For those of you who live in District 122 (Ridgeland School District) here in Illinois, please vote YES on February 5th for the referendum. If the referendum does not pass, it will result in the following:

• One grade school will be closed.
• Remaining elementary schools will become grade centers with them being structured something like this: K-2 at one school, 3 at another school, 4-5 at yet another school, and 6-8 at the middle school.
• Students will change schools on average every two years. Research shows that students have difficulty with transitions between schools, and that difficulty results in a lack of academic success.
• Band, music, and art (which have already been eliminated due to the referendum failing in April) will not be returned to the curriculum. The two biggest indicators of success for college bound students are an early introduction to algebra and participation in music/band.
• More staff will be cut and class sizes will continue to increase at the elementary buildings. Right now, there are 30-35 students in one classroom. Currently, at one of of the schools (Simmons), some of the class sizes exceed 40 students!

If the referendum passes, class sizes will be reduced, the tradition of neighborhood schools will continue, and the budget will be balanced for at least seven years.

If this referendum fails, we are sending a message to the community (and potential residents) that we don’t value our children, community, or property. Good schools always translate into good property values and strong communities. I know we choose our house because of how close we were to the school and that this was a good school district. What this will cost us in taxes is small compared to the benefits we will see in increased property values from our reputation of having good schools.

Please support the referendum on February 5th and VOTE YES!