In support of District 41 bond issue

The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn endorses Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41's proposed bond referendum and urges district residents to vote "yes" on April 4.

Passage of the referendum is essential to maintaining health safety standards at all schools for all children and meeting the educational goals of District 41.

Approval of the $24.2 million bond referendum will enable the district to eliminate 10 portable classrooms at Hadley Junior High, meet state health safety requirements, provide required American Disability Act accessible bathrooms in all the schools and restrict direct access to classrooms at Churchill School by constructing a secure entrance. In addition, a bus lane will be created at Hadley Junior High to reduce congestion and improve safety, and additional space for Hadley's growing music program will be added. If these issues are not addressed now, they will need to be addressed in the near future, possibly at a high cost.

District 41 has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, effectively communicated the need for the referendum and provided many opportunities for residents to respond to the proposal. A community survey was done, informational community meetings and "coffee with board members" have been sponsored, tours of the portables have been given.

We need to reflect on why we were attracted to the communities that District 41 serves. Most of us would say that the quality of the schools was of primary importance. Parents value their children's education; and the health of communities is enhanced if their school systems are strong. A "yes" vote for District 41's proposed bond referendum will be an investment in the children of the district and their futures, and in the communities that the district serves.

Carrie Burrows and Sonja Faulkner

Co-Presidents of LWVGE

Glen Ellyn