Tempers Flare as Lincoln-Way West, North Supporters Fight to 'Save Our Schools'

As school closure looms as a solution to the Lincoln-Way District 210’s flailing financial status, thousands have flocked to “Save Lincoln-Way West“ and “Save Lincoln-Way North“ Facebook groups, with contentious exchanges between fans sharing why their school should be the one spared.

Online petitions are circulating, one for Lincoln-Way North, one for Lincoln-Way West.

District 210 board members have stated it is not yet decided which school would close—a move that would save the district $5.2 million—but the $6 million needed this year to run a fourth school is “the last $6 million we are going to spend on a mistake.”

As the district’s two newest schools, each would be less expensive to “mothball”—or close but maintain for possibility of future use—than one of the two older schools, said Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley.

>>Read: ‘We Cannot Have 4 Schools Open,’ Says D210 Board Member

District 210 has been weighing the likelihood of closing a high school, cutting a class period, seeking a tax hike or some combination of those options to address withered finances. As an alternative to closing a school, a tax-hike referendum does not necessarily guarantee the district would be able to maintain operation of all four schools, said Superintendent Scott Tingley. And an online survey showed strong opposition to cutting extracurriculars.

“I’m done paying more taxes,” wrote one Lincoln-Way North supporter. “Time to fire excess staff principles administrators and so on. After all that is done then talk to me about what you think needs to be done. I’m the taxpayer. Start serving US or you will have a very short political career.”

Discussions have turned nearly hostile as school ties tug at families’ pride and commitment, with each group of supporters prodding the other to remain on their respective pages. Still others urge to keep the peace.

“Of course I do not want North to close, as it is a great school and my children are and will be fortunate to attend there! But, we are no better than any of the other schools and communities if we start spreading hate! Let’s do what’s best for our children and teach them respect by being respectful.”

>>Read: ‘I Am Disappointed,’ LW Grad Tells School Board. ‘Figure This Out’

A third group—Lincoln-Way All Community—arose in response to the first two, calling for unity and teamwork in addressing the situation.

“This is the page we need!” one member wrote. “My fear is our kids will resent each other when and if schools are split, divided or closed.”

The page administrator reminds members, “we may have four schools, but we are all in this together!”

“Grown men and women now need to make hard decisions to allow academic excellence to continue so our children are sought by and admitted into the universities of their choice and armed with life skills for solid futures,” wrote one supporter on Lincoln-Way North. “We are one district and should present that way. All of the children get the same shake. Every single one. We may not like this predicament, we didn’t sign up for this, but it’s here, staring us in the face.”