Holmes Elementary School’s early childhood classrooms for special education students are relocating to Whittier Elementary School over the summer.
The move comes as District 97 looks to consolidate those classrooms in one building, according to Chris Jasculca, D97’s director of policy, planning and communications.
“The work being undertaken at Whittier will enable us to house all of our early childhood classrooms in one location,” Jasculca said. “It will also provide our community with another fully accessible elementary school and help us better serve our students with special needs.”
Whittier Principal Carol Young, who’s been with the district for nearly 30 years, says she’s preparing space for the additions. Whittier currently has two early childhood classrooms for 3- and 4-year-old children. Young, who’s retiring June 30, recalls the district having early childhood classrooms at different buildings since at least the 1980s. She said parents will like having one location now providing services to students.
Space at Whittier is being reconfigured to house all of the early childhood classrooms on the first floor. Holmes’ early childhood teacher will also relocate to Whittier, and a second instructor might also relocate to the school, Young said.
As one of the district’s smallest schools, Whittier can accommodate the extra staff and students, Young said.
Whittier has roughly 400 students currently enrolled. Space overall in the district, however, is becoming a growing concern, with enrollment trending higher and higher in recent years.
Projections for the upcoming school year show enrollment climbing just above 5,900 students. A capacity study released this spring by the district shows several buildings nearing their capacity.
Young said her school has not yet reached its capacity.
As part of its scheduled accessibility upgrades this year, Whittier is having an elevator installed this summer. Young said that addition will help both staff and students with special needs. Other upgrades for the school include expanded restrooms and new accessibility ramps in some areas of the building.