District 204 parents mull boundaries lawsuit

Let us all pray that cooler heads prevail. Maybe we should ask what Dick Furstenau What he thinks of all this.

Never mind Furstenau, what does Napergate Man think?

Below is a copy of what I wrote to the gentleman that is heading up this new group. It is how many of us feel about the situation.

What legal leg does your group have to stand on in your fight against the district? I understand you want to go to the closest school. I live at the NW side of the district in a neighborhood named Ginger Woods. Ginger Woods residents have sent our kids (Kindergarten through 5th Grade) to a school twice the distance from our home (past Brooks Elementary) for more than 8 years. These are 5-11 year olds. The same goes for Concord Valley across from Stonebridge. They also go to Nancy Young in Oakhurst North when Brooks in Stonebridge is across the street. There's nothing new here! If I can send a 5 year old to school at a "less than convenient" location then why don't some of the residents of District 204 think that their 15-18 year olds can handle it? Will each of these teens be getting summer jobs within a mile and or walking distance of their homes? Not likely. Aren't a lot of these kids on travel sports leagues that take them out of the area altogether -- i.e. weekends in Rockford. If distance is a problem then why do they permit the kids to participate?

Please ask your folks to be reasonable and stop fighting things that are not to your liking (a small portion of Dist. 204). Many of us did not think the Brach land made sense but we supported the fact that the existing schools are overcrowded and something needed to be done. We also accepted the fact that our kids would attend WV 7 miles from our home vs. 2.5 miles to the new location. At that time (2 years ago) was that what we all wanted? Of course not, but when you are dealing with a public school district the size of ours we realize we are just a small percentage of the very large district. We did not bring in attorneys to try and fight the location. Now circumstances have changed, not by the folks in the new MV boundaries fighting to have the school located here, but because with all things considered -- available land, cost... it made the most sense.

What does not make sense is the delay of good progress that has been made by the school board for getting things on track for a 2009 opening despite all of the delays that were initally going to accommodate you folks. Are you aware that more than 70% of the district residents were in favor of the new Eola location? That constitutes a Majority.

Please get back to focusing on your kids in the "here and now" and help this School District save money by not throwing more ridiculous lawsuits their way. Soon no one will want to live in the district (even if their kids will go to NV) because our taxes will be so high.

Also, please leave the environmental issues up to the professionals. They are not members of this District and can therefore be neutral and not emotionally invested in the decisions. They are also qualified to determine the safety above those out there that speculate a danger where it may not exist.

I am nothing more than a resident of the District. I do not sit on the school board, work for the district, etc. Isn't it time we ALL RALLY TOGETHER and get our kids into educational environments that are not overcrowded as soon as possible? Wasn't that the initial purpose of all this anyway?

DH-

Where did you get that 70% of the district favors the Eola site?

Anonymous 10:17 pm

I'm pretty sure DH got that bogus statistic from the SB/administration. I heard them state that 70% of the data they compiled from their "survey monkey" favored the Eola and Molitor site. I find that really hard to believe. I think they should post the feedback so that we can be assured residents are supportive of that toxic site. I'm not buying it.

Can we FOIA that feedback?

I don't believe that's a true fact... Spin, deception, lies, half truth, blame someone else, etc.... Unfortunately, there is a history of half truth in district 204. People are beginning to realize that recently.

Welcome to 204!

This won't be pretty.

I think the 70% was from some 'tally' number BG pulled from an orifice called surveymonkey. It's about as scientific as the decoder ring from Cracker Jacks.

To clarify... the 70%+ number I referred to was the portion of those that were "vocal" during the 2 weeks prior to the site being voted on. Typically you only hear from those that are unhappy about something. Those that are content or supportive usually just sit back and let things happen. The responses in comments online and overall at the SB meeting (including the more than 25 residents who spoke) were definitely supportive. (I did attend that meeting and listen to all of the speakers.)

All of us want to make sure the site is safe however we are willing to let the experts assess the situation and report back to us rather than speculate.

What are your thoughts on the existing boundaries I stated that have sent many elementary students past one elementary school to one further away because of school capacities and growth? (And have been doing so for years!) Is there a misperception that the only people who have been or will ever be inconvenienced are those that live slightly closer to NV but will be sent to WV?

Why do you feel it is your right to have the district accommodate your conveniences by sending kids 1.5 miles to a closer school rather than perhaps 3.5 miles to a differenct school when some of us have had our kids traveling 7 miles to high school for years? Why is it that you feel it is OK to send all of the kids on the North side further than the distance that your kids will ever travel? I'd just like you to please see thing from another perspective.

In regard to the "right to go to the closest school" you might want to check what is going on in other school districts around the Chicago area. It is very common to have neighborhoods full of kids sent to a school that might be further away if it helps balance out overall attendance as needed.

Also, when the majority of the district voted to approve the new high school it was not because it was self-serving and put the school where it would be convenient for us. It was for the overall good of the district to add a 3rd HS somewhere in the district. The SB informed everyone of their intentions but the votes were not contingent upon locations being guaranteed. The SB did their best to try to make Brach/Brody site happen but in the best interest of the district they went to a solution that was within the districts means.

Just a bunch of spoiled whiners! Get over it. If you don't like it move out of the district.

DH is clearly part of the problem with this distrct. They want to force this "kids first" argument and turn it into a "boundry squable". Ignorance.

DH needs to wake up! This is about integrity, or lack there of, of the school board. That 70% support number is bull. If the "supporters" of this site are sooooo sure it is the popular choice, bring it up for a vote. The point is that they will not because they know they would lose! The fact is, with the purchase of the Eola site and all of it's problems, we all "get screwed".

All the facts are there. The lies, the errors made by the board, the "half truths" told on the Eola site", the arrogance. Those that want to ignore this and give the board a pass are enablers. I wonder if they would find this to be acceptable behavior for their children?

If you do not teach your children the values of the school board, donate money to the lawsuit. Help the majority of the right correct this out of control school board.

The fact that should be troubling to our entire community is the principle of the matter....Can a school board actively 'market' one thing to pass a referendum and then not be required to keep their word.

This is the essence , I believe , of why this group is so upset.

There are many in this district who have seen this same school board say one thing and do another many times before. I do agree that it needs to stop.

The point of this lawsuit, in my opinion, is to hold the school board accountable for what it told its residents it would do with the money; buy Brach Brody and build a high school.

Let them go ahead and waste their retirement money because they didn't get their way. Like the guy even states, there is no legal precedent to bring a lawsuit.

Idiots.

This will really help the perception of the White Eagle/Tall Grass communities!!

OK, so DH, now we are supposed to support a site we did not vote on while we pay $150M for the privilege of moving your old commute distance wise (and even more time wise ) to Cowlishaw / Watts - becuase you are now happy. And while you may have voted for BB, 80% of your area did not, and that is not a survey monkey, that was actual vote. So before people start preaching from the mountaintop on right and wrong let's focus on reality. Yes 4 ES's now have boundaries and a site for a HS near their home. It takes 7 - 8 ES's to fill that school and there are at least 3 areas that view this as FAR less than optimal. Why would we put a school where 15% of the school population is within 3 miles when the entire southern area is jammed in now ? Also why would we put it on the site that 18 months ago was deemed a sure hazard by that same SB-SD that now swears everthing is just jim dandy there ?

It's funny how one SDs urvey - equally as flawed as the Sun poll is quoted as gospel and the Sun poll is dismissed.

