Say yes to District 200 referendum

I am urging the residents of Wheaton-Warrenville Community Unit School District 200 to "say yes" to the referendum question on the April 4 ballot meant to address capital improvements and necessary enhancements at nearly every school in the district.

The plan, developed after transparently seeking community input for over a year, is not one that includes only wants and desires as some have said but projects necessary for maintaining the quality programs expected by the residents of District 200. Replacing aging roofs is not a want but a necessity. Upgrading heating, cooling and plumbing systems is not a want, but a need. Providing the students of Monroe Middle School a proper performing arts space as is available at every other middle school in the district is not a want but a need. Making sure that all schools in the district have safe and secure entrances is not a want but a need because nothing is more important and necessary than protecting the students who attend the district schools every day. Providing a proper facility for arguably the most needy students in our district, preschoolers with disabilities and those without disabilities who learn right alongside them, is not a want but a need. My appeal is to all the residents of District 200.

However, it is also for those in my demographic - those without children in the District 200 schools, both those whose children have gone through the system and those who have never had students or not yet have had students in the district. This referendum is all about maintaining our schools' quality. If it is diminished, the value of your property will diminish, and the pride you have in this great community - that which attracted you to live here - will be diminished as well.

Tom Paulsen

Wheaton