Finals after break has been a staple to South’s schedule, however, this may not always be the case, as District 225 is considering a change in its yearly schedule, Dr. Ninja Idrizi, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, said.

This proposed change, which would effect the 2025-2026 school year, moves finals before break, Idrizi explained. This change would be in made response to complaints from students, parents, and other community members at South, Idrizi said. In order to accurately gauge the community’s views and help the District 225 Board make a more informed decision, the district sent out a survey in which they sought insight about changing final dates. They also took into account discussions with parent advisory groups, research on neighboring district practices, she added. A committee focused on the district’s calendar will then present the data collected at the Board of Education meeting on March 11, Idrizi explained.

“The study explores the feasibility of ending semester one before winter break,” Idrizi said. “[It] identifies flexible calendar aspects, such as start dates, granted holidays, and semester lengths.”

However, this schedule change may bring about unintended consequences, unrelated to finals themselves, as discussed during the Nov. 13 Board of Education meeting: the start to the school year could be shifted earlier, and the different schedule may affect how midyear transcripts are sent out to colleges.

The district must also comply with state laws, Idrizi said. According to Illinois law, students are required to attend school for at least 176 days and teachers must work 183, she explained. Additionally, they must weigh in holidays, Idrizi added. The district must balance upholding laws and community needs, she said.

Some students, including senior Calie Leach have reservations about such a drastic change. She enjoys having finals after break and worries about future South students’ inability to recharge before testing.

“Having finals before break would make people feel so much more drained,” Leach said. “I would have not been able to do as well on my finals. I’m concerned that if we change it, future students might end up doing poorly.”

Despite worries, many students want this change, sophomore Cara Johnson said. After hearing about the benefits of pre-break finals from her cousins, she knew she wanted testing to occur before winter break.

“I wouldn’t have to study all winter break,” Johnson said. “I’d have more time to see my family and relax. Teachers and students would have the whole break to get ready for the new semester.”