October 17, 2025

Dear Hollis Families,

As you know, Hollis Grade School accepts non-resident tuition students at a reduced tuition rate because of an existing School Code waiver. Our current non-resident tuition rate is $3,150 per year. Without the existing waiver, non-resident tuition would be approximately $14,000 per year. Without our non-resident student population, Hollis’ enrollment would drop to just 67 students, K-8. Fewer students would ultimately result in fewer programs and an overall decreased educational experience.

School Code waivers are good for five years. Therefore, every five years, Hollis must re-submit the School Code tuition waiver application to the Illinois State Board of Education. From there it must be approved by the Illinois General Assembly. Our current School Code tuition waiver expires on June 30, 2027. As a proactive measure, Hollis is applying early. If approved, the new waiver will not expire until June 30, 2032.

One of the requirements, set by the Illinois State Board of Education, is to hold a public hearing and receive testimony for and/or against the School Code waiver. The Hollis Board of Directors is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:45 PM. Your testimony in support of this waiver is an important part of the application process. We would love to hear how your child’s education has been positively impacted by the existing tuition waiver. Since the waiver benefits our entire school community, we would love to hear from both resident and non-resident families. Please come prepared to provide a verbal or written testimony. If you are unable to attend, your voice can still be heard by submitting a written letter of support. Written testimony can be sent to the school or emailed to aschoedel@hollis328.net All support is greatly appreciated!

We hope to see you on November 18. If you have any questions, please email Superintendent Byron Sondgeroth at bsondgeroth@hollis328.net or Principal Alisha Schoedel at aschoedel@hollis328.net. You may also call the school office at (309) 697-1325.

Thank you for your continued support of Hollis Grade School.