Alderman Tabares presents plans for Hubbard High School overcrowding solution

The Aurora East USD 131 Board Meeting held on February 27, 2025, addressed several key issues impacting local schools, with a focus on community engagement and educational challenges.

The meeting commenced with a public comment from a retired educator who emphasized the importance of character education and mutual respect among students. He advocated for a return to programs that foster these values, highlighting the need for teachers to remain motivated and for students to understand the significance of respect across all demographics.

Following the public comments, the board welcomed Alderman Silvana Tabares from the 23rd Ward, who brought attention to the overcrowding crisis at Hubbard High School. Currently, the school serves 1,700 students despite a capacity of only 1,200. Tabares detailed the challenges faced by students and staff, including the use of non-traditional classroom spaces and safety concerns during fire drills.

Alderman Tabares proposed a solution involving the utilization of South Lawndale Avenue as an annex to alleviate overcrowding. This annex would focus on career and technical education for seniors and provide additional resources for the community. She noted that state funding has been secured for the project and that plans are in development with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to purchase the land and design the annex.

The board expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the potential benefits for students and the community. Tabares extended an invitation to board members to visit Hubbard High School on March 7 to witness firsthand the challenges and progress made at the school.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on the proposed annex and continued collaboration between the board, local officials, and the community to enhance educational opportunities for students.