Yes is the Responsible Vote in 113

There is no convincing some people that our aging high schools need help. While we can debate the finer points of the plan, the key issues are simple: Are we willing to spend a little to make sure our kids can learn in a healthy and modern environment? Is it important that our community schools are technologically up-to-date?

Since the referendum of 2011, the district has involved hundreds of community members and held scores of meetings to discuss this plan. Developed through a highly inclusive and participatory process, this plan is a collaboration and a compromise. Those who do not like this plan might not like any plan. Click here to see an analysis of the “plan” the opposition thinks is better.

There are plenty of myths and misinformation about this referendum. It is very important that we look closely at the claims from those who say that they are putting education first. Here is an article that addresses some of these misconceptions.  

The infrastructure of our high school is like an old car. In my family, we try to keep our cars as long as possible. We take good care of them, and drive them as long as we can. However, there comes a point where the increasing frequency and cost of repairs and maintenance is not the best use of our money. When a car starts to need lots of expensive repairs, it is time to invest in a new one. When we purchase a new vehicle, we use a combination of savings and loaned funds.

This referendum is the most fiscally responsible way to address our aging buildings. We have taken very good care of these buildings for a long time. But it is not cost effective to keep repairing systems installed decades ago. The district is proposing a combination of reserve funds and bonds to pay these costs. We should not let our school district drain its reserves completely. Would you go bankrupt to buy your new car?

And, as both sides of the debate have noted, the issues won’t go away. What happens if you wait too long to replace that old car? Sometimes, you get stranded when the car breaks down. Do we want our kids in schools with broken heating and cooling systems? Sometimes, we have to spend money to repair old systems because we don’t have the funds to replace them. But that is not the best use of our funds. Do we want to throw away money putting band-aids on old equipment we should replace?  Do we pay more to maintain obsolete systems when we could equip our students with up-to-date computers and educational technology?   

For a small amount of money, we can make a significant improvement in the way our schools feel and function. My yearly tax increase will be about the same amount I pay for one month for cable television!

To deny the needs of Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools is to live in an irresponsible past. To oppose this referendum is to sacrifice the critical long-term needs of our children and communities in order to save a few bucks now and pay much more later.

I have lived in District 113 for over twenty-five years. I am the parent of a current Deerfield High School student and a recent graduate. This referendum is about the safety and well being of all of our children and the future of our community. This referendum is critical to maintaining an excellent educational experience and ensuring that everyone who uses our high schools is safe, healthy, and in the twenty first century! I urge you to vote YES!