South, Central Students May See 'Amazing Doors' Open

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 is poised to take a big step that could expand course opportunities for students.

Officials are working on the details of running shuttles between Central and South high schools. This would let students take courses that are unavailable on their campus.

Historically, South has offered a smaller course selection because of the school's far lower enrollment. So a shuttle is seen as particularly valuable for South.

The district has long allowed students to travel to the other campus for courses unavailable at their school.

But that has come with a catch: They must find a way to get there.

Even if students have transportation, they could miss parts of two other classes while traveling.

In recent months, school board members have suggested offering the courses in question before or after lunch. That would lessen the missed class time.

At Thursday's school board meeting, administrators presented the details of the shuttle proposal, with one official calling the costs "fairly nominal."

Board member Liz Mitha, who lives in the South zone, thanked the administration for working on the shuttle's logistics.

"I feel like this is going to open amazing doors for all our kids," she said. "I'm thrilled to see this and excited."

Some South residents have long requested changing the attendance boundary to equalize enrollments. But all seven board members oppose that idea.

Central residents fear that their home prices would plunge if the line shifted to put them in the South zone.