Harrell calls for community discussion to assure equity among schools
By Chris Fox
For The Elmhurst Independent
Members of the District 205 School Board voted 5-0 at their recent meeting to approve several donations to district schools.
Board member Margaret Harrell voted present and explained that as a unit school district, District 205 needs a collaborative process that advances the whole district. She called for a community discussion on what and how donations will be accepted. She asked what equity in schools means to residents. Board member John McDonough said he supported Harrell’s suggestion for future discussion of donations and equity among district schools.
Approved donations include:
- $11,500 from the Lincoln Elementary School PTA for a kindness campaign speaker, books for the school’s book room;
- $5,000 for STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Math) resources, also at Lincoln;
- $1,700 from the Aidan Shea Foundation to Jackson Elementary School for a year-long subscription to BrainPop–an online educational site;
- About $1,200 from the Sandburg Middle School PTA to purchase a monitor outside of the school office which will allow students to view announcements and information about coming events;
- $2,000 donation from the Field Elementary School PTA for an indoor stencil sensory path;
- $3,500 donation for a Gaga ball pit also at Field;
- $27,500 from the Technology and Manufacturing Association Foundation to York High School to pay for the purchase of a CNC Mini Mill that will be used for the school’s manufacturing courses.