There are areas that will have to travel to their 3rd closest MS , and then again to the 3rd closest HS under this scenario and for that get the privilege of having their taxes raised. This is NO solution to the issues we have- all it does is move them. So forgive me for not applauding that you now have an ES and MS walking distance and the closest HS in this scenario.

If reality is a 70% majority let the site go back for a general vote ( as opposed to the site the SD-SB sold us,over and over again in writing )
Even the SD does not want to do that, they know there is no 70% majority, which is why all referendums are trying to be avoided right now.

This is a great deal for exactly 15% of the district - no more, and even within that there are people with concerns about the site safety.

District 204 has exhibited a history of lies and deception. They stated that the Eola site was contaminated and was not safe. Five of the boring samples produced toxins AFTER it was cleaned. In the site comparisons, they state that provide an inflated cost for the Brach-Brodie land based on damages, yet the district would only pay damages if they purchase different land. The referendum was defeated until they stipulated that the Brach-Brodie land would be the site and declared the boundaries. They also stated that they would not change those boundaries. I suggest the parents of District 204 children contact Senator Holmes and ask her to provide details of her conversation with Mark Metzger during he quick claim attempt. She stated to me that he 'lied to her face'.

The District is rushing to buy a site that it said was contaminated. It ignores high EMF and does not even address the costs for addressing the wetlands issue. If these people proposed rushing to spend millions of dollars while not addressing these 'hidden costs' in corporate America, they would be fired.

It appears only a court ordered injunction will be able to bring this rogue group to their senses. I support this group’s efforts. In fact, I will be contacting them to offer a contribution.

Just what do you hope to accomplish by filing legal action? Let's see, we can all look forward to our kids attending high school in split shifts, eating lunch in hallways at 8 a.m. and "tryouts" to get into Honors Biology because three times as many kids want it than there is room for!! Or perhaps your kids will have to go to school in the summer (you'd probably file a lawsuit about that one too!) Is this what you're hoping to achieve by all this garbage you are going to put all of the rest of us through? It's sickening and you should be ashamed that you claim to represent the kids' best interests.

The kids will all thrive and flourish in the current plan, really! Case in point, the children who live in the Woods of Bailey Hobson drive right past NCHS on their way to NNHS and guess what...they love NNHS and their families are not suffering because of the commute!

Sooo, I hope that you are all thinking long and hard about what you are attempting to do to all of the kids of this distict. As they say, be careful what you wish for. What your wishing for folks is not going to be pretty for anyone!!

Enough with the lawsuits the sums of OUR MONEY these so called attorneys are bleeding from the school district is insane. We need through the freedom of information act find out exactly how much to date has gone into there pockets. I am sure once we all see how much money has been wasted we will come together as a community.We can then recover from the shock and replace the school board with one that represents us and not the legal community.

DH-

The perspective is I bought a house within walking distance of an elementary school, middle school and high school. These schools were already built and this house was within the school district's boundaries for those schools. Yes, I spent more than I wanted, but I felt it was worth the convenience of my child being able to walk to school.

My choice was not to buy a house in a location that did not have schools built nearby because location is important to me. I live much farther from downtown Naperville than I did when I grew up here, but I felt schooling convenience was more important than entertainment convenience.

I do feel for your point of view, however have your boundaries changed from when you purchased your home? Or are your kids traveling to the schools they were assigned prior to your home purchase? I agree we should rally together to make this the best school district, however we should make sure we compare apples to apples.

DH-

Too late, our taxes are already going to be sky high with the monies the school district is piling up for the new high school. Including all the penalties they have assumed through mishandling BB, the numbers are now staggering.

If we want to control spending (and hopefully reduce our potential taxes) we need real numbers for enrollments. Then informed and thoughtful decisions can be made regarding building and or remodeling existing buildings for our children.

We can't afford Broch-Brodie you dumb axxes--that is not a viable solution because it is not attainable for dist. 204. MOVE ONNNNN!!

File a lawsuit? Are you kidding? Haven't we wasted enough money on legal fees? I voted to raise my taxes to fund a new high school, not to enrich the legal community. How are we paying for the legal fees the district has already incurred? Is that coming out of the referendum money? Is it coming at the expense of facilities for the new high school, or will our taxes be raised further to fund it?

speakingfor all of us dumb axes - have you seen the final costs for AME- MWGEN to compare to BB. Does your crystal ball know what damageswill be rewarded to BB on the land we tied up for 2 years ? Add that to the $5m-$6M already owed to BB for attorney fees ( this per the SB - not a guess). Now let's add to that any more potential delays caused if findings from the 2 series of tests show any more issues than just the 5-6 core sampling concerns already.

And if all the money we are paying to run two shifts of workers to open a partial HS in fall 2009 ends up not being enough to get it done, will they move to 2010 ? Nope - they will throw even more money at it to open in 2009.

Show me the final balance sheet before you start with the know it all condescending tone...

It is entirely possible that AME-MWGEN could end up costing more that BB would have had we started - and for a site the SB themselves says is inferior.

yep - we're dumb all right

Don't waste your time and money on these lawsuits, just move before the value of your home in Tallgrass and White Eagle plummets further. High taxes are diluting the value of your property.

The 3rd high school will never be needed and is a waste of taxpayer money. The district has no money to operate the new school and your taxes will just skyrocket again when they pass the next Ed Fund Referendum.

Get out while you can.

Hey, anybody want to form a group of enraged homeowners to file a lawsuit against the White Eagle group? At least one SB member (CV) told us during the original boundry discussion that the school location and boundries would probably be changed in the future. If that wasn't prior notice of a future change I don't know what is.

Everyone who posts should include the subdivision where they reside. I am in Harris Farms. The subdivision is located directly across Eola from the new location. This dispute is a case of which high school the children would attend based on the new boundaries. I do not beleive for a minute that the residents at the meeting from White Eagle and Tall Grass were concerned with the environmental issues since thier kids would not be attending the new high school. The professionals will determine whether the land is safe.

The district needs an additional high school. This is in the best interest of all children regardless of the location of the buildings in which they will attend classes. I am sorry that the White Eagle and Tall Grass residents will not be sending thier children to the new high school. We will all be sorry if a new school is not built or we were forced to pay the ridiculous price for the Brach-Brodie land so the homeowners at White Eagle or Tall Grass do not have to send thier children to Waubansee. We will all be sorry if our tax dollars have to go to hire attorneys to defend the district against the lawyers hired by White Eagle and Tall Grass residents.

There will never be a boundary plan that will make everyone happy. Everyone will want thier children attending classes in the newest modern school. Let's get the new school built.

What portion of your group that opposes the current situation fall outside of the areas of where the kids will go to Waubansee rather than NV? How many people that are secure in going to NV on the far SE are complaining & threatening a lawsuit. My guess is that the opposition here only comes from the group of neighborhoods that did no get what they wanted.

By the way, we were told our kids would go to Brooks. By the time the housees were being finished and people started moving in it changed to Young. Had I made my most important factor of purchasing my house based on my kids going to the school closest to me I would have asked someone to put that in writing.

No one mislead you folks. The SB bent over backwards to try and make the BB land work. When it was no longer in the best interest of the entire district and became out of our price level they did the next thing and went on to another plan.

Folks, how many of you got in writing that your kids would to NV forever? None, because we all know things can change. Also, WE had a significant # of homes built back in the days when all HS kids went to WV. That did not deter them at that time.

