Hinsdale D86 Program's Costs Skyrocket Over 4 Years

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 is not trying to cause stress for parents of Transition Center students, but the district must be fiscally responsible, a school board member said Thursday.

Last month, the district hired a consultant to examine the program. He is interviewing Transition Center staff, parents and students, officials said.

Over four years, the center's per-student cost has more than doubled to $89,000, up from $43,000, member Liz Mitha said.

"In addition to strong outcomes for students, we are tasked with fiscal oversight of the district. And we have a duty to the community to evaluate a program and deeply understand when its costs double," Mitha said. "If it were any program that had that kind of cost increase over four years, we would also evaluate it."

Board President Catherine Greenspon said board members don't understand the center the way they do the district's two high schools.

Any decisions would take a year to carry out, along with plenty of scrutiny, she said.

In recent meetings, parents and former Transition Center students have expressed worry that the program may be cut. They say it is valuable for those who need help to transition into society.

The center, with operations in Darien and Burr Ridge, helps those with disabilities between 18 and 22 gain skills.

An update on the consultant's work is expected at next month's regular school board meeting.