Board reviews 2026–27 calendar first read; district outlines half‑day plan for municipal election day with park‑district partnership

District 57 presented the first read of the 2026–27 academic calendar on Nov. 18 and discussed logistics to minimize instructional disruption during 2027 construction work.

Karen Schwartzwell, identified by the board as the director of human resources during the presentation, said the calendar committee — which included parent representatives — recommended starting the school year two days earlier than recent years and adding a half day in April to align with municipal election schedules. The committee’s work factored in contractual constraints, construction timelines for 2027, and state-mandated restrictions (the staff noted state guidance has advised districts not to hold school on general election days in November).

Board members raised childcare concerns tied to half days. In response, staff described an operational partnership with the Mount Prospect Park District to provide half‑day programming at sites including Westbrook, Lions Park and Fairview, with district-arranged busing to the rec centers and optional sign-ups for families. "We are working with the park district, on those half days," a staff presenter said, describing an a la carte sign-up model and prior successful trials earlier in the year.

The board discussed alternatives such as making municipal election days full non-attendance days, but staff explained tradeoffs related to professional-development scheduling, coordination with neighboring districts, and the desire to preserve institute day timing. The board also discussed security costs when buildings are used as polling places and whether additional advocacy is needed for state-level support to offset local costs.

The calendar is at first-read stage; the board will consider public feedback and return for a second reading before any adoption.