Who has somewhere in writing that they are guaranteed to go to a certain school vs. just the intention of trying to make a proposed plan work (and hang on to it way too long, for that matter.)

Regarding the comments posted about enough with the lawsuits. I agree attorneys only survive by living off conflict and misery they neither build or create anything.

With the freedom of information act we will see how much 204 has spent on these lawyers. Most importantly who they are and what relationships they have to the school district. I cannot believe there is another school district in Illinois that spends what 204 does on legal fees.

After digesting all of the arguments over the past weeks, I really only have one concern at this point. Is the land that Matea is going to be built upon safe??

Lilly:
OMG - Do you REALLY honestly think we're reaching into our retirement money to fund this lawsuit?!?! And YOU call US idiots? We don't have to dip into our 401Ks, honey. We have it ready and available...and we're using it. For what we believe is right. Stay off the website if you don't like it. Don't read about it. Don't blog. And don't worry about the perception of anyone's neighborhood...we're not. We worry about what is best for our kids. And we don't care if you believe us. A judge's opinion is the only opinion we care about right now.

Dear Yeah Right,

Trust me, the % OK with the new Metea site is much higher than 15%. Take those in the Northern section, add all D204 students staying at NV (they are quiet, and happy), and you are well towards 70% OK if not happy with the new site.

Looking forward to the new school, regardless of any attempted lawsuits!

Yes, way back before I moved here, there was 1 high school -WVHS. I am sure it is just as good now as it has always been. Seems to me the Tall Grass and White Eagle parents (and what percentage of the total 2 subdivision populations are represented by the current 'let's sue the board' crowd?) are the worst example of the 'me generation' who like to whine about everything if it doesn't impact them favorably. I bet they will be the ones whining to the college their kid doesn't get into, also. I wasn't aware that district 204 was out to get all the taxpayers.

So a few parents (150) out of how many total district parents (20-30,000) hosted a late night coffee clutch and after 2 hours, you're telling me they found a high-priced "mouth-piece" of a lawyer that's willing to fight "the fight".....wow, next you're going to tell me Northrup-Grumman was in favor of "the surge" in Iraq. These guys don't make money if there's no wars or arguments folks. Your boy is already preparing his bill and his Huckabee speech at the same time(and on your dime). Mr. Collins is quoted as saying "nowhere near a slam dunk", "worthy but tough", "precious little" in the way of precedent, "you folks are getting screwed", he'll "drink as much coffee as necessary".....cha-ching...you're getting played people, by a master player.

Mr. Todd Andrews, who calls it "bait & switch" , obviously isn't familiar with the term. You "bait" with the cheap item, tell the customer you're out of stock, then sell up or "switch" to the more expensive item. The SB, rightfully (this time) in the interest of frugality, has switched us to the cheaper site so we stay on budget and on time. As I've been telling anyone who will actually listen, the BB property was , and did, come in at twice the price and now we should go back? Why? How should we phrase our request this time, "pretty please with sugar on top", reduce your price per acre? ...Send your $204 checks to a worthy charity, (like a care package to a soldier's platoon or The Ronald McDonald House for lodging expenses of parent's with sick children) anywhere you like but don't write a check to Mr. Collin's and his high-priced opinion and penset.

Waubonsie. Please, if you are going to make comments and sound educated, spell things correctly. It is hard to take this information seriously when we can't even get the core facts correct. Waubonsie. Neuqua. Matea.
And everyone knows that this lawsuit has nothing to do with the new high school and everything to do with White Eagle and Tall Grass families not wanting their children to go to WAUBONSIE.

White Eagle needs to get over themselves! Their children aren't any more special! The whole fight is over not wanting to send their kids to WV! I am so sorry! In my opinion, White Eagle residents have been living in denial all along. There is a "Welcome to Aurora" sign in White Eagles' entrance! District 204 includes not only NAPERVILLE, but Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and yes part of Aurora! What is a lawsuit going to solve? Everyone loses especially our KIDS!!!

Welcome to Illinois politics. You might not like the current MV situation, but the SB, as much as I personally dislike them, actually have not done anything illegal. Having said that, their personal ethics could not be a worse possible role model for all of our youth.

First and foremost the referendum was only about one thing... MONEY. It was not about location. It was not about boundaries. If you didn't understand that, if you didn't understand what you were voting for, if you didn't understand what the SB could change with regard to boundaries, if you didn't understand what the SB could do with regard to school locations; then ask yourself why in the world did you ever voted FOR the referendum? As long as you vote based upon EMOTION rather than FACT the rest of us taxpayers will be forced to ENDURE these kinds of mistakes. Please take this as a learning exercise for the future and please do not repeat this mistake again.

Remember the first referendum? Well, the referendum failed. "We the People" said NO and guess what? The SD ignored the will of "We the People" and went ahead and bought the first parcel of ground. That was the first warning sign. That was the first clue. And surprise, surprise they went ahead and did what they felt like doing regardless of the results of the referendum. And under Illinois law, what they did was actually perfectly legal. Again the SB had a choice to do the right thing, the smart thing... to follow the collective wisdom of all of the voters in the SD. Now look at the mess we have with BB, Eola Road, boundaries, etc.

Fact is under Illinois law the SB could have bought BB and built MV there WITHOUT ever asking the citizens for approval. Yep. They have the power to sign contracts and obligate the citizens and there is nothing we can do about it the way the law is currently written. How they would eventually pay for the land and the building is just a separate question.

"We the people" do have the ability to put referendum questions on the ballot in Illinois. Unfortunately, they are "informational questions" only and the SB is not obligated to do anything with an informational referendum question. The only referendum questions that matter are the ones the SB gets to put on the ballot. And as stated earlier, even when the referendum fails it does not guarantee the SB will not ignore and go against the will of "We the People". Seems unfair? Talk to our legislature about changing the rules for referendums. Until then, please understand what you are voting FOR or AGAINST.

Lawsuits regarding school location and boundaries are not worth fighting and WILL NOT WIN. The only possible way to stop this train wreck at this point in time is find enough legal issues that can result in enough injunctions against the SB from proceeding with construction. Enough injunctions that will buy enough time to get us to the next SB election and if it is the will of "We the People" unseat enough SB members to cause a new SB to take a different course of action.

If that doesn't happen then MV is going to be built on Eola Road this year and everyone either better get used to the new boundaries or start making plans to move.

If only our superintendent could have addressed the boundary meeting like this. Ladies and Gentlemen I am overwhelmed with the large crowd for this meeting, it shows just how much concern there is within our 204 school family. I would like to acknowledge the sacrifice that many families have dealt with at the middle and high school levels due to overcrowding and would like to commend those families. Especially those families in the southwest area of our district where overcrowding is at its highest. We have a plan laid out to address this overcrowding And set up this meeting for your input. I want to stress that we will not be making a final decision tonight but will assimilate what is put forward tonight, arrive at a decision and have another "Town Hall Meeting"

If the boundary meeting would have started like that, would there have been a need for a WE clubhouse meeting last night. Before this is taken to the next step, why not set up a "sit down chat with our superintendent Captain Steve D. and discuss the concerns of the boundary changes and the new middle and high school. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at some very good ideas he has forthcoming for this district. I am just not so sure of his intro's. These are jut my opinions I only speak for myself.

Jim Jandick Ashbury, I am officially your fan. That was an excellent post. I could not agree more.

Hey, anybody want to form a group of enraged homeowners to file a lawsuit against the White Eagle group? At least one SB member (CV) told us during the original boundry discussion that the school location and boundries would probably be changed in the future. If that wasn't prior notice of a future change I don't know what is.

