The District 26 Community Education Council (CEC26) recently held a meeting to address important issues such as school safety, overcrowded classrooms, and resource allocation within the district. Superintendent Anthony Inzerillo highlighted the impact of attendance on student performance and provided an overview of the funding situation for schools. Meanwhile, state Senate candidate Julia Yang expressed her concerns regarding public safety and educational resources.

During the meeting, Inzerillo presented the latest updates for the district, emphasizing how student attendance correlates with academic success. He noted that students with attendance rates exceeding 90% significantly outperform their frequently absent peers on standardized tests. Inzerillo reaffirmed the district’s commitment to improving student attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism.

Inzerillo also mentioned that several schools have received funding to enhance arts and language programs. This financial support allows schools to hire professional artists, providing students with creative opportunities amidst limited resources. These funds aim to broaden the learning experiences available to students.

Julia Yang attended the meeting and shared her campaign platform. She declared that public safety is one of her top priorities, specifically referencing the bail reform law passed in 2019, which she believes has contributed to an increase in crime and compromised community safety. Yang committed to prioritizing a revision of this law if elected, aiming to give judges greater discretion to ensure that dangerous suspects do not pose a threat to residents.

Regarding school safety, Yang stressed that cuts to school security personnel have left parents worried about their children’s safety while traveling to and from school. She supports the reinstatement of adequate school security staff and a stronger police presence around schools to enhance student safety. Yang believes that a secure environment is foundational for learning, and parents should feel confident that their children can safely attend school and return home.

Addressing the issue of overcrowded classrooms, Yang expressed her support for smaller class sizes but acknowledged that the main challenges lie in inadequate space and funding. She suggested that the district should prioritize building more schools rather than pushing residential expansion plans, which would only exacerbate school overcrowding.