District 102 families deeply value our schools and appreciate the district’s continued commitment to quality education and early learning.

During the 2024 referendum discussions, full-day kindergarten was highlighted in presentations and community meetings as part of D102’s long-term vision. Many parents were excited to hear this and believed the district intended to move toward free full-day kindergarten sooner rather than later.

Recently, the district confirmed that tuition-based kindergarten will continue until the 2027–2028 school year — the first year it will be required by Illinois law. While we understand that transitions take planning, we believe our children shouldn’t have to wait to benefit from a full day of learning, enrichment, and social development.

Other nearby districts, including Kildeer District 96, Wheeling CCSD21, Deerfield PSD 109,  Palatine CCSD 15, Arlington Heights D25, and many others, have already implemented full-day kindergarten ahead of the mandate. This shows that earlier implementation is both possible and beneficial.

We respectfully ask the D102 Board of Education to:

1. Reevaluate the current timeline for implementing free full-day kindergarten.
2. Explore options to begin as early as the 2026–2027 school year.
3. Continue open dialogue with parents about funding priorities and planning.

Starting full-day kindergarten just one year earlier would honor the spirit of the referendum, strengthen early learning, and show D102’s ongoing commitment to supporting every family.

Let’s come together as a community to make this possible.
Please sign and share this petition to show your support for early access to free full-day kindergarten in District 102.