North Shore School District 112 Does Not Have Community Buy-In

On November 15, 2016, I attended my first District 112 School Board meeting in 25
years. However, I do have a real longstanding interest in our community. I have
served on the Zoning Board, Plan Commission and the Housing Commission since
moving to Highland Park in 1984.

I came to the meeting with an open mind and a willingness to listen, looking for
answers to questions pertaining to the proposed BDR3. I was very disappointed
with the process and lack of responsiveness. Because the public comment segment
of the meeting was on the Agenda in advance of the BDR3 Agenda Item and Cabinet
presentation, the Community Members were asked to speak in a vacuum. The Board
President then read a prepared response to the 25+ speakers that did not
acknowledge any of the points that were made. When the BDR3 Agenda item did
come up, the public comments were still not addressed.

As such, there was no opportunity for public comment after the Board and Cabinet
presented “guesstimate” assumptions regarding the costs and benefits of BDR3.
Unfortunately, due to the absence of real dialogue with the Community, there
was no chance to integrate the Board with the Community they are duty bound to
serve.

The one thing that became clear is that the closing of four schools and clustering
of students in the remaining buildings is only a “temporary fix.” There was
even discussion about re-opening schools once they are closed – not likely.

The costs of the temporary fix, including the cost of staffing and
programming changes at Edgewood School and infrastructure costs of building a
new ring road access to Edgewood, are unknown. After paying for the “temporary
fix,” they will then ask taxpayers to consider another Referendum based on the
findings of Commission 2.0, which they admitted may reveal that the closings
and infrastructure were not necessary or the best solution.
Furthermore, they have no stated plan for the existing closed schools and the
costs of basic maintenance have not been considered. Clearly, the School Board
is putting the cart before the horse.

Although the Board’s mission is specific to education, its constituency holds the Board
to a higher standard of responsibility to the greater community. The decisions
of the School Board have an impact on the City at large, property values, the
appeal to young families considering a move to Highland Park, and the viability
of the Commercial Districts. The short-term solution will have long-term
adverse effects. It has already hurt property values and young families are
already choosing to live in other communities.

Evidently the Board has studied related issues for years, but not the current BDR3
proposal. They have no idea of the short-term costs of complying with city
ordinances, zoning laws, health and safety concerns, infrastructure
improvements, and ongoing maintenance costs. They also have no idea of the
costs of increased enrollment to the Edgewood Community or the neighborhoods
where schools will be closed.

I appreciate the value of saving money in the short term, but only if the
benefits, after weighing the long-term costs are understood and beneficial. Let
me speak in terms the Board may understand:

Your homework is being done in a hasty manner.

You have not completed your homework.

I generously give you a C-.

There is still time for extra credit.

I urge you, please delay BDR3. More work needs to be done.

* The comments above are my opinion based upon information that I heard at the School Board Meeting. Since there was no opportunity to clarify such information, I leave room for the possibility and hope that some of the facts are incorrect and would welcome the opportunity from our elected officials to clarify and respond appropriately to me and our community.

Respectfully submitted,

Cary S. Glenner

Concerned Citizen