• strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
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  • strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter::options_validate() should be compatible with views_handler::options_validate($form, &$form_state) in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_filter.inc on line 0.
  • strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter::options_submit() should be compatible with views_handler::options_submit($form, &$form_state) in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_filter.inc on line 0.
  • strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter_node_status::operator_form() should be compatible with views_handler_filter::operator_form(&$form, &$form_state) in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/modules/node/views_handler_filter_node_status.inc on line 0.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
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  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.
  • strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /home/glencoenews/www/www/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 906.

You ‘get to’ vote for progress for GSL

Submitted by admin on Wed, 04/29/2015 - 9:38am

To the Editor:
For 44 years, I have been employed as a teacher by the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District. I have taught at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School, Lincoln, Lakeside, Helen Baker, and even at Henry Hill, as a teacher, summer school teacher or substitute teacher. In my opinion, the school district lacks the necessary space needed for its various programs. I’m sure that when Helen Baker was built, it was a wonderful school that fit the needs of the education community, but now more space is needed and a design is needed that fits with the goals we have for educating our students for the future.
As time goes on, our world changes and education has changed in many ways. We are testing the students more, we offer more classes and more programs. Space has to fit the needs of the programs. For a number of years, I worked in a shower room that was converted into a classroom. The superintendent came to my room one day and said that my program would have to move since it was not in a safe environment. Students were in wheelchairs, walker, or had disabilities that required more space. As a result, I was moved to the library and a portable classroom needed to be purchased to house the library. Because of this, all students in recent years have had to walk outside in all kinds of weather to access the library. This takes time away from classroom instruction. We also have speech, English language learners, and other special education programs in converted storage rooms, shower rooms, and music class is conducted on a small stage. There is very little storage space for the regular classrooms.
I mention all of this to show how the various administrations have “made do” with the space problems at Helen Baker, but there comes a time when “make do” and “good enough” are inadequate. I have not even mentioned the heating problems at Helen Baker, lack of space for paraprofessionals to work, and space problems at other schools. I wish I had a magical solution for community members who feel that their taxes would be too high if this bond passes. All I know is that it would take a great deal of money to fix up Helen Baker, and we would still have space issues. The longer we wait, the higher the cost will be.
The school district has the phrase that “we got to.” To me, this means that we as teachers get to teach the students of this community, and that is an awesome responsibility. Students get to learn each day, gaining knowledge and skills. You as community members get to vote on this issue and this is an awesome responsibility, also. I ask you to give it the consideration it deserves, ask the questions and take a look at Helen Baker and the high school. We need to get involved; we need to talk to each other about this, and we need to vote. The time is short and the decision is important. You get to vote for progress!
Eldean Enderson
Glencoe