School leaders live in a different world

Is High School District 214 replacing desks because they aren’t functional or because a consultant doesn’t like the look? Not everyone in the district lives in a million-dollar home in Lake County.

This sounds a lot like the CTA plan to extend the Red Line three miles at a cost of $3 billion.

The question is, what is the cost benefit? What is the burden on low- to moderate-income District 214 residents whose health insurance costs are absolutely skyrocketing. This renovation plan is a wish list with little regard for other costs residents face — other taxes, insurance, etc.

Spend what is needed to keep the properties attractive and serviceable. Understand that my property taxes are at a point where they are a deterrent to staying in our home, and are a deterrent to buyers.

I suspect that the income and assets of District 214 board members are not typical of many District 214 residents, such as bakery employees, self-employed plumbers, custodians, car salespeople, store clerks, landscaper employees, retirees, etc.

$10 million to modernize main entrances? How many homes can you build for $10 million, perhaps 20 or more (my neighborhood, Mill Creek), and you want to spend it on entrances? $78 million to optimize space — not new space, but $78 million to “optimize” space. We are living in different worlds.

Gerry Shacter

Buffalo Grove