On Feb. 12, 2024, the school board took their final votes on the concept maps for the elementary, middle and high schools in District 303. They had decided to implement Concept Two for high schools, which would leave the boundaries the same as they are currently.
The decision came after six months of meetings and presentations to determine the most beneficial boundaries for the community. The district sent out a survey for anyone who might be affected by the changes to gain insight into the community’s perspective. Out of the 7,906 responses, just about 5,000 were parents, about 1,800 were students, about 1,500 were community members and less than 1,000 were staff. The survey showed that the majority preferred Concept Two. The survey also showed the top two priorities of the community: to keep the impact on students low and neighborhoods intact.
Presentations by the board showed that this is exactly what Concept Two would do. The top three benefits of Concept Two were “manageable student impact,” “neighborhood intact” and “future direction.”
The presentation from the board also aired the concerns of some parents who wrote in the survey: “Concept 2a would double the distance our kids have to travel if they had to attend Saint Charles East, vs North. This creates travel and safety concerns. The drive to East takes us directly by North High School,” commented one parent. Another response brought up a student’s perspective: “Changing high schools brings so much anxiety to us as students. It shakes up our sports, clubs, social groups and comfort level.”
Other comments showed support for Concept Two. “I believe the 2a map makes the most sense because it splits the high schools by the river which is the most efficient and sensible plan,” said one commenter. Another said, “Concept 2A from an elementary perspective makes the most sense. Concept two for middle school and high school impact the least amount of students.”
The board’s decision to keep the current high school boundaries is in alignment with Concept Two, which will be implemented during the 2024-2025 school year.
