Dan Becker: Vision for Restructuring

If restructuring were to proceed in the way that I think is most appropriate, our schools would not only be better utilized on the north/east side, but there would also be some space available on the west side to accommodate the projected growth over the next few years.

I would propose that we begin by looking at the buildings on the far eastern edge (the lake) of our district. By adjusting boundaries for these buildings to utilize them to their fullest, the benefits we all desire will be provided. In my vision, the process would continue to move westward, finally ending with Traeger and Oakwood schools. This would create a trickle down affect that if administration is so confident that the enrollment projections are accurate, will allow us to better utilize our schools AND retain flexibility for the future.

My biggest fear under the current scenario is that after asking our children to walk great distances to school, we may find ourselves in a situation where we need to add space. Under the current scenario, the ONLY way to add that space would be to build a new school, which is , in my opinion, irresponsible to the taxpayers as they will have no choice but to pass a multi-million dollar referendum. Why not simply make use of our already existing buildings?

I do realize that some of our buildings are in need of some “TLC”, but not so much as to make them unusable. It’s unfortunate that BOE majorities of the past have opted to put a higher priority on issues other than the buildings our children occupy every day and thus putting the board, and the community as a whole, in the current situation it is in.

I believe it is imperative to do whatever is needed to maintain the availability of neighborhood schools. Smaller schools provide the attention that our youngest students both require and deserve. I do realize that this comes at an expense, however, in particular at the elementary level, that is a cost that is worth bearing.

Neighborhood schools not only provide benefits for our students, but also to our parents. Schools provide our community with far more than just a place to send their kids to for a few hours a day. One of the issues that this district has focused on in years past is parental involvement. How involved do you think parents will be when they have to make a two mile trek to their child’s school?

We must make our youngest students feel secure in their existing schools. By sending them across a great distance, when their “old” school was three blocks away, is not in anyone’s best interest.