Participation in athletics is on the rise at Hinsdale Township High School District 86, with a record 41% of freshmen joining sports this fall, contributing to an overall participation level of 31.1%. This marks the highest engagement in several years, reflecting the district's efforts to encourage students to explore new activities. The positive trend was highlighted during the district's regular action meeting on November 21, 2024, where board members expressed pride in the increased involvement and its importance for student engagement.

However, the meeting also addressed significant challenges facing the district's language programs, particularly German and American Sign Language (ASL). German enrollment has seen a dramatic decline, dropping 40% at Central and 33% at South over the past five years. This trend has raised concerns about the sustainability of the German program, especially with the impending retirement of key German teachers. In contrast, ASL is experiencing growth, with increasing student interest and no need for stacked classes.

The administration presented five options for the future of the German program, including a proposal to "sunset" the program district-wide while expanding ASL offerings at Central. Board members engaged in a robust discussion, weighing the implications of each option. Many expressed a preference for sunsetting the German program, citing the difficulty in hiring qualified teachers and the need to align resources with student interest.

The board's consensus leaned towards option one, which would phase out the German program while enhancing ASL offerings, reflecting a strategic shift in response to changing student preferences and staffing challenges. This decision is expected to provide clarity for future curriculum planning and resource allocation, ensuring that the district continues to meet the needs of its students effectively.