member board's majority and minority factions express disagreement.

But on the boundary issue, they appear to be on the same page – seeking no change. The one possible exception is Cynthia Hanson, the only member who lives in the South zone.

Even administrators sense they should avoid the topic. Asked about a boundary change at a meeting earlier this year, Assistant Superintendent Chris Covino, "I'm being careful not to take a position here."

Burr Ridge resident Alan Hruby has studied the inequality between the schools, putting out videos demonstrating the problem.

He has argued that a unified curriculum for the two schools means little if the district fails to increase South's personnel. He said many courses would be offered, but then canceled because of a lack of enrollment.