Posted by: Let's file a lawsuit | March 5, 2008 08:53 AM

LFAL, as I read your post I remembered talk that CV did not attend one single referendum dog and pony show hosted by all the PTAs nor one board coffee for the promotion of the referendum. If it didn't make sense before to anyone it should now.

This won't be pretty.

I think the 70% was from some 'tally' number BG pulled from an orifice called surveymonkey. It's about as scientific as the decoder ring from Cracker Jacks.

Posted by: Joe | March 4, 2008 10:51 PM

Joe, no different than the Sun's "unscientific" survey to be fair. It's pretty easy to slam loosely controlled surveys.

Grown adults throwing tantrums when they don't get their way......

Move on before you do even more harm to the reputation of your communities.

Point 1.

WV has over 3,000 students. NV has over 3,000 students. MV is planned for over 3,000 students. Total capacity is 9,000 students. I do not believe SD204 has or will ever have a need for a total capacity of 9,000 HS students. That means we will be stuck with the expense of operating, staffing, and maintaining three physical plants that are all being under utilized.

Point 2.

If SD204 has or will have more than 6,000 HS students then we need to determine exactly how many more than 6,000 we will have. Is it 500? Is it 1,000? Both WV and NV are not physically limited in any way from being expanded to incease their current capacity. The capacity of both schools could be increased significantly and without negatively affecting the quality of education. All of the arguments about total school size are unfounded and there is no proof that a school with 4,000 or 5,000 students will perform to a lesser degree than a school with 2,000 or 3,000 students. Tis is more about job opportunities for school administrators than the educational needs of students.

Point 3

If we need more honors classes we simply need to hire additional teachers who are qualified to teach honor classes. There are no educational restrictions on how many honor classes may be offered by any school either by number or percentage. The only thing holding back more honors courses is the amount we are willing to pay for quality teachers.

Point 4.

A lot of taxpayers are upset over the referendum and what it is going to cost. Well hold on because just getting MV built will turn out to be a very, very, small drop in the bucket compared to what it is going to cost us to equip, staff, operate, and maintain it on a yearly basis forever. Wait until you see the tax increase for these expenses. A suggestion would be to be sitting down when you open that tax bill.

Point 5.

IF we actually all agree that a third HS is absolutely necessary and that life as we know it in SD204 will end as we know it if do not proceed with building a third HS; then why don't we really think outside the box for a change. How about building a school that is totally dedicated to advanced placement, honors study, college prep, etc. and open to all students throughout the district? This concept is being used in "magnet" and "charter" schools throughout the country. Imagine the educational benefits and opportunities from an entire HS established for educational excellence as opposed to another "XXX Valley" box that will be nothing more than more of the same mediocracy.

Point 6

All of the trimmings and amenities planned for MV is a result of "all schools being equal" which really translates into "keeping up with the Jones's". WV has a pool, then by god so must NV and MV. WV has a football stadium, then by god, so must NV and MV. Just look over to SD200... neither schools have a swimming pool and the world didn't end for them. The focus is not on athletics by the way. The focus is on expensive amenities that are underutilized and serve a small sub-section of the student body. The SB should be working harder to find ways to consolidate and share expensive facilities that are underutilized and which serve small portions of the student population. The SB could build partnerships with the Park District or other local branches of government. How about the Park District paying for the cost of building the swimming pool, athletic fields, etc. along with being responsible for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance? Then these amenities will become community assets with a much higher overall utilization with a lower cost for everyone in the long run. Until the taxpayers force all of the local forms of government to work together and stop fighting over each others "turf" we will continue to loose opportunities to spend our tax dollars wisely.

Jim Jandick,

I think you are absolutely correct in your analysis of where we would be today if Dr. Daeschner and the School Board had managed this situation differently.

Unfortunately, the Administration and the School Board thought it best to upset people with incorrect information (bridge memo) and using inappropriate words such as "entitled".

Since then, things have actually gotten worse. The Sun's editorial from Jim Lynch made the situation worse in my opinion.

Keep stirring the pot until it boils.

I don't think it does any good to keep telling people they are behaving like jerks. It's only making things worse.

I am a real estate agent in Central Naperville and I will tell you that prospective buyers to Naperville have heard the rumors and do not want to look in Tallgrass or White Eagle for their new home. The reasoning is NOT that they don't want one high school or middle school over another, it is that they have heard the neighborhoods breed ugliness in the community and the residents are obnoxiously self-centered. If you want to perpetuate this feeling that is becoming more and more and more widespread, go ahead and sue our district/school board--that looks just fab on your resume. And make sure to teach your kiddies to always sue when they don't get their way! Suddenly the homes in Dist. 203 are becoming more coveted and highly-valued as Dist. 204, at the hands of you, falls apart. Ohh, for the days of 'ol Naperville before Tall Grass and White Eagle were ever built!

Remember, we would not be having this discussion if White Eagle and Tall Grass had supported the the first refernedum. Metea would be nearing completion on the Brach Brodie site.

And Bill, speaking of spelling - it's mEtea.

To Anonymous who feels it's productive to call everyone names, if we can't afford BB now, what did you think when the SB was lobbying Springfield to get "quick take" powers to start building on the land before the price was known? Did you miss that little adventure, or are you conveniently forgetting it now? The SB basically said we want this land, we want to start building, and we will pay whatever a jury decides after the fact. If they had succeeded in their short-sighted, arrogant, rogue approach to the situation there would have been no "walking away", and who knows how much we would have ended up paying for the land. So, why now all of the fuss about the acreage and operating costs and the lawyer fees? Cost was obviously not a deterrent in their relentless drive to get the property then, so why should it be now? The least, very least, the SB can do at this point is give the people the scenario that was voted on, and approved. (which did not put my kids at the hs closest to our house, by the way) If you want to reduce the issue to whining on the part of those who are unhappy, then go ahead. I am proudly unhappy in a Democratic society that allows for people to protest and confront people and public officials who abuse power and trust - especially as it concerns my children. Stating and restating that the referendum did not specify a location or boundaries is a valid, but poor defense. After a documented, sustained compaign of BB being shoved down everyone's throats along with repeated acknowledgements by the SB that they understood people wanted to know boundaries before voting, no one with any fortitude and intelligence could conclude that the SB is acting in good faith, or in the best interest of its constituents. Location and boundaries are one thing - promoting false interest, using faulty and misleading information, and abusing public funds and trust are entirely different. Start getting on board with what this is really about, whether you agree with dissenting opinions or not.

Hey, Mr. spelling bee champion, (9:27am anonymous entry)....some of us are college educated but type like Columbus...(you know)....seek, land and conqer! So ease up, not all of us have the time you do to proof read their's and other's. Why don't you go out and look for a job or volunteer at a charity if you have so much time on your hands or come over and mow my grass for $20.00 while I'm at work.

I'm so glad I live in 203!

I am one of the people who spoke last evening.

I recognize that it is the Naperville Sun's right to provide a blog for members of our community to exchange ideas. However, I would hope that individuals on BOTH sides of the issue would respect that reasonable people can have differing positions on the path being pursued by the School Board and Administration.
Naperville is certainly the type of community that can sustain having a diversity of positions on something as important as our schools.

