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Planning for the Future of Our Elementary Schools
Planning for the Future of Our Elementary Schools
Harlem School District 122 is reviewing how our elementary schools are configured to better align our buildings with long-term enrollment, protect class sizes, and sustain high-quality programs for students.
On December 15, 2025, the Board of Education will consider a recommendation for updating our elementary structure beginning in 2026–2027.
This page provides an overview of the recommendation, the reasons behind it, and resources for families and staff. The proposal can be found by clicking the button below.
Why is the District Exploring Reconsolidation?
Why is the District Exploring Reconsolidation?
Harlem 122 has experienced significant demographic and financial changes that require long-term structural planning. Key factors include:
Enrollment Decline Leading to Underutilized Buildings
Elementary enrollment has dropped by more than 1,200 students since 2007, leaving several buildings underutilized. In 2007, the Harlem School District had 8,005 students compared to the current enrollment of 5,846. Winnebago County has seen steady decreases in birth rates for more than a decade, meaning smaller kindergarten classes will continue. This enrollment decline has led to several buildings being under 60% capacity.Financial Sustainability
The district faces a financial deficit driven by rising costs and declining revenue sources. Operating more schools than we can fill pulls funding away from classrooms and programs. The Education Fund deficit for FY26 is $3.1 million.
Reconsolidation allows the district to protect instruction, maintain programs, and plan proactively rather than making emergency changes later.
Enrollment Decline
Enrollment Decline
Building Utilization
Building Utilization
Financial Sustainability
Financial Sustainability
The district is facing financial pressure due to several revenue sources failing to keep pace with rising costs. Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT) has dropped nearly $6 million in two years and has not matched inflation over the last five years, creating an unstable funding stream tied to fluctuating corporate profits. Evidence-Based Funding from the State of Illinois has also lagged behind inflation for four years. At the same time, expenditures have increased, including a $7 million rise in Education Fund salaries to meet state wage requirements and remain competitive amid statewide labor shortages. Healthcare costs have grown even more sharply (up 38% in four years) consuming a greater portion of the district’s operating budget and limiting resources for classrooms, staffing, and student supports. Together, these trends have created a challenging financial environment that requires careful planning to maintain high-quality services for students and families.
At-a-Glance: Recommended Scenario 7
At-a-Glance: Recommended Scenario 7
In this scenario, the district is divided into East and West, and students attend a school for two years at a time. We reduce the number of general education Early Childhood sections from nine to two, limiting service to 80 at-risk students compared to 360. A separate magnet school houses special programs, including Early Childhood (EC), Preventive Initiative (PI), Fine Arts, and the Harlem Language Academy (HoLA).
On the East side, kindergarten and first grade attend Windsor with the Learning Lab Program. Grades 2 and 3 attend Rock Cut with the Structured Teaching Program (STP) and Life Skills. Grades 4 and 5 attend Machesney with STP and Life Skills.
On the West side, kindergarten and first grade attend Parker Center with STP and Life Skills. Grades 2 and 3 attend Loves Park with the Learning Lab. Grades 4 and 5 attend Ralston with the Learning Lab. Fine Arts and HoLA are delivered through the magnet school. In this scenario, ALP would be relocated to the magnet school until phased out, as we recommend departmentalization in grade 5 and exploring opportunities for this in grade 4.
Timeline & Board Process
Timeline & Board Process
• November 15, 2025 – Scenario presented to the Board
• November–December 2025 – Community feedback survey
• December 8, 2025 at 5:00 pm – Public Hearing (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel
• December 9, 2025 at 5:00 pm – Public Hearing (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel
• December 11, 2025 at 6:30 pm – Public Hearing (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel
• December 15, 2025 – Board considers final action (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel
• Spring–Summer 2026 – Staff placement, building planning, open houses
• August 2026 – First year of the new configuration
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