Patriot Pauses Addition of Middle School Program
After thoughtful review, and careful consideration of a growing concern over financial constraints projected for school year 2025-26, School District 49 is making the difficult, but necessary decision to pause the planned addition of a middle school to the Patriot Campus.
Because of projected increased expenses along with flat or declining revenue in next year’s budget, D49 cannot justify requesting the new and ongoing obligations required to serve grades 6-8 next year at Patriot.
“Principal Ryan Bailey and the Middle School Task Force have done a fantastic job of planning and inspiring a vision for middle school programs. They have developed a budget, created a staffing model, crafted a facility layout, and generated real interest in the program,” said D49 Superintendent Peter Hilts. “Pausing the project is no reflection on their leadership and diligence.”
Nothing about this pause will impact the PHS transition to an Applied Learning Campus where CTE and non-traditional classes serve students from across the district.
D49 is grateful for all who are interested in the expanded program at Patriot. Because we must put plans on hold, we are canceling the open house scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, and will be unable to begin enrollment as planned on January 31.
Our district, the iConnect Zone, and the Patriot leadership team look forward to the day we can welcome middle school students to the Patriot Campus in their pursuit of a successful launch from D49.