Ellsworth parents press Naperville CUSD 203 for Learning Commons upgrades; veteran teacher says district drove her to retire
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Summary
At the Dec. 15 Naperville CUSD 203 board meeting Ellsworth Elementary parents asked how Home & School can partner with the district to modernize their school’s Learning Commons. Separately, a 33‑year teacher said she is taking early retirement and accused the district of mishandling disability accommodations and medical privacy.
Parents from Ellsworth Elementary and a longtime teacher used the public‑comment period at the Dec. 15 Naperville CUSD 203 Board of Education meeting to press the district on facilities and staff treatment.
Ellsworth parent and Home & School treasurer Alicia Hernandez Grande told the board that the school’s Learning Commons — a multiuse library, classroom and makerspace — “falls short” compared with other District 203 buildings and that staff are spending personal funds to make the space usable. She detailed limitations caused by the building’s age, said Home & School groups can currently earmark only $5,000 per year for capital projects, and asked for clear guidance on what fundraising, volunteer labor, or in‑kind support could accomplish in partnership with the district.
“The question tonight is simple: What can Ellsworth’s Home and School do to support district staff in evaluating the Learning Commons for improvement and investment?” Hernandez Grande said, explaining that parents have fundraising capacity and volunteers but need clarity on feasible projects and next steps.
Separately, teacher Holly Bunkowski Bergman — a district educator for 33 years — announced she is taking an unplanned early retirement and accused the district of failing to respond appropriately after she disclosed a medical condition. Bergman said she expected “professionalism” and respect for medical privacy and compliance with FMLA, but instead felt “reduced to an inconvenience” and forced out: “I am not retiring because of my disability. I’m retiring because this district made me feel that I should not continue.”
Board policy limits public‑comment discussion of operational matters during the meeting; the board reiterated that the superintendent serves as the board’s designee to coordinate responses to issues raised in public comment. The board did not take immediate action on either request; administration said operational issues raised will be taken under advisement and may be added to a future agenda or addressed by staff.
What happens next: Parents seeking to support Ellsworth’s Learning Commons should expect follow‑up from district administration about what kinds of projects are feasible and how Home & School funds could be used in light of district capital planning and the building’s constraints. The superintendent, as the board’s designee, is responsible for coordinating a district response to Bergman’s concerns about accommodations and personnel procedures.