Why One Middle School When the Community is Asking for Two?: Letter

The following letter was written and submitted by Adam Kornblatt.

The 112 School Board has given direction to the administration to focus solely on a single middle school model to the exclusion of all other models at this time, notwithstanding the call from the community over the last 8 months for an alternative two middle school option. Sure, there are proponents of the plan who tout its educational and financial benefits to the district, but I imagine those same proponents would support a two middle school model that similarly meets those goals. Many of these proponents were SCFFAC members who recommended two middle schools as the community preferred model.

I have met with current administrators, teachers, former SCFFAC members, current and former school board members; I have attended board meetings and workshops; and read the documents the district has provided on the reconfiguration, and from what I can gather, there is no measurable difference in the quality of education that will be delivered under a one or two middle school model.

Under any reconfiguration plan, the board is planning on issuing a $150 million referendum and using operating funds to borrow $50 million for a total of $200 million. There are a significant percentage of voters that will vote no to any tax increase of this magnitude. Instead of embracing the rest of the community that is open to or supports reconfiguration, the board has proposed the one model that is the most polarizing, and in doing so has divided the community that supports reconfiguration.

The board still has an opportunity to provide the community a two middle school alternative. The board has an opportunity to present an option that the community will rally around. I have heard many say they don’t support one middle school, but will vote in favor because we have to do something and this is the only option put forth. Don’t settle for something you don’t support or believe in. The financial condition of the district will not change from March to November when a second referendum and option can be proposed.

I will be voting no to a single middle school plan. I am not voting no to educational improvements, reconfiguration, or change, just no to this plan. I support a plan that is more representative of the community’s values and interests that meets the district’s educational and financial goals.

Adam Kornblatt

Highland Park