Referendum Promotes 'Solidarity Across Racial and Class Lines'

The following letter was written and submitted by Gabriel Rodriguez.

All too often educational initiatives fail to meet the needs of students. They fail to yield results because policymakers and educators implement antiquated policies aimed at educating the past generation of students without having the foresight toward reimaging an educational approach that affirms, empowers, and teaches our present and future student populations. The residents of Fort Sheridan, Highland Park, and Highwood are at a critical juncture in which they can help shape the educational trajectories of students in our community.

North Shore District 112 has proposed a reconfiguration plan that has considered myriad issues confronting it. Moreover, perspectives from community members have been taken into account over the past 6 years of analysis, yet questions persist about the validity of this plan. This student-centered enterprise achieves prudent facility and financial management, lifting the district out of a downward budgetary spiral and putting its financial house in order. Besides the financial and structural benefits District 112 would attain, it is imperative to address the educational implications.

Much has been said about the harmful effects children would have to endure if this reconfiguration plan passes, particularly with respect to the middle school campus. As a doctoral candidate in the field of education, research is something I do not take lightly. The manner in which those opposed to the referendum are marshaling research to support the validity of their arguments is problematic. While those opposed to the referendum would have you believe that there are only negatives, existing educational literature around the middle school philosophy makes the case that while the grade span of middle schoolers matters, its effects depend on classroom quality. Moreover, research also shows that the transition to middle school does not necessarily introduce a decline in academic and social engagement if high quality instruction is maintained, why would that change in this district? District 112 employs incredibly qualified teachers and staff who create and sustain learning environments that are challenging, dynamic, inclusive, and, safe. Yet that seems to get lost in the debate.

Another point to address centers around our Latina/o community. Many of the comments that have been articulated show an utter misunderstanding of a population that is not a monolith or fragile. There is no question that there are portions of our Latina/o community like others across this country that must overcome a lot to succeed, but the Latina/o community in this area also includes professionals with college degrees, residents who have called this area home for multiple generations, thus speaking to the diversity within our community. There are those who say we need to protect the Latina/o community because they should not be exposed to certain types of students. There are those who say Latina/o parents are unwilling or unable to commute across town to attend school functions. These comments about our Latina/o community are a complete and utter lie. Our Latina/o community does not need to be condescended to. Our Latina/o students and parents have and will continue to fight for their education. Our Latina/o families demonstrate their resolve to their children’s education in a variety of ways just as non- Latina/o families do.

On March 15th, the voters of our community have the distinct opportunity to support a referendum that would allow North Shore District 112 to upgrade its facilities and maximize its educational initiatives. Supporting the construction of a middle school campus would allow for our diverse populations to finally come together; to learn and socialize, thus promoting solidarity across racial and class lines. We must not relent in our effort to improve the lives of our students; we must strive for better, seek to innovate, and not yield to status quo. We owe it to ourselves and, more importantly, to the children of our community.

Gabriel Rodriguez, Highland Park