I would like to stress that I do not consider myself as one of the "leaders" of NSFOC as suggested by the Naperville Sun this morning. I specifically indicated last evening that I am in fact not the leader of NSFOC, but like thousands of other residents, I am just a concerned a parent who believes that there are significant issues with the selection of the Eola site (and with how quickly the Board and District are proceeding).

I do support NSFOC's message and I believe that the group is a voice for the large number of parents and residents who have similar concerns.

Yes, one of the possibilities being looked at is filing a lawsuit against the District. Is this unfortunate....yes it is. However, if this avenue is pursued, it will be because there is a large voice across the District (we can argue whether it is 30% or 70%, but it clearly represents a large constituency of the district) that believes that we have been unfairly treated, there has not been good faith negotations to secure the BB land as promised, and that there needs to be appropriate due diligence in proceeding with the EOLA site (my opinion is that most of us spend more time on the due diligence process when we close on a home than it appears is occuring on the EOLA land).

However, I respect (and embrace) the fact that there are many in this community that share opinions that differ from my own. I hope that as people continue to exchange thoughts, it can be done in a respectful and constructive way. Regardless, I do not believe that the issues before us will be resolved by attacking each other's character (including the personal character of the Board members and the Administration).

Best regards,

Todd Andrews

With the small but loud disgruntled group of homeowners in 204, it is clear to me that we may not need a third high school after all. What family will want to move into a district that has so much controversy and pending legal threats? Fewer people interested in moving to District 204 will ultimately result in fewer students and presto, no new school is needed. People forget that all the issues we have today are a direct result of the community's NO vote on the first referendum because the "proposed" boundaries weren't attached. Now, everything is the SB's fault.

I understand people are upset about not going to their closest school. Several years ago, I purchased my home in an area that had the proposed Neuqua Valley site as its closest high school. But, when the new boundaries came out, we were sent to Waubonsie Valley. Didn't think is was fair but also didn't think it deserved the threat of legal action. We took pride in our school and have enjoyed every year.

Dear JL....I'm not the spell check monitor, please. I wrote comments above the "anonymous" spell checker....contributors are posted after remarks. I also, type like Columbus (that's good Dr. Dermo)...But while we're on the subject though, district #203 has Central and North, how did we end up with 3 obscure names of Indian chiefs that everyone outside the valley mis-spells?

Man alive. I've never seen anything so pathetic in my life.

I have no doubt that this group of malcontents will indeed file a suit. It will drag on and on, cost 204 taxpayers thousands and thousands of dollars ... and will finally be thrown out because these folks don't have a firm legal leg to stand on. The Board acts within its charter by locating school sites and setting boundaries. You don't like it, you elect other members at the proper time.

After the case is tossed, I am sure that this stalwart group will engage in some other course mature, reasonable action. Like holding their breath until they get their way. Or kicking the wall and screaming.

Honestly. I'd like to tell all of these self-centered parents to go sit in the corner and think about what they're doing. What kind of messages are they sending their children? If you don't like something, sue somebody? How sad.

Bill,

I agree. The names of the High Schools are stupid. Many of the primary school names leave much to be desired as well. Beyond, knee-jerk feel good tributes most of the primary school names have no historical significance and never will. But before we go off on a rant over names there are bigger fish to fry.

How about a SERIOUS discussion about MERGING SD203 and SD204? Look how much flexibility we would all gain! Look at how much administrative duplication and waste could be eliminated! Look at how we could better unite our community instead of being distracted by all of the endless conflict! Look at how much better we could allocate our tax dollars to actually improve the quality of our children's education. Look at how much better we would be to attract and retain quality teachers.

The opportunities and synergies that would come from a merger should not be casually dismissed. This is not us vs them. This isn't about turf. This is about what is in the best possible good interest of the children who are educated in these schools... both at present and in the years to come.

Let' work to get SD 203 back to where it was in the early 70's before SD 204 was spun off.

Read your posting again. I have to chuckle it's Metea not Matea.

I think the school board has acted poorly. From the quick take action to the hurry up and get it done no matter what attitude they have with the new site.

The only reason legal action is being investigated is to allow for time to pass and to oust the current board up for re-election. The district as a whole should feel slighted by the service of their school board.

Home values are not suffering in 204 because of the change in school boundaries but rather from the constant complaining of its residents. No matter what the reason for disrest in the district no one wants to move into turmoil!

If people were really that concerned about the quality of their high school and going to the "best" they would have purchased in district 203. Both high schools out rank Neuqua & Waubonsie plus have smaller class sizes!

Your shooting yourselves in the foot by continuing these antics. Embrace your new schools - make them better no matter what the administration and school board deserve.

to Real Estate (March 5, 10:40 AM):

I thought one of the duties of a Realtor is to clarify and educate potential buyers about certain locations? When your "potential buyers" ask you about the ugly obnoxious people in these neighborhoods what is your response? You don't sound like a realtor that I would rely on for accurate information. (In fact the skeptic in me wonders if you are really a realtor??) As far as homes in D203 there are many nice one's there as well. When we looked in 2004 we quickly discovered that homes in our price range were 30% smaller, and 30 years older for what we could afford on the far South side. We are glad we moved where we did and happy that you were not our realtor. Your comments about WE and TG are cheap shots.

I live in High Meadow, and have to say the homes in both White Eagle and Tallgrass are beautiful big homes. Both are very nice neighborhoods with many great people. These groups seem to be simply exploring possibilities, including a potential lawsuit. I have no doubt they will find an attorney willing to take their case (for a fee of course). I hold no grudge against them for doing this and will rely on the courts to rule if this is what they pursue.

In all of the SB's boundary scenarios we were slated for NV. This doesn't mean we haven't been watching this closely. Our concern is with population and size that Neuqua will become in the future. We want safe and secure schools with opportunities for our kids just like everyone else. I happen to agree with the SB on the need for the 3rd high school, and support their chosen location.

(As an aside: Please note that I haven't called anyone a name, threatened some action, or put down someone for exercising their constitutional rights. I guess I did call out "Real Estate" but it was because this person lost my respect in their initial blog. Let's all keep this a public discourse fitting for the well educated community that we are. Perhaps someone can find this out, but how does district 204 stack up against all of the surrounding communities? - not too shabby I suspect).

Response from host:

Well said, South Sider. Let's not sink to juvenile name-calling.

Someone posting as Overcrowding is a Myth made a decent point, but I trashed it because a crude remark was made about Metea.

Insults, name-calling, personal attacks, and juvenile language has no place here. Make your point, be civil and respectful of others, or we won't publish your comments.

Thank you Brad, I really have very few fans ask my wife. but seriously folks if there is a group with these types of concerns I feel its high time to schedule an appt. with Captain Steve D. There are many concerns here that with proper communication could at the very least be addressed. Communication with people that can actually achieve an objective is what is important at this point. Though legal action may address the issue I fear there will be little progress and even less real communication. Thanks again for not crushing me on spelling / grammar errors.

Wow,
It amazes me the level of stupidity that resides in this district. The only point that people who do not have a case can make....the rich people think they are better then us....or....this will only hurt the kids. Wow is that bright. The meeting last night had nothing to do with boundries!

Bottom line is the site sucks, the district is a black hole of integrity, and it must be stopped.

Also, it was not a White Eagle meeting. There were MANY people from MANY communities there. So school board corruption enablers, stop being so bright and get some real talking points.

Sorry Todd Andrews,

There aren't "thousands" of unhappy D204 parents to join you in your frivolous lawsuit. As much as you'd love to have their money!

Harris Farms wrote >>The district needs an additional high school.

