HP Couple With Background in Psychology Opposes Referendum

The following letter was written and submitted by Joan and Steven Herczeg.

We are opposed to the referendum for educational and social emotional reasons. Relationships with peers and adults, emotions and self esteem play a crucial role in education based on the love of learning and critical thinking skills. The outstanding education in Highland Park and Highwood has always focused on these skills. Recent research has demonstrated that children and adolescents do not have fully developed brains capable of the rational thinking and decision making they will achieve by adulthood. It is easy to forget the sensitive nature and vulnerability of children in this age group.

Teachers, peers, emotions and self esteem play a critical role during middle school years. Approximately 150 students per group sounds good in theory. Access to special services, class size, and plans for special education services are not mentioned. Given the problems with the Illinois State budget, it is probable that districts such as ours will receive less state funding in the future. Enrollment is quite likely to increase. How will we be able to afford quality education that will continue to meet the needs of middle school children? From a legal perspective, funds from the building fund cannot be transferred to the education fund. If this referendum passes, citizens of Highland Park and Highwood will have agreed to two referendums in just a few years. Where will the money for unanticipated needs be found?

In the proposal no child will ride the school bus for more than 45 minutes each way. Some children will be spending an hour and a half riding the bus each and every day. We see this as an emotionally and educationally destructive way to start and end a school day. Bullying and worse are prevalent on school buses. Bus drivers are responsible for driving students to and from school safely.They cannot be responsible for supervising behavior at the same time.

Athletics and extracurricular activities are very important to the self esteem of students. As an example, we have been advised by administrators the plan is to have three basketball teams. The students with the most ability will be split up between the three teams. Students and parents know who the best players are. This will mean more losses for 7th and 8th grade teams playing in competition with other middle schools. Pressure will be put on less talented students to stop trying out. It may also lead to bullying if they choose to play. The same issue will be true with performances of plays and choirs, to mention a few.

IF the proposed building plan is the most fiscally responsible, we suggest a K-8 configuration. This would provide an educationally and socially safer environment for students. Instead of pressure on fifth graders to be older, more mature, it would allow the older children opportunities to model behavior for trusting young children. Over 2000 students ages 10-14 is far too large a campus for this vulnerable age group. Prior to voting, each of us must consider if we believe this is a good plan reflective of best practice for our children and for future generations. Based on our experience as parents and professionals, we feel very strongly it is not.

We have both spent our careers in the fields of education and mental health. We have lived in Highland Park since 1972. Our three children attended district school K-12.

Joan R Herczeg, MSW,LSW, Retired public school social worker, Board Member: NSSD112, 1999-2007 and Stephen T Herczeg, PhD Licensed Clinical Psychologist