Evergreen Park Parent Urges Support Of Novl. 3 Referendum To Build A New Middle School

EVERGREEN PARK, IL—I am writing in support of the November 3rd referendum to build a new Central Middle School in Evergreen Park.

I have been a resident of Evergreen Park for more than 35 years and graduated Southwest Elementary School (1995), Central Junior High School (1997), and Evergreen Park High School (2001).

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When I think back on my time at Central, I remember being nervous about how I would fit in with students from the three other elementary schools as an incoming seventh grader. Nearly 30 years later, when my daughter entered Central as a sixth grader, she shared same concerns about meeting new people and making new friends. Central Middle School brings these students together during their formative years, and ensuring that these students can be educated in an environment that is modern, safe and secure should be a top priority for the community.

Over the past two years, I've had the opportunity to volunteer at Central Middle School, and it is difficult to witness the condition of the school firsthand. The basement classrooms are dark and uninviting, and several with no natural light. I am disheartened to witness that a classroom that used to be used as a dark room for photography is now used for regular class instruction. During passing periods, I have witnessed students bumping into each other and falling over because the hallways are cramped and overcrowded.

One of the reasons I decided to move back to the village with my family was because of the quality education I received in Evergreen Park. We have an opportunity to build a school that can serve our community for the next 100 years.

I encourage all Evergreen Park residents, whether you are new to the community or have spent a lifetime here, to vote Yes on November 3rd to build a new Central Middle School.

Sincerely,

Brett Priestman