Should the Summit Hill District 161 Parents Have a Say in School Closures?

The Summit Hill District 161 parents are finally getting a chance to voice their opinion on the decision to close two schools, Arbury Hills and Frankfort Square School. A referendum will be held on November 5, giving parents the opportunity to decide whether they agree with the process behind the school closures. The question will be simple: "Do you approve of the process by which the Board of Education for Summit Hill School District 161 closed Arbury Hills and Frankfort Square schools without a corresponding reduction in the property tax levy rate?" The decision to close the schools was met with strong opposition from parents, who felt that the process was rushed and not backed by solid data. Many parents felt that the community was not given enough transparency and due diligence before the vote in December 2023. The school board members who voted in favor of the closures, Stefanie McCleish, Katie Campbell, Jim Martin, and Joy Murphy, did so despite concerns from the community.

The referendum is a chance for parents to have a say in the decision-making process and to hold the school board accountable for their actions. It is also a chance for parents to hold the district officials responsible for the way they have handled the situation. The district officials have stood by their decision, citing enrollment projections and the cost of essential repairs to buildings as the reasons for the closures. However, some parents have questioned the accuracy of the data presented by the district officials. Patrick Oliphant, the main proponent of the referendum, has stated that he found holes in the data and information presented by the district. He believes that the district did not provide enough transparency in their decision-making process and that the community was not given a fair chance to provide input. The sale of Arbury Hills to the Prayer Center Of Orland for $1.9 million has also raised concerns among parents. Many are worried that the district is prioritizing profit over the needs of the community. The referendum is a chance for parents to make their voices heard and to demand accountability from the school district. It is a chance for parents to take back control of their schools and to ensure that the decisions made by the school board are in the best interest of the students and the community.

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