Charge Feeder Districts For Math Classes: Hinsdale D86

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 officials said Thursday it's good that area students are taking advanced math in eighth grade.

But they said District 86 shouldn't have to cover the costs of staffing classes for the younger children.

Westmont-based Maercker School District 60, which includes part of Clarendon Hills, is requesting to send 22 students next year to take Honors Geometry in District 86.

In previous years, Maercker has sent fewer students, so District 86 has been able to fit them into existing courses.

But 22 is enough for a separate class, officials said. The salary cost for such a class would range from $17,000 to $30,000, depending on the particular teacher's pay.

At Thursday's school board meeting, members said the district would need to charge Maercker for the service.

"I'm all about helping districts in need, especially our (feeder districts), but I'm more committed to our own students," member Jeff Waters said. "We have students in our own district that need these (teachers) more. For me, as a board member, I'm completely against this consideration."

Other elementary districts in the area already offer Honors Geometry. But Maercker has the challenge of preparing students for two different high school systems – District 86 and Downers Grove District 99.

District 99 offers an "integrated" math curriculum, which is different from District 86.

Board President Catherine Greenspon said Maercker's situation is unfortunate.

"But that's a challenge in their staffing. We've got plenty of our own staffing challenges every year," she said.

Board members directed Superintendent Michael Lach to negotiate with Maercker on the issue.

They also wanted him to speak with Hinsdale District 181 and Oak Brook-based Butler District 53.

District 181 has requested to send seven students next year to attend Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors at District 86. Butler wants to send nine for that course and another one to AP Pre-Calculus AB.