Park's Decision Shows 'Complete Disregard' for Best Interests of 112 Students: Group

A group of citizens in North Shore School District 112 drafted a letter to Park District of Highland Park board president Scott Meyers last week expressing “extreme disappointment” that the board decided to terminate discussions with the school district on the potential transfer of the West Ridge Property, which is part of the school’s plan for reconfiguration.

Moving 112 Forward, a group of more than 100 residents from across the District who “believe that our children deserve a high quality education” according to its website, stated that the Park’s decision to take the West Ridge property off the table “shows complete disregard for the best interests of the school children of Ft. Sheridan, Highwood and Highland Park and denies our citizenry the right to decide at the ballot box the future of our schools.”

The letter says that should District 112 assume ownership of the land, the current fields and green space there will be “improved and enhanced,” in response to the park’s claim that protection of park land was at issue in its decision.

“Furthermore, the school district has extended publicly its offer to renew reciprocity with its facilities and park district programs, allowing park district programming to be held at NSSD112 schools for the benefit of our children and residents,” according to the letter.

“Your own strategic plan, GreenPrint 2024, plans for the Park District to move from the West Ridge facility in the very timeframe specified by the School District. Cooperation between the Park District and NSSD 112 offers an opportunity for a win/win situation for both districts, and most importantly, is in the best interests of the school children of Ft. Sheridan, Highwood and Highland Park.

The Park District and North Shore School District 112 have a longstanding and successful tradition of inter-governmental cooperation. This is not the time for that tradition to break down. Indeed, it is perhaps more important than it has ever been for both districts to return to the bargaining table and to negotiate in good faith.”