(WJBC file photo)
By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – District 87 superintendent Barry Reilly says he hopes the start-up electric car company Rivian Automotive, could be more than just an economic boost for the community, it can also provide hands-on experience in the classroom.
Reilly told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin and Patti Penn he plans to meet with Rivian officials on Thursday.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Patti’s interview with Reilly on WJBC.
“Hopefully that will be a business that grows and becomes very successful and perhaps will provide some opportunities for our staff and students to do some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities perhaps some partnerships that can be done,” Reilly said. “I know they are very interested in reaching out to K-12 schools. They have already done that with higher ed as well.”
Rivian is taking over the former Mitsubishi Motors plant.
Transgenders
Reilly said the district doesn’t plan to make any changes in the way it accommodates transgender students, even after the Trump administration removed federal protections allowing them to use school bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities.
“We do have transgender students in District 87 schools,” Reilly said. “We work with those kids and parents on a case-by-case basis and come up with accommodations to meet those needs. I don’t see that changing at all.”
Reilly added the district’s goal is to provide an environment that meets the needs of all students.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
