Students and community group ask board for an eighth period and scheduling changes as state law adds foreign-language requirement

Students and community program leaders spoke during public comment at the Sept. 22 Valley View board meeting about schedule constraints that leave some students without time for lunch or necessary coursework. Willie Poll, executive director of FOCUS (a program serving at-risk and underserved students), brought FOCUS students to the meeting and described students who must move between credit-recovery, work-based programs and bus schedules without adequate time to eat or rest.

Several students described the same problem. "The added 20 minutes would help people who need to eat because they don't have enough time," said Jaleel Funches, a BHS sophomore. Blessing Gajiri, a Bolingbrook High School junior, said she sometimes cannot eat because early bus schedules prevent packing a lunch, and the only grab-and-go options offered include peanut butter items she cannot eat.

FOCUS and leadership students said an additional eighth period could provide study time, support for students in credit recovery or AP classes, and a scheduled lunch break for students who otherwise go long stretches without food. "All these kids need help … they need a break, they need time to rejuvenate their minds and get ready for the next class," said Timothy Morgan, a BHS junior.

Legal and scheduling context During liaison reports, a board liaison noted a change to state graduation requirements and cited the statute by number: 105 ILCS 5/27-22, explaining that the law as amended will require two years of foreign-language instruction for ninth graders entering in the 2028–29 school year. The liaison said that means districts should consider schedule structures to ensure students who depend on bus transportation or early arrival options are not disadvantaged when new course requirements take effect.

Why it matters: Students in credit-recovery, work-based learning, or who rely on transportation may be unable to meet new course requirements or to get the nourishment and academic support they need without intentional schedule adjustments.

Board response and next steps Board members and administration did not take immediate action on the public comments during the meeting. The liaison urged families and the community to review the Illinois State Board of Education FAQ on the statute for planning purposes and to raise questions with the district.

Ending: Students and FOCUS leaders asked the board to consider adding an eighth period or other schedule changes to protect students’ access to meals and coursework as state graduation requirements evolve.