Board of Education - Public Hearing & Special Meeting, April 9, 2026

The Belvidere School District 100 Board of Education held a public hearing and special meeting on April 9, 2026, primarily focused on the potential closure of Perry Elementary School. The meeting included extensive public comments from parents, students, teachers, and community members expressing strong opposition to the closure, emphasizing the school's historical significance, community value, and concerns about the impact on students and families. The board discussed the financial challenges, including a $6.8 million phase one renovation cost and a broader $17.5 to $18.5 million replacement value for Perry, alongside district budget deficits and demographic studies showing declining enrollment. After deliberation, the board voted 6-1 to approve the closure of Perry Elementary School effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year and also approved a transition plan to support affected students and staff. The board acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and committed to providing support during the transition period.