Say yes to plan to school facilities plan

Now, more than ever, our community needs to come together to support the ever changing needs of today's high school students. What worked for me in 1988 is a thing of the past. The Community High School District 99 Master Facilities plan on the March 20 ballot adapts our schools to current educational needs.

Classroom design can help develop skills for life and work beyond the classroom. Collaborative problem solving is now an essential skill for success beyond High School. The plan includes a learning commons and modern learning spaces that closely resemble the work spaces you see at Google, Apple, or Amazon. Google's office model offers open spaces to promote collaboration, problem solving, and teamwork.

A 2012 study from the University of Minnesota found that students participated 48 percent more in discussions in a classroom with collaborative group seating versus traditional rows of desks, and also improved their performance on standardized tests.

The proposed learning commons will put students closer to key supports. Deans, Guidance Counselors, and teachers could now be at their fingertips. Socially speaking, these open spaces could reduce bullying opportunities and improve the learning environment for our most vulnerable students. Learning commons allow for more adult eyes connecting with the students.

A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported nearly twice as many bullying incidents in hallways and stairwells as they did in open areas like cafeterias or learning commons.

Research has found that students who are exposed to more daylight perform better on tests. The learning commons will get rid of basement study halls with spotty Wi-Fi and no windows.

This plan supports the changing needs and expectations of our students and faculty and is why I will be voting yes for the CHSD 99 referendum.

Tracy Weiner

Downers Grove