Plainfield School District 202 Reveals Plans for Boundary Adjustments

Plainfield School District 202 has announced its draft results from the Student Attendance Boundary study, which aims to address several pressing issues, including enrollment imbalances and transportation efficiency. Informational meetings are scheduled for October 8 and October 9, 2023, where district officials will present the findings and proposed boundary changes to the community.

Community Focus and Study Goals

The district initiated the study in August 2023, identifying it as a top priority for community planning. According to the district’s announcement, the study seeks to evaluate existing school capacities, future community growth, and the efficiency of transportation routes. Parents and community members can access the complete results online through the District 202 website and are encouraged to submit questions via a Google form.

Officials from the district, alongside representatives from RSP & Associates, the firm conducting the study, will hold identical presentations on both nights at 6 p.m.. The sessions will take place at Plainfield East High School, located at 12001 S. Naperville Road, on October 8, and at Plainfield Central, at 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, on October 9. While attendance at both meetings is not mandatory, the district encourages feedback after the sessions.

Addressing Enrollment and Capacity Issues

The proposed changes to school boundaries are primarily designed to alleviate capacity problems, as several schools are currently operating beyond their limits while others have available space. The study’s calculations also considered the impact of new residential developments on school populations, ensuring that the analysis reflects future demographic changes.

Beyond examining attendance figures, the study addressed logistical factors, such as upcoming construction plans at various facilities and strategies to minimize commute times for parents and bus routes. The district emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “District 202 values community input and encourages families and residents to review the draft findings and share their thoughts to help shape the final recommendations.”

A final vote on the boundary adjustments is scheduled for December 17, 2023. If approved, the new district boundaries will be implemented starting in fall 2026, with further adjustments expected to take effect in fall 2028. It is important to note that while some students may experience changes in school assignments, not all residents will be affected, and not all schools will undergo boundary adjustments.