Letters to the Editor: No support for D203's ‘half-baked' schedule changes; Naperville needs to support its immigrant population

Chicago Tribune

07-02-2025

No support for D203's 'half-baked' schedule changes
I want to thank the Naperville Sun for covering the proposed changes to Naperville District 203's school schedules. Wednesday's article accurately conveyed the unanimously negative feedback from community members at Monday's School Board meeting.
Every teacher, aide and parent who spoke strongly opposed the changes suggested by the administration. Survey data provided by the teachers union showed overwhelming opposition from its members. As a parent of an elementary student, I share those concerns.
Elementary schools begin at 8:15 a.m., but the administration wants to move that to 7:45 a.m. They claim changes are necessary to meet children's physiological needs, however, research shows children need more sleep — not less. Elementary schools in neighboring Indian Prairie District 204 begin at 9:05 a.m.
How can elementary students in District 203 be expected to do well in the classroom and participate in the same after-school activities (soccer, gymnastics, Scouting) as District 204 students while getting 80 minutes less sleep each night?
The administration also wants to move the start time of middle schools from 8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. This presents a challenge for working parents who cannot wait that long to take a child to the bus stop or drive them to school before leaving for work.
The administration, after hearing from concerned parents, said they reached out to community partners last week to see if there was capacity to handle increased demand for before-school child care. Why did it take an outcry from parents for the administration to investigate that issue last week instead of when the proposal was being formed?
This illustrates a clear lack of foresight and preparedness from the administration. They have not considered all the downstream impacts of this proposal and are pushing the negative consequences onto teachers and families who never asked for it.
The district's FAQ website about the proposal, while lacking hard evidence as to why the changes are needed, says, 'Our students deserve this. How could we wait? At what cost?' I believe if we are truly worried about the well-being of our kids and the community, prematurely implementing a half-baked plan with large-scale negative impacts and lack of support from teachers and parents is the worst thing that could happen to students.
I strongly encourage community members who share these concerns to contact the School Board at [e-mail] and let your voices be heard.
Daniel Alamillo, Naperville
Naperville needs to support its immigrant population
In 2023, Mayor Scott Wehrli proclaimed Oct. 28 as 'Immigrants Day in the City of Naperville,' an initiative led by ALMAS in collaboration with other local organizations. This was a powerful acknowledgment of the important role immigrant communities play in shaping our city.
According to the most recent Census numbers available, more than 21% of Naperville residents were born outside the U.S. and nearly 26% of households speak a language other than English at home. This kind of diversity isn't just part of our city's identity — it's one of our greatest strengths.
But proclamations are just the beginning. Across the nation, immigrant families, including undocumented and mixed-status households, are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. History has shown us that in moments like these, solidarity, leadership and community action can make all the difference.
None of these initiatives are new. Suburban cities like Evanston, which has adopted 'Welcoming City Ordinances,' have shown us what's possible when municipalities actively support immigrant communities and foster trust within their neighborhoods.
With a growing immigrant population, we urge Naperville leaders to consider the following actions:
Implement data protection policies: Safeguard personal information from misuse by federal immigration agencies.
Develop safe spaces: Make public buildings safe zones for all residents.
Provide resources: Offer legal, educational and support services for immigrants and their allies.
Engage the community: Host workshops to educate residents on their rights and how everyone can support vulnerable neighbors.
Embracing immigrants regardless of immigration status isn't just aligned with the city's mission statement; it amplifies it by strengthening Naperville's identity as a thriving, diverse and welcoming place to live, work and grow.
Whether you are an immigrant, the child of immigrants or someone who values social justice, you have a role to play. Now is the moment to come together and advocate for policies, programs and initiatives that reflect our shared values of inclusion and mutual support. Together, let's take practical steps to create a stronger, more inclusive Naperville for generations to come.
Lili Burciaga, Founder and President
Diana Torres Hawken, Founder and Secretary
Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS)
DEI's about respect and empathy, not job advantages
The term 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' has become a weapon. Recently, it has become mainstream to label DEI as unfair and a way to restrict opportunities for some individuals. It is time to revisit the concept because practicing DEI makes us all better human beings.
We teach our children to be courteous and respectful of the physical and emotional needs of others. DEI extends this respect, courtesy and empathy in the community or workplace. Accommodating religious practices such as fasting and providing space for prayer and meditation in the workplace shows respect and compassion for colleagues.
DEI is about valuing all individuals and not deeming a job candidate unqualified because they are female, have a name that is difficult to pronounce, wear a hijab, have dark skin or are otherwise different from ourselves. It is about seeking diversity and ensuring that people are not excluded for reasons unrelated to the job.
Equity is not equality, which is one of the important lessons DEI teaches us. If we give a teenager and a toddler the same bike, it would be equal. But it would not be equitable because only one of the two would have a vehicle they could use. Equity helps level the playing field by giving everyone what they need even if their needs are not the same.
Diversity is challenging, but growth only happens when we push ourselves to consider new views. As champions for women and girls, we advocate to ensure that their talents are developed and utilized to advance our communities, organizations and country. Let's mobilize this commitment to DEI by uplifting those companies and organizations that are still enacting these ideals. Challenge yourself to reach out to your legislators and ask them to uphold the value of diversity and encourage equity and inclusion everywhere.
Laura Welch, President, Illinois NOW
Jill Lexier, Advocate, National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago North Shore
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