Recently, the New Trier Administration has spent much time trying to explain the "referendum" to parents and students. Today during advisory, we went and saw Dr. Dohrer's very persuasive speech about what the "newly constructed" NTHS is supposed to look like and all of its "advantages" that the current NTHS lacks. Some people were convinced whereas others were not. I have seen many lawn signs either supporting or refuting the referendum, so there are plenty of people who feel passionately about their beliefs regarding the referendum.
I must say, the NTHS Administration is being very partial in their claims. It is pretty evident that they want this referendum, as they over-exaggerate the current conditions of the school and spend very little time addressing the MAJOR tax increase that would occur should the majority of the people vote in favor of the referendum. Additionally, the administration is ambiguous in many of its claims. They have never addressed specifically how the referendum will improve the ability to use technology in classrooms (why, in every current classroom there is an overhead projector, computer, etc.). In a poorly-written letter to the parents, they said that some American Studies classes had to be conducted in an art room due to lack of space. I have NEVER heard of such a thing; first of all, I do not believe that there currently are any AS classes conducted in art rooms. I know many people in 4- and 9- level AS, and they are in a regular classroom on the 4th floor. Maybe once 3 years ago there was an AS class in an art room. Furthermore, I don't see how this is a problem. Students should be able to learn effectively no matter where they are - it could be in a garage. I don't see how the classroom itself interferes with the teacher's ability to TEACH the material well.
I am not so much attacking the referendum itself, just the administration's partiality. I do think that the new library, cafeteria, and gyms are much needed. But I don't know if it's worth it given the tremendous tax increase. I have not fully decided what I want (even though I don't even get to vote!). But I do think that it would be better if the administration disregarded its personal wishes when trying to explain the referendum to people.
What do you think?
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I agree with you Nick. When I tell people I'm not exactly "for the referendum" I get "gasps" and "why not? it's soooo needed!". It's not that I don't believe the school needs to be redone, because it does, I just don't agree with all the claims made. How oh-so-hard it is for students to learn in the awful facilities we work in now, and claims like the AS rooms you explained (although I have no idea if that is true or not, I sure haven't heard of it).
ReplyDeleteTo me it's just a lot of money and a lot of construction and I feel for the houses near by. It's really interesting to drive from Glencoe, seeing numerous upon numerous "Vote Yes" signs to Winnnetka with "Vote No" and up to Wilmette creating more "Vote Yes". With such a location based favor I wonder how many people with the signs understand the actual circumstances for the construction. The effect while the construction begins on the students, A.K.A, us.