ILLINOIS — Massive changes may be coming to the Harlem School District next year, as Superintendent Terrell Yarborough warns the district is facing a $3.1 million deficit, according to a memo obtained by 13 WREX.

District data shows enrollment has dropped by nearly 500 students over the past decade, while operational costs continue to rise. The financial strain has prompted administrators to begin considering a series of significant changes that could take effect as soon as the 2026/2027 school year.

One of the biggest proposals on the table is reconfiguring and consolidating schools. Under the plan, Harlem would eliminate its current neighborhood zoning school model and close both Maple Elementary and Olson Park Elementary.

Instead, students would attend either an East or West school

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