Ravinia Neighbors Association Voices Concern Over Referendum

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - Members of the Ravinia Neighbors Association overwhelmingly oppose the North Shore School District 112 referendum and its board members unanimously opposed it in a straw poll.

But that doesn’t mean the group is taking an official stand on the matter.

“The RNA has decided to take no official position as an organization, as any one position could not represent our entire membership,” according to a group newsletter circulated by RNA President Carolyn Cerf.

In a survey, the RNA received 80 responses from 200 emails on their membership list. Of those who responded, 21 preferred no position to be taken by the group, 42 preferred they oppose it and 21 wanted a statement of support.

But while no public position was taken, the RNA did not shy away from sharing their “concerns” if the referendum is passed.

“We are concerned that Ravinia School - originally set to be closed, then kept open, and now to be closed if the referendum fails - is being used to influence voters,” according to the newsletter. “The premature inclusion of Ravinia's closure in the contingency plan (BDR3 as it is called) with strong dissent by three School Board members, certainly does not seal the fate of the school. We consider the matter far from closed.”

RNA member Dan Rosenberg has urged the community to vote down the referendum, then fight to keep Ravinia School open.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Confusion over the effect on property values and real estate also remain, according to the RNA newsletter.

“District 112 has left unanswered some important questions related to real estate in Ravinia. We still have no information from the District about the likely impact on property values not only of closing a neighborhood school within walking distance of homes, but also of the buildings sitting vacant for long periods once closed.”

The referendum plan also conflicts with the city’s goals.

“While the City is preparing for a future based on demographic trends toward populations focused in neighborhoods, thereby supporting our business districts and encouraging walking and public transportation, 112 has placed the school system on a track toward reliance on motorized transport (buses), sprawling distances between home and school, and concentrating the youth population in locations away from their homes and local business districts.”

And the District did not consult with the RNA while putting the plan together.

“Despite this, in the event of a "no" vote, we are ready to work with District 112 and other neighborhood groups to find the right way to solve the district's financial concerns.”