On April 6, 2011, District 113 School Board President Bonnie Shelensky posted this public letter on the District 113 Website:

“April 6, 2011

Message from:  Bonnie Shlensky, Board of Education President

On behalf of the District 113 Board of Education, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their interest in the Long Range Facility and Technology Plan. On April 5, 2011, the community voted and rejected the recommended ballot proposal that earmarks significant funds for necessary facility renovations to both Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools.

Board of Education members are displeased with this outcome because the Board unanimously believes that these renovations are necessary to ensure educational excellence.

Given the outcome of the vote, it is evident that more work is necessary. We know that the Long-Range Facility and Technology Plan encompasses projects that are essential; our high schools have significant needs that must be addressed. However, we will need to engage in more dialogue and study to determine our next steps. As we progress, we will keep the community informed. Information will continue to be available on the district website:  www.dist113.org. We will also create venues to ensure that the plans we develop continue to be representative of community priorities.

Despite the outcome, I would like to thank members of the Community Leadership Team for the time and energy devoted to developing their recommendation. In addition, I send our sincere gratitude to the CARE for 113 Schools Committee under the leadership of Rick Heineman and Harry Steindler. These community members spent countless volunteer hours touring the schools, attending meetings and educating community members about the schools and their needs. We appreciate the leadership and commitment of these community members.”

They’re “displeased” because they unanimously voted for it?  Just who do they think they are? Our parents?  Because they’re the Board of Education, they suddenly know best for the community?

I’m sorry Ms. Shelensky, but the community has sent you a clear message – FOCUS ON THE NEEDS NOT THE WANTS.

Saying “we will need to engage in more dialogue and study to determine our next steps” rings hollow in light of the Special Meeting of the Board of Education which has been scheduled for 7:30AM on Friday, April 8, 2011 to discuss artificial turf at Deerfield High School.

Saying “As we progress, we will keep the community informed.” – that’s wonderful, and expected.  But I’m curious as to how the Board will work with the community to craft a better plan which focuses on needs instead of wants (like artificial turf).

Saying “We will also create venues to ensure that the plans we develop continue to be representative of community priorities.” is a good start, but rings equally as hollow when your first public venue after the referendum was defeated is to be held at 7:30AM on a Friday morning.

Come on, it’s time to put the past behind you – work in a more transparent manner with the Public – not just some members of special interest groups…. we’re watching…

Tags: Artificial Turf, Opaque, Special Meeting, WANTS

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 6th, 2011partner at 4:14 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.