Julian Middle School student tells D97 board 15-minute lunches are too short

Annabelle Harley, a seventh-grade student at Julian Middle School, told the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 board during public comment on Sept. 16 that students are not given enough time to eat lunch. "I go to Julian Middle School, and I think that lunch is way too short," Harley said, adding she has collected more than 150 signatures supporting a change.

Harley said the published schedule allows 18 minutes for lunch but that students currently have about 15 minutes to eat. She said outdoor eating is permitted now but will become a problem in colder months when students must eat indoors and the auditorium is closed. "Kids are hungry as is, and it's worsened by the fact that they're not finishing their lunches because they're not having enough time to do so," she told the board.

Context: Harley cited the Illinois State Board of Education’s recommended lunch time for students and asked the board to consider solutions such as allowing students to eat in the auditorium, creating snack time, or otherwise adjusting schedules to reduce disruption midyear.

What the board heard: The board received the comment during the public comment period; there was no immediate board action. The student said she understands schedule changes midyear are difficult and urged the district to pursue mitigations that could lessen the problem.

Why it matters: Mealtime is connected to student nutrition and attention in class. Harley pointed to the state education guidance — the Illinois State Board of Education recommends about 20 minutes of seated time for children to eat — and asked the district to consider practical adjustments before winter.

Provenance: Public comment by Annabelle Harley at the Sept. 16 board meeting; transcript excerpted by staff.