Elementary Consolidation Plan

Board of Education Approves Elementary School Closures and Next Steps

At its meeting on January 27th, the Harlem School District #122 Board of Education approved the closure of Maple Elementary and Olson Park Elementary at the conclusion of the current school year. This decision followed several months of study, community engagement, and public hearings focused on enrollment trends, facility use, financial sustainability, and long-term educational planning. Throughout this process, the district presented multiple options for consideration, each designed to address these challenges while prioritizing student learning and district stability.

After reviewing the options and receiving feedback from staff, families, and community members, the Board of Education selected K, 1-5 Neighborhood Schools which maintains current school structures for all schools remaining in operation next school year, allowing those schools to continue operating as they do today. Parker Center will continue to serve as an early childhood center and the remaining schools will serve as 1st through 5th grade buildings. The Board reached consensus to proceed with this option.

We recognize that this decision has a significant impact, particularly for the students, families, and staff of Maple Elementary and Olson Park Elementary. These schools have long histories and strong communities, and we are committed to supporting those affected throughout this transition.

Next steps will include:

Direct communication with families regarding which schools their children will attend next school year (Tentative release of school placements is end of February)
Transition planning and support for students moving to new schools
Careful and transparent work with staff regarding staffing adjustments and placements

Additional information and timelines will be shared as plans are finalized. We remain committed to clear communication, empathy, and supporting our school community as we move forward together.

Board Approves K, 1-5 Schools for 2026-2027 School Year

K, 1-5 Neighborhood 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.

The Board of Education will consider a recommendation for updating our elementary structure beginning in 2026–2027.

This page provides an overview of the update plan recommendations, 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?

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

Building Utilization

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Survey Results Summary

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 – Cancelled - New Date TBD

• December 15, 2025 – Board Meeting (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel

• January 14, 2026 at 4:30 pm – Board Committee of the Whole meeting (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel

• January 26, 2026 at 5:30 pm – Public Hearing for Purposes of Closing Olson Park Elementary and Maple Elementary (HHS Auditorium) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel

• January 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm – Board Meeting (Harlem Administration Center) also livestreamed on the District's YouTube Channel - Board Approves Closure of Maple and Olson Park Elementary Schools. Board Approves Option 1 to Operate K, 1-5 Schools.

• Spring–Summer 2026 – Staff placement, building planning, open houses

• August 2026 – First year of the new configuration