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Village Board to Take Up Resolution Opposing Closing of Talala School Monday


Mae Brandon, Georgia O'Neill, Theresa Settles, School District 201-U, Talala School
Trustees Mae Brandon, Georgia O’Neill, and Theresa Settles listen as administrators of School District 201-U outlined plans to close Talala School at a meeting on October 1, 2018, in Park Forest. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Among other items on the agenda for the Rules and Regular Meetings Monday in Park Forest is a resolution opposing the closing of Talala School. School District 201-U has made it clear that their plan is to close the school. At a meeting with the Park Forest Village Board on October 1,  SD 201-U Superintendent Kara Coglianese said the matter was scheduled to be taken up by SD 201-U at its Tuesday meeting on October 16, 2018. However, it is unclear from the district’s agenda whether the closing of Talala School will be discussed or acted upon at its October 16 meeting.

SD 201-U’s Tuesday meeting is scheduled to be held at Talala Elementary School, 430 Talala St, Park Forest, IL 60466 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The resolution up for discussion before the Park Forest Village Board focuses on four main points:

Whereas, the Village of Park Forest as a community was incorporated in 1949 for military service personnel returning from World War II and the founders envisioned a community where families could grow, future leaders could develop and lifelong relationships could blossom; and

Whereas, the Park Forest community is unique in having residents who reside in three different elementary school districts, one high school district, a consolidated school district and a community college district; and

Whereas, Park Forest Officials recently adopted a resolution which extolled the importance of community schools and how vital they are to student advancement, civic pride and the advancement of family wealth through increasing property values; and

Whereas,vibrant local, neighborhood schools that are well maintained allow Park Forest children to travel to and from school and related activities with their fellow students with only a minimal need for busing; and

The final “Whereas” statement simply refers to the fact that “School District 201-U has presented details on a Future Ready 2022 facilities restructuring plan which includes the proposed closing of Talala Elementary School in Park Forest.”

The resolution further states that Park Forest opposes any plan which includes the closure of Talala Elementary School and further states, “the Mayor and Board of Trustees encourage School District 201-U’s investment of Park Forest taxpayer dollars toward the maintenance and infrastructure needs of Talala School, be it for elementary school purposes or in some other use which serves in the best interests of Park Forest residents.”

Also on Monday night’s agenda in Park Forest are:

  • A Resolution Authorizing the Village of Park Forest to submit an Application for Community Development Block Grant funds to the County of Cook, Illinois.
  • A Resolution Establishing Trick-Or-Treating Hours in the Village of Park.
  • Contract for Well Maintenance- Well No. 1.

The meeting of the Village Board begins at 7:00 p.m.

Download the complete Park Forest Village Board agenda here.

Read the complete agenda for School District 201-U’s October 16, 2018 board meeting here.


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