No School on Election Days?
The District 203 Board of Education is considering having no school on election days. Currently District 203 opens six schools as polling places when local and national elections take place. The board discussed student safety being its primary reasoning for why they would consider cancelling classes on election days, as to best avoid voter and student interaction. No school on election days would potentially be added to the 2020-2021 school year calendar, but administration is waiting until at least February to proceed further on this calendar, in order to allow the Illinois State Board of Education more time to give guidance on legislative changes that may impact the school year.
Breakfast at District 203
And District 203 is considering a pilot breakfast program. The proposal looks to add healthier meal options for students already utilizing free and reduced lunch. Currently both 203 high schools provide a breakfast program, but no middle schools or elementary schools have one. The pilot is recommended to begin as a mobile breakfast cart at two elementary and two middle schools with hot and cold options to purchase for under $2. The board will vote on the pilot at its next meeting, and if approved would begin in early February.
Community Trees Profit
Cantigny’s McCormick House has named Operation Welcome You Home as the winner of the 2018 Community Trees program. The organization tallied up the most public votes for its decorated tree, earning a total of $5,000. Operation Welcome You Home works to assist veterans leaving for or returning from combat-zone deployment. The other six participating charities received $2,500, and cash contributions to all seven organizations totaled $1,674.
New Benedictine President
Benedictine University has named Charles W. Gregory as its 12th president. Gregory was serving as the interim president since August, when Dr. Michael Brophy resigned from the position. Gregory joined the university in 1997 and has served as the executive vice president of Benedictine’s main campus, while being heavily involved in on and off campus projects.
