CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Frustrations have brewed ahead of the first day of school for some Unit 4 families.

Trouble with registration has caused headaches for some families. One Unit 4 family told WAND News that letters were sent to families asking for residency verification and to contact the district administration.

WAND sat down with new Unit 4 Superintendent Geovanny Ponce to understand what happened. He said that Daniel Cassillas, who was serving as interim superintendent, sent several emails to parents about registration.

"That's the policy that has been in place," he said.

According to Ponce, it was his understanding that some parents were unable to complete registration until the final days before the first day of school.

He explained that, to help frustrated parents, the district made changes to be more flexible.

"When I say flexible, we have been from 8 to 4, 4:30, 5 at the Windsor building. Also, I proposed to the parents that if they cannot come during the weekdays, we will be open on weekends."

Ponce said the district is working to make accommodations for parents who don't have transportation or whose work schedules don't align with 8-to-5 workdays. 

"If a parent can't come because of transportation, we will go where they are," Ponce said. "I have talked with parents and told them I can meet them anytime." 

Parents are encouraged to contact the district office at 217-351-3800 or U4 Connect. 

The first day of school for Unit 4 is Thursday.

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