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Parents and teachers urge Urbana SD 116 to preserve upper-level classes amid proposed cuts
Summary
Teachers and parents told the Urbana School District 116 board the proposed 2025–26 cancellations and combinations of upper-level courses — including advanced German, Calc 3 and multiple AP and arts classes — would undermine students’ college readiness, bilingual seals and career pathways, and urged district leaders to pursue scheduling or partnership alternatives.
Julie Beckett, the German teacher at Urbana High School, told the board she has run a five-level German program for 28 years and that combining distinct language levels into a single period would lower students’ achievement and reduce the program’s long-term value. “You don’t combine two levels of math and think it’s okay,” Beckett said, adding that every AP German student in recent years has scored a 4 or 5 on the exam and that many earn the seal of biliteracy.
Parents followed with detailed examples of courses they say the central office has canceled or consolidated for 2025–26. David Guth asked the administration for the estimated cost savings of assigning certified teachers to study halls instead of teaching specialized, licensed curricula, whether the decisions were centralized or school-level, and whether the district considered Illinois statutes and ISBE guidance when making the changes. Another parent, who identified themself as Muli, said removal of Calc 3 and other advanced STEM classes would create “a real barrier” for students aiming for top colleges. Kate McClean urged the board not to cut higher-level language and AP classes, emphasizing that AP participation and outcomes are hallmarks families use to evaluate high schools.
Board members thanked commenters and stressed that, while the board approves the district budget, initial scheduling and course-offering decisions were described as administrative. One board member urged administrators to remember the district’s equity statement and to prioritize access to academically rigorous programming for a range of learners. Board members suggested exploring blended classes, shared staffing, virtual partnerships and cross-district arrangements as alternatives to outright elimination.
Administration and board members did not announce a final decision during the meeting. The board asked staff to report back with additional information about the budgetary drivers, any required compliance with state accelerated-placement rules, and notification steps taken for students and families.
