Not too long ago, niche.com ranked District 225 as the second-best school district in the United States. One of the primary reasons we have built this reputation is because of the Glenbrook community’s significant involvement in many of the elements of this district. One of the main setbacks that involvement has faced, however, is the avoidance of the board to address one of the biggest issues that plague hundreds of my colleagues every school year, which is the scheduling of final exams.

This is a problem that nearby districts have recognized and dealt with accordingly; according to the Chicago Tribune, “Of the six high school districts surrounding District 225, four hold finals before winter break. Districts 214, 207, 219, and 113 all made the move to school calendars that hold finals before break.” And it’s worked.

“As long as you give your staff and families enough time to plan, it all worked out fine for us,” former Superintendent of D214 David Schuler says. “People have, across the board, said they so appreciate not having projects and the potential of tests when they get back weighing on their shoulders.”

D207 Assistant Superintendent Shawn Messmer agrees, “We were very flexible for students and families in the first year as people made the adjustment. It has not been an issue since the first year,” “Other than starting school earlier in August, which some families do not like, we could not identify any reason for keeping the old calendar.”

D225's hesitancy to cancel school Friday while nearly all other schools in our area cancelled the day before highlights this discrepancy. 

It's clearer than ever; transitioning to a collegiate schedule that includes final exams before break is necessary to ensure the physical and mental safety of every member of the Glenbrook community. Students deserve to have a real winter break—one that is not obstructed by the stress of finals.

Your signature on this petition will prove just that.

~ Kenneth McCarthy

Glenbrook South Freshman Vice President of the Class of 2027