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Board votes to consolidate K–5 Dual Language program at Oak Terrace beginning 2027–28
Summary
The North Shore School District 112 Board approved the administration’s recommendation to close Red Oak and consolidate the K–5 Dual Language program at Oak Terrace for the 2027–28 school year, passing the motion 5–2 after public comment and board discussion.
The North Shore School District 112 Board of Education voted to consolidate its K–5 Dual Language program to a single site at Oak Terrace, effective in the 2027–28 school year. President Art Kessler introduced the administration’s recommendation to close Red Oak and relocate the K–5 Dual Language program after staff presented enrollment data and a consultant review.
Board members said they considered declining Spanish-speaking English Learner enrollment and a consultant’s analysis in making the decision. "The administration's recommendation to close Red Oak and consolidate the K-5 Dual Language Program to a single site at Oak Terrace beginning in the 2027-28 school year," the board record states, outlining the action the board adopted. Lisa Hirsh moved and Bennett Lasko seconded the motion.
The motion passed on a roll call vote with five ayes and two nays: AYES — Butler, Hirsh, Itkin, Kessler, Lasko; NAYS — Fink, Fishman. Board members acknowledged the difficulty the change poses for affected Red Oak families while urging the district to implement a comprehensive transition plan. The record notes the administration has hired a consultant to study recommendations from Dr. Soltero’s analysis and to develop a transition plan.
The public comment period included four speakers who opposed the consolidation (Pablo Alvarez, Cathy Curran, David Ettlinger, and Jennifer Klein) and one who supported it (Alex Brunk). The board directed administration to implement planning and transition processes for the consolidated program and to share communications with the community about the change. The board scheduled further administrative and committee work as part of that implementation.
