What You Should Know:
People often discuss the idea of merging these two school districts.
Why You Should Care:
League has studied it and discovered it wouldn't really be of interest to the taxpayers or the students.
School Consolidation Study Consensus (1984)
It is the consensus of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn that the League not encourage consolidation of Elementary School Districts #41 and #89 at this time. We do recommend continuing cooperation between the districts and expanding cooperation wherever possible.
Consolidation of Elementary Districts #41 and #89 is feasible. Both districts have similar tax rates, financial resources, demographics, facilities, educational philosophies, programs and administrative structures. However, no overriding advantages were determined that would lead the League to encourage consolidation at this time.
Philosophy and structure of certain special programs, including gifted education and special education, differ substantially and would be difficult though not impossible to reconcile.
Possible expansion of curriculum in a consolidated district would require increased transportation of students.
There would be some reduction in administrative costs, but this would probably be offset by increases in the cost of teachers' salaries and benefits due the face that the two districts have differing contract packages.
Consolidating Elementary District #41 and #89 would result in a single elementary district encompassing almost all of Glen Ellyn and its planning jurisdiction. However, such a district would also include parts of Wheaton, Lombard, Downers Grove, Glendale Heights and Carol Stream, as well as large unincorporated areas. Moreover, the students of this district would continue to attend two differnt high schools, Glenbard West and Glenbard South.
