In the end, investing in the future of Community Consolidated School District 15’s students trumped arguments to delay implementing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program in all four of its junior high schools next year.

D-15 has been researching the possibility of replacing its existing junior high technology enrichment courses with a nationally recognized
STEM middle school program from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for several months.  

In November, school board members debated the merits of adding new programs to the curriculum while at the same time asking the administration to prepare a list of potential budget cuts for the 2012–2013 school year. District 15 is facing a $9.6 million budget deficit.

A final decision had been postponed in order for the district to gather more information. That information came in the form of a STEM recommendation presentation this week.

District officials feel strongly that despite some of the difficult financial decisions ahead, it must continue to improve its instructional program by offering a world-class curriculum to students.

The program will cost about $100,000 in its first year, but district officials are confident they will be able to secure about $60,000 in grants – $15,000 for each of district's four junior high schools.

School board member Scott Herr said that although there is some startup costs associated with the program, it will not in the long term add to District 15's structural deficit.

"It's a great program and a great addition to the district," Herr said. "I think it is worth the one-time costs and hopefully we will be able to minimize those with the grants."

Board president Tim Millar sees the program as a business investment and a great opportunity that will pay dividends.

"You are either committed to doing it or not. The cost is always going to be there. . . Waiting a year doesn't change anything," Millar said.

The board approved the STEM program 6-1 with school board member Richard Bokor the lone 'no' vote. Bokor said he did not think this was the right time to adopt the program because of District 15's uncertain budget situation.

District 15 will hold its next budget information forum  Monday, Jan. 23 at Walter R. Sundling Junior High, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine. A forum for staff will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A forum for community members will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The school district will present a "Budget Reduction Proposal" Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in a meeting a Sundling.