District 112 Keeps Public Input Out

During the past year, the public has consistently asked North Shore School District 112 to be given opportunities for meaningful involvement in its discussions about reconfiguration and finances, issues that are central to the future direction of the district. The response from District 112 has been just as consistent in rejecting all such requests, claiming the Superintendent’s Citizen Finance and Facilities Advisory Committee (SCFFAC) report contained sufficient public input, and that providing opportunities for additional public input was unnecessary.

But in a letter to the Patch on February 3, 2015, after the SCFFAC process was completed, Dan Littmann, former co-chair of North Shore School District 112’s SCFFAC Finance subcommittee, called for broad community input, contemplated there would be a number of configuration options and spending levels, and recognized the importance of balancing financial and facility needs with community values:

“The SCFFAC did not recommend any specific configuration or dollar amount for the referendum. Instead, the SCFFAC recommended that the district move forward with hiring an architect to help formulate a specific plan. This plan should be fed back to the broader District 112 Community for feedback regarding specific configuration options and spending levels. Such feedback will allow our community to balance the pressing financial and facilities needs with the spirit of culture and community we value so greatly in Highland Park and Highwood.”

Now, in a November 12, 2015 letter to the Patch, “Budgetary Risks Associated with District 112’s Reconfiguration Plan,” Mr. Littmann explains that he is against the reconfiguration and referendum plan being urged by District 112. He is opposed to the magnitude of spending proposed, and he notes the absence of the kind of communication he called for previously: “I’ve been disappointed that the administration has not communicated the budgetary risks associated with spending $200 million.”

He concludes, “My endorsement of reconfiguration and investment has always been contingent on a responsible plan that protects the district’s long term fiscal heath in addition to addressing facilities issues. Unfortunately, the administration’s current plan spends beyond our means while failing to address the more serious long term funding and budgetary issues.”

District 112 has consistently used the SCFFAC report as a barrier to meaningful community discussions about configuration and spending options. Mr. Littmann recognizes that the report should have been used as a springboard to begin those discussions.

To answer the criticism it was receiving for rejecting public participation in the ongoing process, District 112 said members of the public were free to submit their own plans for reconfiguration and finances. But without access to the district’s architects and resources, this was nearly impossible. Only one plan was submitted, and this was promptly rejected.

It’s not too late for the school board and administration to change direction, to recognize the value of getting input from the entire community on these important issues, and to begin a process by which diverse perspectives are welcomed and can be brought together to help create a sensible approach to change.