Dear Hollis Families,

As you may 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 $2,800 per year. Without the existing waiver, non-resident tuition would be approximately $10,000 per year. Without our non-resident student population, Hollis’ enrollment would drop to just 76 students. Fewer students would ultimately result in fewer programs, staff reductions, and an overall decreased educational experience.

School Code waivers expire every five years, so 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, 2022. As a proactive measure, Hollis is applying early. If approved, the new waiver will not expire until June 30, 2027.

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 Education is holding a public hearing on Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 PM in the Hollis auditorium. We will follow IDPH guidelines for social distancing and limit overall attendance to fifty individuals. A Zoom link to attend virtually will be available upon request. 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. 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. Any support is greatly appreciated.

We hope to see you on November 12. If you would like to attend the hearing virtually, please send an email to Superintendent Chad Jones at cjones@hollis328.net

If you have any questions, please email Superintendent Chad Jones at cjones@hollis328.net or Assistant Principal Alisha Schoedel at aschoedel@hollis328.net or call (309) 697-1325.

Thank you for your support of Hollis Grade School.

Sincerely,

Chad Jones, Superintendent

Alisha Schoedel, Assistant Principal