Dist. 57 board acting deliberate
I am responding to Mr. Wilson's editorial on the board of education's unanimous decision to postpone housing District 57's first graders at Westbrook for the 2008-2009 school year. Mr. Wilson was not in attendance at the December or January board meetings; the information on which he bases his criticisms is inaccurate.
To begin, the board of education is led by Sue Ramstedt, the president. Additionally, his statement "certain members of the board, led by Withey and Benson, decided not to follow the recommendation" is mistaken. The motion was led by Mr. Leane and the decision was made 7-0 to postpone moving our students until remaining questions could be fully answered.
These significant questions include precise financial implications as well as other options presented by the committee that have yet to be fully explored.
The board is being responsible because they aren't rushing to spend money and make sweeping changes until they have all the facts and can weigh the exact costs and benefits of all the recommendations.
Mr. Benson and Mr. Withey ARE listening to the public, all of the public, in addition to the very vocal people that attend the meetings. Mr. Withey quoted an e-mail from a concerned parent about a child's severe allergies, proving he reads every e-mail and takes all feedback into consideration. Mr. Withey mentioned the committee's recommendation on full-day kindergarten needs to be fully understood as this change would impact housing and financial decisions as well.
So, on one point Mr. Wilson is correct: Mr. Withey and Mr. Benson, along with the other board members are showing their true colors. They are circumspect people of character who make decisions based on facts -- both logistical and financial -- before instituting change that affects all students and all tax payers. I commend these volunteers who spend countless hours away from their families to attend meetings, research options, listen to the community and make difficult, if not always popular, decisions based on what they believe is correct.
To answer the question, What recourse do the voters of District 57 have?" If you believe you have better solutions, run for a board position and be the difference you seek.
Lisa Honcharuk
Mount Prospect