Community demands focus on academics amid declining scores

In a recent school board meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the academic performance and operational decisions affecting District 128. The meeting began with public comments, where Kevin Horowitz, a parent, urged the board to reconsider the removal of religious holidays from the school calendar. He emphasized the importance of analyzing recent data from holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Diwali to determine if thresholds for taking days off were met, particularly as Yom Kippur approaches.

Another parent, Socrates, congratulated the new board member and expressed a desire for more open communication, suggesting that the three-minute speaking limit during public comments be reconsidered to allow for more meaningful dialogue. He also encouraged the board to broaden its search for a new superintendent beyond established candidates.

Marnie Navarro, a lifelong resident and graduate of the district, highlighted the district's substantial budget of over $103 million and the alarming trend of declining enrollment and standardized test scores. She called for a renewed focus on academic rigor and a standardized grading system, criticizing the current approach to heterogeneous classrooms and the perceived lack of accountability in academic performance.

John Hetzel raised concerns about the placement of academic performance discussions in the meeting agenda, questioning why they were not included in the general board meeting. He pointed out that the district has seen a regression in math and reading scores for two consecutive years and urged the board to prioritize academic outcomes over ideological initiatives.

The board also discussed the need for equitable access to educational opportunities, with a focus on ensuring that all students can participate in costly educational tours. A proposal was made to develop formal procedures to guarantee this access across the district.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the importance of addressing these community concerns and the need for a strategic focus on improving academic performance and transparency in decision-making processes.