Hinsdale D86 Staffing Debate Involves Disparity

HINSDALE, IL – Every year, Hinsdale High School District 86's discussion on teacher staffing touches on the disparity in course selection between the two schools.

Historically, the far larger Hinsdale Central, with a wealthier student body, offers more curriculum opportunities.

This year's staffing discussion is at the school board's Thursday meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. in Hinsdale Central's library. The board is slated to vote on the issue later this month.

The enrollment at both schools will barely change next year, according to projections. Central is expected to enroll two more students, for a total of 2,411. Meanwhile, South is projected to drop by 25, to 1,280.

In its proposal, the district recommends employing 212 teachers at Central and 132 at South. That's two more at Central and four more at South.

District-wide, the number of teachers is staying the same. That's because the district will no longer keep the Haven Program separate.

According to the district, Haven is a "self-contained therapeutic program for students with emotional disabilities that is designed to provide a positive learning environment." Now, Haven students will be embedded in the two campuses' special education departments, the district said.

Some school board members have said the district should offer more low-enrollment classes at South. Because it is smaller, South traditionally cancels more courses because few students request them.

Next school year, the administration wants to run 23 low-request courses at South, nearly double Central's 12. By the same token, officials are recommending South and Central not run 21 and 16 low-request courses, respectively.

Some residents in the South zone have long pushed for changing the attendance boundary between the schools, equalizing enrollment. But the idea is considered politically toxic because Central residents near the boundary fear their home values would plunge if the line shifted.