Unique Course At South, Central Not Drawing As Much Interest As Expected

HINSDALE, IL – 2023 was a turbulent year politically for Hinsdale High School District 86.

But everyone involved at the time appeared to agree with one action that the school board took – offering a Geometry in Construction course at both schools.

The idea was to apply geometry to actual construction. The course, which is now in its second year, lasts two periods and involves woodworking, with teachers representing both disciplines.

But the course apparently did not attract as much interest as expected this school year.

"We used to have much more demand in some great courses," board member Bobby Fischer said at a committee meeting this week. "I certainly saw that in Geometry and Construction. We think that's a great course. Why don't kids agree? What's going on?"

No one answered.

Both campuses offer two Geometry in Construction classes.

At South, 21 students are attending the course this year, amounting to 53 percent of capacity. Meanwhile, 38 take part at Central, reaching 90 percent of capacity.

In all, 59 students participate, making up less than 2 percent of the district's enrollment.

The proposal for the course was well-received at an October 2023 school board meeting.

"I'm really excited to see this course run," then-member Kay Gallo said. "I clearly remember my geometry class. I clearly remember my architecture class. They were wonderful. If we had something like (Geometry in Construction), that would be even better."