League of Women Voters Supports Referendum

The following letter was written and submitted by the League of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood.

The League of Women Voters of Highland Park / Highwood is writing in support of the North Shore School District 112 referendum. After extensive study, the League has concluded that approving the referendum is critical for the District’s future. The League’s support centers on three factors.

First, we found that the funds sought in the referendum are critical to ensure that the District’s physical plant meets essential educational needs. All buildings except for Oak Terrace (the newest), are beyond their life expectancies of 30-50 years, are not ADA compliant and have serious facility problems. Among other things, they have leaking roofs, faulty wiring, and poor air quality control and lack up-to-date secured entrances.

Without the facility improvements targeted in the referendum, the District will be unable to provide the technology infrastructure needed to meet 21st century learning needs, including in technology and science, nor would it be able to provide all-day kindergarten. The proposed reconfiguration is essential to ensure the sustainability of the District’s financial resources and their equitable distribution across all buildings.

Second, we found that the District’s process for arriving at the proposed referendum has been transparent and inclusive. Beginning in 2011, there have been numerous committees, community engagement meetings, workshops, and public comment at Board meetings, as well as reports and other material easily accessible on the District’s website. An impressive number of residents have participated in the numerous opportunities offered and volunteered their time to help in the planning process.

Third, we found that the funds sought are justified by adequate, reliable financial analysis. The District has already implemented drastic expense reductions since 2009, including significant staff and program reductions. Without the referendum, options that remain would require closing schools, increasing class size and cutting highly valued programs, such as the arts, sports and extracurricular activities.

The high quality education provided in our public schools is a significant reason that families move to Highland Park and Highwood. Our property values reflect the history of support for our schools. Passage of the referendum is crucial for our children and the economic health of our North Shore School District 112 community.

We urge citizens to vote “yes” on March 15th.

For more information on the League’s analysis, we invite you to visit our website, www.lwvhp.org.