DeKalb School District Advances Early Learning Center Plans

Plans for a new early learning development center in DeKalb School District 428 are progressing without a public referendum. The proposed center aims to address growing educational needs and could significantly reduce middle school class sizes. School board members are expected to discuss funding options for constructing the center near Normal and Dresser roads, a site donated to the district in 2023.

Billy Hueramo, the district’s director of teaching and learning for elementary education, emphasized the necessity of a long-term strategy. “We were asked at [Facilities and Finance Committee] to come up with a long-term plan, not just something where we’re putting patches on stuff, but really looking at what the growth is going to be in the future,” he stated. Currently, the early learning development center operates in ten classrooms at Huntley Middle School, but the new facility would expand its capacity to 24 classrooms.

Recent discussions among board members indicate a shared goal of reducing middle school class sizes from 35 to 30 students. Previously, the district successfully lowered elementary class sizes from 28 to 25. Kyle Gerdes, the district’s director of student services, highlighted the importance of early intervention in student success. “We have to intervene earlier than we are right now,” Gerdes said, noting that many students currently lack adequate support.

The DeKalb County Health Department has been directing families away from the current early learning center due to space limitations. Principal Shannon Armstrong expressed concern, stating, “We have heard from them that they are not even recommending our program anymore to clients because we just don’t have the room and the space.” A dedicated new building would enable the district to better serve students and families in need.

Construction of the new early learning development center is slated to begin in April 2027, with renovations at Huntley Middle School expected to commence in June 2028. These improvements aim to better accommodate grades 7 and 8 across the district. Plans also include restoring Founders Elementary School and restructuring Clinton Rosette Middle School to serve grades five and six, reverting other elementary schools to a K-4 model.

In an interview, Ben Erickson, assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary School, reflected on the impact of reduced class sizes. “We do see a huge difference in just the ability for teachers to be able to work with a smaller group of students,” he explained. Similarly, Brant Boyer, principal of Clinton Rosette Middle School, noted the positive effects on teaching and learning at the elementary level.

Despite some board members advocating for a referendum to gauge community support, a majority expressed their preference to proceed without one. They reasoned that a ballot measure could be misconstrued as a request for new taxes. Board President Chris Boyes stated, “I think that this is just too valuable work that we need to do to get our district where it needs to be.” Board member Nick Atwood shared similar sentiments, expressing concern that voters unfamiliar with the district’s financial situation might react negatively to a referendum.

Public interest in the early learning center has been evident, with numerous attendees at board meetings. Katie Hueber, an ELDC teacher, expressed her optimism about the district’s direction. “I feel like everybody’s on the same page moving forward, and they all know the importance of early childhood education,” she said. Armstrong noted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re currently full, and we have 98 children on the waitlist.”

Board Vice President Jose Jaques acknowledged the emotional impact of public support for students’ needs. “Heartstrings have been played,” he remarked. While not all board members agreed on the decision to forgo a referendum, they unanimously supported utilizing funds from the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone to cover a significant portion of the project costs.

The total project costs for the new early learning development center and renovations at Huntley Middle School are estimated at $32.3 million and $840,000, respectively. Board member Mark Charvat emphasized the need for community involvement for transparency. He remarked, “I fully think the community could support it.”

Board member Kristin Bailey expressed skepticism about the potential benefits of seeking a referendum. She suggested that the board could act more effectively without one, given the current understanding of the district’s needs.

Jessica Nall, the district’s assessment coordinator, pointed to the efficiencies that the proposed changes would bring. “It’s really the economies of scale,” she said, indicating that a centralized approach would enhance support for students in grades five through eight.

As discussions continue, the district has ruled out a joint facility with Sycamore School District 427, favoring an independent approach. However, officials have not dismissed the possibility of future partnerships with other districts.

Atwood concluded with optimism about the new early learning development center. “I think if we build it, they will come, so to speak,” he said, reinforcing the belief that improved facilities will attract greater enrollment.