Hinsdale High School District 86
Among other business Nov. 18, board members:
• approved the Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South programs of study for the 2022-23 school year. The most notable provision is the inclusion of separate science pathways, with one beginning with physics and the other beginning with biology. Both sequences will be offered on both campuses. This is a compromise plan after a proposal for all students to follow the physics-first sequence was met with considerable community opposition. The physics-first sequence features earth science standards incorporated into the core concepts of physics, chemistry and biology. The biology-first pathway consists of traditional science courses without earth sciences standards; students who take this pathway can take earth science during their sophomore, junior, or senior year. Because Hinsdale South has been using the physics-first model exclusively for several years, at least two full-time equivalence staff will need to be added to its faculty at a cost of about $200,000 yearly to provide the biology-first curriculum.
• passed a resolution estimating the district’s 2021 property tax levy at $89.7 million. The 2020 levy extension was $87.8 million. Since the estimated levy shows a year-over-year change of less than 105 percent, a Truth in Taxation hearing is not required. The board is expected to vote on adopting the 2021 levy at its Dec. 16 meeting.
• supported the recommendation from the Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South principals to hold the two schools’ graduation ceremonies simultaneously at 7 p.m. May 26, 2022. Past ceremonies have either been held on different days or at different time on the same day so all board members and the superintendent can attend both graduations. Among the reasons given was to promote equity between the two schools and obviate the need for a contest to decide which school will go first.