I live in Ivy Ridge and just because you repeat the above does not make it true.

Apparently, you can't read and comprehend what declining enrollment means? You don't understand that 600 seniors at Frontier campus opens up 600 seats at the 2 main campuses, you don't realize that on any given day up to 10% of students call in sick, and you still believe the enrollment numbers the district used to "sell" the 3rd high school.

What we need to do is keep the WV freshman campus open and get a couple portable classrooms at the MS for a few years. The problem could have been solved by now for less than what has been spent on legal fees.

The trends are clear....enrollment is shrinking...

Naperville - Single-family new house construction building permits:
1996: 1631 buildings, average cost: $147,000
1997: 1406 buildings, average cost: $155,200
1998: 1565 buildings, average cost: $180,800
1999: 1152 buildings, average cost: $172,100
2000: 1107 buildings, average cost: $168,500
2001: 764 buildings, average cost: $216,900
2002: 671 buildings, average cost: $235,300
2003: 614 buildings, average cost: $264,800
2004: 481 buildings, average cost: $351,700
2005: 407 buildings, average cost: $427,700
2006: 364 buildings, average cost: $437,700

Source: www.city-data.com

Look around you, are all your neighbors in their 40s and 50s going to have any more children?

The 3rd high school will NEVER be needed.

If this group does file a lawsuit, what is their ultimate objective? Will it be satisfied if they can remain at Neuqua Valley? It just appears that this is their desire and all the issues they raise are really just convenient arguments so they can remain at Neuqua. If this is the case, is what they are discussing really good for the entire 204 community?

Did you know the district plans to spend an extra $8-10 million to deliver the 3rd HS by 2009? They said so at the board meeting.

What is the rush?

Are they afraid enrollment will decline again and again and they will have egg on their face?

This is very entertaining.

If someone is going to post that this is not about boundaries, at least post the subdivision where you reside so we can get a full understanding of contributing interests to your opinion.

Overcrowding is a Myth,

If people want to put bumper stickers on their cars with derogatory statements about Metea, they are free to do so. What we're trying to do here is host an intelligent discussion about issues, not be a bumper for people to post their attempts at humor.

The rules are: we do not edit comments. It's all or nothing.

Jeez people get over yourselves and be realistic. I don't have kids, but one day probably will. All this bickering from someone on the outside who doesn't have a vested interest like you do is so petty. So you didn't get the school in a place you wanted so what. Life isn't fair. You can't satisify 100% of the people, it is not possible. If you get your Brach-Brodie land than some other group is going to have to give up something they wanted and complain. It's life...suck it up. When I get kids and have to bus them 2.5 miles or 10 miles I am not going to complain. It's part of the system that is going to try and benefit the most people it can. Suck it up and stop costing the district money (our tax money) to defend your petty lawsuit. You say it is over 204 lying but in reality if you got your way you wouldn't care. Lets just call a spade a spade. Talk about not being honest. If you are so worried about the district wasting money why would you want to go to Brach-Brodie site which costs a ton more? Simple because you want your way...you don't care about the tax payers money. Remember district 204 didn't set the price of Brach-Brodie a jury of peers did. So district 204 did what anyone responsible with there money would do....look for a more cost effective option. So suck it up and quite wasting money on a lawsuit that will lose and quit telling everyone your doing this for the "greater good" when all you doing is trying to be self serving.

>>There aren't "thousands" of unhappy D204 parents to join you in your frivolous lawsuit.

Yes but there are thousands of unhappy taxpayers and many of them are not parents.

JK at 12:25
Wow, it amazes me how naive you think people are. It's not about the boundaries, really?? You expect the rest of us to believe that? People in the district aren't as stupid as you suggest. There would be no discussion here if WE and TG weren't now slated into WVHS would there?

I hope the folks that are threatening to sue are aware that those of us who think your being ridiculous will not just sit back and watch. We will support the fact that we were fully aware that boundaries can change and do not feel mislead in any way.

For the 150 or so people that attended the meeting at WE last night, there are thousands of us that think your proposed law suit is weak and petty. If you choose to sue the SB there are thousands of 204 residents out here that will gladly speak up to oppose you for the sake of not wasting our tax dollars.

The folks that would bring forth this lawsuit are by far a small percentage of the total 204 district population.

Save your money because the rest of this district will not sit idly by as your small group tries everything they can to legally get what they want. Let me know when the court date is so I can gather up those of us that will happily testify that we did not feel mislead.

I think if the SB did anything wrong it was hanging on too long to trying to make the BB site work. They should have moved onto a Plan B long ago.

In my humble opinion, this group is simply asking for more due diligence on the site. We are talking about building a new school that we will have to live with for 50+ years.

As taxpayers, can we simply demand some accountability for the board's incompetence in the past? Am I supposed to blindly trust the administration and the board that the new location and transportation plans are truly best for the district?

Wake up people. You are being deceived. IPSD 204 has wasted your money frivolously on the BB Land and history will continue to repeat itself until we demand more information. The lawsuit is just an effort to get more information so we ensure the district is making an informed decision on our behalf

IT’S YOUR MONEY. THEY WORK FOR US. We all deserve better no matter where you live. Both 204 and 203 have histories of misleading taxpayers on referendums. That’s a fact.

Let’s slow down. The group is protesting the absurd idea that we should buy land prior to understanding the financial damages in the condemnation suit and prior to truly understanding the environmental risks. If the land passes inspection, and we can afford to exit the Brach/Brodie deal, then we can ALL be satisfied.

Is that to much to ask as Taxpayers? I think not.

Glad to hear that you are getting a lawsuit together to slow down the process of the third high school. That makes so much more sense! So, when your lawsuit fails and the cost of the high school will have to increase because of an increase in construction cost, I believe a group will be forming to file a lawsuit agianst your group to cover the extra millions it will take because of you slowing down the process. If your group is so concerned about slowing down the process, then your group should be responsible for the extra cost it will be when your lawsuit fails. When you voted on the issue it said yes or no for a third high school, no where on the ballot did it say based on these boundries and this location. OMG your lawyer just wants his name in the paper, this is his 15 minutes of fame. Be real people, get over yourselves!

>>Just a bunch of spoiled whiners! Get over it. If you don't like it move out of the district.

Actually, I heard from a reliable source that that Leanne Lyons, who ran for school board the last time Mark Metzger, Curt Bradshaw and Alka Tyle got re-elected, did just that.

Sold her house in Tallgrass and has bought a new home in district 203.

How much do you want to bet that the same people who are behind www.nsfoc.org voted overwhelmingly for Mark Metzger, Curt Bradshaw and Alka Tyle?

"However, I respect (and embrace) the fact that there are many in this community that share opinions that differ from my own. I hope that as people continue to exchange thoughts, it can be done in a respectful and constructive way." as posted by Todd Andrews..

Todd, my neighbors and I do not believe that initiating a lawsuit against our school district is either a "respectful" or a "constructive" avenue to exchange thoughts. In fact, I find it INSULTING that I will ultimately have MY tax dollars wasted to defend our district against your lawsuit!And yes, I am fully aware that money has already been wasted....let's not add to the problem for crying out loud! Please do not get caught up in the idea that your group is somehow a "majority" of the district.You folks really have no idea....

