Don't Give in to Board's 'Threat' to Shut Down Ravinia School: Letter

The following letter was written and submitted by Dan Rosenberg.

I'm writing specifically to my neighbors in Ravinia, asking them to join me in voting against the District 112 referendum and not to be cowed by the school board’s threats to shut down Ravinia School should the referendum fail.

My wife and I moved to Ravinia nearly 14 years ago because we valued a walkable neighborhood with stores, restaurants and a local school. We wanted our kids to learn independence, to explore and to grow. From the time our sons - now ages 16 and 12 - were in third grade, they were walking back and forth to school with their friends, sometimes stopping at Baker Boys and other stores on their way home.

This is what makes a successful community work: Children and families walking around the neighborhood, attending school and supporting the small businesses that open near local gathering points such as schools and train stations.

If you recently moved here with young children, I understand why you display "Vote Yes" signs in your yard. The school board has purposely scared you into voting for the referendum by threatening to close Ravinia School, which would have horrible implications for the neighborhood we love.

Ignore that petty threat and vote against the referendum because it’s wrong. It destroys the network of neighborhood schools that helps make Highland Park the livable town it is, and promotes construction of a big-box middle school that is antithetical to the character of our community.

Let's defeat the referendum and then fight to keep Ravinia School open, support our local small businesses and modernize educational facilities as needed.

Dan Rosenberg