Hinsdale High School District 86 Board
Among other business at their Oct. 23 meeting, school board members
• unanimously supported changing the science sequence at Hinsdale Central to physics-chemistry-biology. Hinsdale South has used this ordering since 2008. During the transition year in 2020-21, Central freshmen will be able to choose the new sequence or the traditional sequence of biology-chemistry-physics. Starting in 2021, all freshmen will take Physics of the Universe regular or honors.
• listened to a preview of information that will be released Oct. 30 on the 2019 School Report Card. Central has been rated an exemplary school and South has been rated a commendable school, reported Carol Baker, assistant superintendent for academics.
• agreed to retain Amsco Engineering as a commissioning authority in connection with the referendum projects at a cost of $129,500.
• approved the 2020 summer school calendar, with the first semester starting on June 8 and the second on June 29. Credit-bearing courses will run Monday to Friday for three weeks, with enrichment courses and workshops running Monday to Thursday for three weeks.
• authorized changes to the insurance plans offered in the district effective Jan. 1. Premiums would have increased by 21 percent without the adjustments. With the changes, the HMO cost increase is 26 percent, but the hikes in the PPO and HSA plans are only 5.1 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively.
• heard an update on work being done on Goal 2 of the district’s strategic plan, which is to provide a learning environment that promotes student well-being. The district wants to optimize the school day and calendar to meet individual student needs and promote student well-being; give students opportunities to participate in school decisions and be responsible for school outcomes; and use best practices to improve students’ social and emotional skills and reduce excessive stress.
• approved agreements with SASS and the YWCA to provide services to eligible students on campus who are facing a mental health crisis or have experienced sexual trauma.