DH @ 1:06 am post -

You base your 70% number on the fact that "the responses in comments online and overall at the SB meeting (including the more than 25 residents who spoke) were definitely supportive".
Do you know where that support came from? Let me enlighten you. MM2 had a private meeting with Stonebridge the Sunday night before that SB meeting. He disclosed to them where the new site of the 3rd HS would be (prior to this info being released district wide), and he asked for their support. He asked them to come to the SB meeting to show their support. And lo and behold, they came and the Sun flashed on the front page that the SB was very happy with the show of support for the location of the third HS. Well they should be happy, they lobbied for that support. I wonder why no such meetings were requested with other subdivisions. Just another example of the deceitfulness that has taken place all through this process.

Please stop calling the meeting last night the "White Eagle Meeting". It was just located in White Eagle. Many residents of WE/TG are not on board with this action and do not appreciate the assumption that we are. There were many residents from all over the district at this meeting.

Enough Already! After reading the Sun article today and these blogs, I have some thoughts for those people who think a lawsuit is there ticket to stay at NVHS and for those who think a third high school is not needed.

1) Perhaps you have Mr. Collins researching the wrong question. He should be looking into the prospect of petitioning the state to create a new school district for you. This would solve your problem of dealing with the current school board and allow you to build your own schools. The rest of the district would benefit because we could get on with the business of educating our children, and you won't be wasting our hard earned money on a lawsuit that only a few are interested in fighting and the rest of will have to pay for.

2) If there was genuine concern about the environmental issue with the land at Eola, why wasn't talk of a lawsuit brought up immediately following the announcement that Metea would be located on that land?

3) To the person who thinks that there are only currently 6000 high school students in the district, I don't know where you are getting your numbers from. According to the districts September 30, 2007 , there are currently 8165 high school students. Based on current enrollment numbers there will be the following number of high school students:

School Year Number of High School Students
2008-09 8656
2009-2010 8950
2010-2011 9172
2011-2012 9252
2012-2013 9222
2013-2014 9131
2014-2015 9193
2015-2016 9178
2016-2017 8688

People voted for a third high school because the two high schools were built to accomodate 3,000. We are now well above that capacity and that is why people voted to build a third high school.

Lets stop the nonsense.

It really doesn't matter where you reside. Going through the boundaries process just opened my eyes to the fiscal irresponsibility of the district.

Why is our cost per student so much higher than other districts with similar academic success? The district continues to ask for more and more money and I don't feel that we (or our children) are getting a return on the investment!

Let's stop - listen - and THINK before any more hard earned taxpayer money is committed!

I know that based on the information that I have learned, I am considering running for the SB in the future!!!

May Watts mom wrote>>People voted for a third high school because the two high schools were built to accommodate 3,000.

That is incorrect on several counts. People voted for the 3rd high school because the district said enrollment was going to skyrocket and there would be no tax increase. We now know that both of those statements were a lie or incorrect. Enrollment has actually started to decline at the elementary school level, enrollment has declined 2 years in a row for a total decline of hundreds of students and the district admits it has no money to operate the 3rd high school. The cost has gone from the $124.6 million the district told us the school would cost to the current figure of $150 million. Your taxes WILL go up, AGAIN.

See all the numbers in red? That means declining enrollment.

http://www.ipsd.org/Documents/0708/EnrollmentStats07.pdf

We now have the Frontier campus which is pulling students out of the 2 main buildings and opening up hundreds and hundreds of seats. The small increase at the HS level was more than absorbed by the use of Frontier.

The 2 main campuses can each hold 3500-3600 students PLUS we have 2 freshman campuses which can hold an additional 1100 students each. You are forgetting we have 4 high school buildings, not 2. To say that the 2 high schools can each hold 3000 is completely inaccurate.

Even the district's most recently released numbers which they revised downward since Howie Crouse left, show that a few years after the 3rd high school opens, we will be right back down to the same enrollment numbers we have today.

Housing permits are trending down for over 12 years, the district is built out and the majority of residents are past child bearing age?

We are on our way to more declines in enrollment and on this very day, the district has over 3000 empty school seats. Remember, the last school the district built? The 850 student Peterson elementary school would still be sitting empty if the district had not closed Wheatland and moved the students to Peterson. Even after doing this, Peterson is still half empty.

So where is the need?

WOW!!

This is incredible information.

So even district 204 is finally admitting that after the 2011 school year, HS enrollment will start to decline and we will be right back to the same enrollment we have today?

2008-2009 8656
2009-2010 8950
2011-2012 9252
2012-2013 9222
2013-2014 9131
2014-2015 9193
2015-2016 9178
2016-2017 8688

No wonder they are in a rush to get the 3rd high school built!

If we just delay them a little longer, the school won't be needed at all....we can save $160 million and won't need to pass the Ed Fund Referendum which is going to cause taxes to skyrocket.

Where can I send my check to stop district 204?

People this is not a TG/WE thing. A small percentage of the people were from those areas. Others in the district like MayWatts were there too. Please stop painting areas as one way without knowing the facts. We need to prove the site as safe before we in this district make a big mistake.

People this is not a TG/WE thing. A small percentage of the people were from those areas. Others in the district like MayWatts were there too. Please stop painting areas as one way without knowing the facts. We need to prove the site as safe before we in this district make a big mistake.

Post: School Year Number of High School Students
2008-09 8656
2009-2010 8950
2010-2011 9172
2011-2012 9252
2012-2013 9222
2013-2014 9131
2014-2015 9193
2015-2016 9178
2016-2017 8688

People voted for a third high school because the two high schools were built to accomodate 3,000. We are now well above that capacity and that is why people voted to build a third high school.
-------------------
With all due respect, there are five, 5, high school buildings and 1 alternative high school, Indian Plains. 2 high school buildings or freshman campuses can house at least 1200 students, 2 main campuses can house at least 3000 students, and Frontier is high school related only, another 600.

WITHOUT third high school
3000 x 2=6000
1200 x 2=2400
600 x 1= 600

Total: 9000 student capacity
Note: Your peak shows 9252 and then declines

WITH third high school
3000 x 3=9000
1200 x 1=1200
600 x 1= 600

Total: 11000 student capacity
Note: Your peak shows 9252 and then declines

11000
- 9252 = 1748 seats without students 2011-12 and beyond

To donate: visit www.nsfoc.org for instructions

The simple fact here that is fundamentally flawed, is that SD204 did not involve the taxpayers in making this decision.

They asked for a referendum for a very specific site, and then allowed the entire district to VOTE on maps. They then took that data and moved forward. Unfortunately, BB was greedy - and they're allowed to be, it is a capitalistic society.

The flaw here, however, is that SD204 then changed the location and boundary without going through the same process.

To dumb this down - go put $50k on the counter at Bill Jacobs BMW, wait a couple of months, and have them deliver a Cadillac instead. Sure it's a car, and a nice car at that some might say - but it is not what you agreed to pay your hard earned money to buy. Simple as that.

If 204 wants to do the Eola location, fine, put it up to a proper district-wide vote. Propose 3 zone options at the same time to allow for expediency. And let the taxpayers decide what is right.

We're all arguing back and forth because this will always be inconvenient to someone. Tough. But if we all vote - then if the results are not what we personally wanted, at least we know we were counted and the results are for the true majority.

