Indian Prairie board members divided in vote against dissolving STEM school partnership
In a convoluted 4-3 vote, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 board members on Monday opted against withdrawing from the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School in Aurora. Brian Hill | Staff Photographer
Posted4/28/2021 5:20 AM
Frustrated by the process and concerned about the complexity of their decision, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board members have been wrestling with the prospect of withdrawing from the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School in Aurora.
In a convoluted 4-3 vote Monday, they opted against terminating their involvement in the highly touted program. But the issue remains unresolved, they said, with the fate of the STEM school also resting in the hands of their four partners: Batavia District 101, West Aurora District 129, East Aurora District 131 and Aurora University.
Updated 2/9/2021 4:56 PM
With students of all ages now attending school on a hybrid schedule, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 officials are exploring options for expanding in-person learning opportunities.
Sending kids back to the classroom four days a week, rather than two, could be a possibility for certain grade levels if the district can work through enrollment logistics and ensure social distancing measures remain in effect, Superintendent Adrian Talley told the school board Monday.
School leaders are also hoping to increase in-person learning time for students who need additional academic support and those in special education programs, he said.
Serving roughly 27,400 students in Naperville, Aurora and surrounding communities, District 204 began rolling out its hybrid plan the week of Jan. 18 after being primarily remote since the COVID-19 pandemic hit last spring.
Competitive school board races set in DuPage County Indian Prairie Unit District 204, which includes Neuqua Valley High School, has 11 school board candidates running for four seats up for election in April. Daily Herald file photo
Updated 12/30/2020 7:49 PM
Interest is high in the school board elections this spring, as competitive races have emerged across DuPage County.
In several school districts, the list of candidates who filed nominating petitions by last week s deadline amounts to at least twice the number of board seats available.
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has been leading the pack since early in the weeklong filing period, with 11 hopefuls vying for four open seats. But candidate fields have grown substantially in many other districts, setting the stage for highly contested races in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200, Naperville Unit District 203 and more.
School board candidates flood ballot in Indian Prairie District 204 Indian Prairie Unit District 204, which includes Waubonsie Valley High School, has at least 10 school board candidates running for four seats up for election in April. Daily Herald file Photo
Updated 12/15/2020 7:50 PM
The school board election coming in the spring in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has turned into one of the most competitive races on the ballot in DuPage County.
To date, only two incumbents have formally declared bids to keep their seats, but voters will still have to sort out a slew of challengers.
The election for four open spots on the board is currently an 11-way race just two days into the weeklong filing period for hopefuls to put their names on the April 6 ballot.