I'm 65 and will vote 'yes' on the District 57 tax hike

I turned 65 last year, and retirement and a fixed income is closer than it was when my son was a student at Lions Park School in District 57.

My best reason (for supporting the referendum) is my memory of the educational and emotional support that my son received while a student at Lions Park. As a single parent, I worked three jobs to keep us afloat.

The teachers and my neighbors could not have been more supportive during those arduous years. Today, my son is a graduate of Harvard University, cum laude, with both a bachelor's and a master's degree in physics. He also has a master's in education from National Louis University.

He graduated Harvard with no student debt because he was able to get scholarships and to earn money as a pianist for special events at Harvard and MIT. I believe this is as a result of the excellent education and music training he had at Lions Park and Lincoln schools in District 57.

Today, he teaches AP Physics. I firmly believe that the role District 57 played in his life supported his success today.

For me to not vote "yes" would be hypocritical, and would betray all those who helped us along the way. I want the children in my community, in Mount Prospect, to have the very best education and all the opportunities that an excellent education affords, and I am very willing to financially support that education with my "yes" vote.

I am asking the District 57 residents to join me in a "yes" vote, one that will help restore the District financially, and that will ensure a quality education for our community.

Sincerely,

Pam Nelson

Mount Prospect