Hastings to file legislation regarding school closure in Illinois Senate next week

Some schools in Illinois face fiscal uncertainty in the near future. This is due to many factors to include fiscal irresponsibility, lack of enrollment or even building schools in communities that were not needed.

Two school districts of note that have voted on or are considering closing schools are Lincoln Way School District #210 and St. Charles School District #303. In Lincoln Way District #210, financial difficulties partnered with declining student enrollment has resulted in the decision to close Lincoln-Way North, one of their newest high schools. In St. Charles District #303, due to declining enrollment, the Board of Education is considering closing anywhere between one and three schools.

In order to provide oversight, process and transparency, Senator Hastings will be filing legislation next week to ensure that school districts disclose information to the Illinois State Board of Education and to the general public.

“There is very little oversight by the State of Illinois on how a school district closes a school,” Hastings said. “In certain circumstances, the process may not be as transparent as the public would want it. They feel as if people are hiding information from them. As a taxpayer, there should be full transparency and planning when a school closes and they should have their voices heard.”