Oak Brook Subdivision May Detach to Join District 86

DuPage High School District 88 and Salt Creek Elementary District 48 are appealing a decision of the Regional Board of School Trustees to allow the Timber Trails/Mary Lane subdivision in Oak Brook to detach from the districts.

If the decision stands, students in the subdivision will annex into Butler Elementary District 53 in Oak Brook and Hinsdale High School District 86.

Students in District 48 live in portions of Elmhurst, Villa Park, Oak Brook and Oakbrook Terrace.

Salt Creek Superintendent John Correll said his district stands to lose about $450,000 a year in tax revenue. He said in addition to the adverse impact the detachment would have on the district's finances, the affected students do not want to change districts. He said he is confident the Circuit Court will overturn the decision.

District 88 Superintendent Steve Humphrey said his district would lose more than $600,000.

"District 88 is proud of the outstanding programs and services that are provided to every student,” he said. "For over 50 years, Willowbrook High School has provided high quality education.  We believe that students deserve the opportunity to be a part of that tradition." 

Board members from both districts said the decision of the Regional Board, issued June 3, "was not consistent with the applicable law or the evidence and would have a devastating impact on Districts 48 and 88 and its educational programs," according to a press release from District 48.

The appeal must be filed within 35 days of the date the decision was received. 

The District 88 Board reached consensus to appeal during a closed session last month, and District 48 voted June 8. The appeal operates as a stay of enforcement of the decision of the Regional Board, so students will not yet be required to change schools. Districts 48 and 88 will register students as it has done in the past.