Great Point! Both great cars - but not what we ordered!

www.naperville-tv.com

What you can get in White Eagle for $204 dollars

Get the facts straight...Wheatland was NOT closed it is being used.
For those of you who feel that decline in numbers don’t warrant a third school…..PLEASE! Those numbers are still way too big! A freshman campus can hold 1,200 but let me tell you, my daughter is a freshman at NV and it is way to full. Even though they can hold 1,200 they should have a much lower number. Look at the facts, NV is overcrowded; it still will be in 2011. We need a third high school. You can not count Indian Plains in that number.
I hate to say this but Brookdale has been driving for how many years and it has not been a "LAWYER" issue.
We live five minutes from NV and our stop is the last, my son stays on the bus for 20 minutes and if he took the car she would be in it for 5 minutes. The bus has to let kids off!
I believe that the SB has done the necessary testing to make sure the site was safe. They had this site in mind and were running tests on it long before the public was informed. The same with the boundaries. This was not an over the night process.
WE VOTED yes, for a high school. I am sorry boundaries had to change. Yes, a HS on the south side would have made more sense. This is a done deal, we have to accept it and move on.
These blogs make it sound like so many people are unhappy when they really are not. The same unhappy people are posting comments over and over.
I went to the boundary meeting two years ago at the NV and the open board meeting at WV; they had over a thousand parents at the NV freshman campus to answer questions.
Only 1-200 people showed up for a meeting. That says it all.

I am so very sorry for the wealthy whiney! You know, the unfortunate people who will have to send their kids to that 'other' District 204 high school, Waubonsie Valley. I applaud their putting up $204 per family to potentially develop litigation against the District. I will be happy to have my hard-earned tax dollars spent by the District defending itself against your suit instead of spending that money on infrastructure, curriculum, technology, educators, etc. which would directly benefit all the children.

I wonder how many of you have done your 'due diligence' by reading two newspapers a day for the last 20+ years to keep tabs on what was happening in this burgeoning District, like I have. I wonder if you really understand the struggle the District has experienced so as to provide an exemplary education for all students, regardless of their address, while desperately trying to keep expenses in check. I wonder if you would be shaking your stick so vigorously if the boundaries hadn't been changed.

My children got a great education at the 'other' school, Waubonsie Valley, and had every opportunity they could have asked for in an extra-curricular setting besides. Several of their peers loved the school enough to return to WVHS as teachers. We parents of WVHS graduates are so appreciative of our kids' WVHS education that we continue to donate time and money to that school as a way of giving back.

Yep, I'm very sorry for you. But I can't help wondering if your $204 per family would be better spent as a donation to WVHS? Just a thought!

The meeting at the WE clubhouse was only moderately publicized.

There was probably a max of 1 person there for every 10 unhappy families. If the SB holds a meeting in a location that is large enough, you will see how many people are dissatisfied!

I like the Naperville-TV.com site.

I guess some people cannot handle seeing their neighbor down the road driving the BMW that everyone paid for but you wanted for yourself.

Nancy Young, Granger, WV (soon to be MV).

With that out of the way, I want to point out the following FACT that no one has ever mentioned on any of these blogs.

WVHS is less than 2.3 miles from BB.

WE and TG agreed with the rest of the 204 community in the last referendum that we needed a 3rd HS, and further agreed to be bussed to the corner of 75th and Commons to make this happen. Now claims of bait-and-switch with the result being they are bussed an extra 2.3 miles to Ogden and Eola will apparently cause pain and suffering on a scale that has never been seen before. They also say "it's not about the school, it's about the distance" and follow it up with "we need to slow down." This "distance" and the about face on the need for the school is now the justification behind their threats to sue the rest of the 204 community -- all over a crummy 2.3 miles. 2.3 miles! Give me a break.

That $204 should go towards the teachers or AC!
WV is an excellent school; you guys will get bus service for activities and smaller class sizes!!! That is a great deal! The sad thing is even if the third high school fell through today redistricting would have to be done. The same schools would be moved. We can't avoid it. Lawyers can not solve this problem. The vote went through for a third high school, we have one!
That meeting was heavily publicized on blogs and e mail.

Right on--and in this case that BMW is the new High School.

To- Recall the board
Lyons told me months ago she was putting her house on the market. She said #204 was just not worth putting up with anymore. That says alot. People are getting really tired of this issue and of people like Andrews and his little group who are trying to hang on to Neuqua for dear life. You people in the Southwest have sickened prospective buyers who don't want to put up with is nonsense.

I have a question. How many Black or Hispanic parents were at the White Eagle clubhouse meeting last night? Thought so.

Our children will learn a great lesson from this. I don't know which lesson. Will it be that if you don't get your way, hire a lawyer. Will it be, the people with the most money should get what's best for them not what is best for the community? Will it be, if you whine loud enough, you will make the morning paper? Or will it be that the school that is good enough for the next subdivision is not good enough for you?

Why are we wasting money on a done deal?? Why not save your money for more important things - teachers salaries, books, technology, better yet - AIR CONDITIONING THOSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS!etc? Welcome to Waubonsie Valley High School like all the rest of us go!! You've always whined about Waubonsie and now you can join the rest of us there. We've heard for many years there's nothing different between Waubonsie and Nequa! As for Metea, suck it up - you aren't getting another Nationally recognized high school in your area! It needs to go North anyways!!!

To DJS Longwood:

I do not know where to start with your ranting above. Just because the meeting was held at the White Eagle club house does not mean that everyone in White Eagle is on board with this new organization. The organization is made up of people from every community in district 204 not just White Eagle. Also, news flash, you do not have to live in White Eagle to be a member of the club house.
I am glad your kids are getting a great education at Waubonsie. Please stop generalizing that everyone in White Eagle is against sending their kids to Waubonsie. Its the same curriculum as Neuqua. You do not sound very smart when you slam on others. You just sound angry and jealous. I kind of feel sorry for you.

To Lisa

Funny... I didn't mention White Eagle in my note.
Perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else.

I think one TG homeowner sums up the issue for most of their subdivision when he stated, "I didn't move to a Naperville address to have to my children attend an Aurora high school." The perception is WV is inferior to NVHS, or soon Metea, in the minds of many of these anti-Eola Rd HS people.

Listen TG,WE & the rest of the minority voice, we (the majority)understand your frustration. You feel you were told one thing and then were misled at the 11th hour. What the rest of us are trying to tell you (and some of us are your friends and car pool mates) is that your lawsuit is baseless and a waiste of time and money.

Some of us, researched the idea with our lawyers too, in case our sub-divisions got hacked up with another Jeanette Clark plan 7b or 9a,....the verdict....SB is within their statutory right (and obligation) to "do the best, for the most" however they want to define it. You would have to prove... (repeat) prove.... gross negligence and intent. We were able to counter the moronic SB "quick-take" manuever of BB site but the SB has a right to change boundaries, and yes, it can change property values but that's not arguable in court. It's not about what you feel but what you can prove...

Anonomous @ 5:48 wrote:

I have a question. How many Black or Hispanic parents were at the White Eagle clubhouse meeting last night? Thought so.

Posted by: Anonymous | March 5, 2008 05:48 PM

I love this post, because it brings to light the fact the room at the White Eagle Clubhouse was full of egotistical "I-deserve-it", types that will do everything they can to stop Metea.

OK, I'll type it. It's not the distance, the splitting, etc. They are EMBARRASSED to have to say they are going to Waubaonsie. (which my kids go to and is a great school)

Face it, Naperville has turned into a town that looks good on the outside but on the inside it's like a cancer spreading it's disease. Unfortunately a round of chemo won't erradicate it.

We have to many selfish, arrogant people who live in this town and are destroying its reputation for those of us who have been here all our lives, were educated in 204 and our now our kids.

I'm embarassed to call any of you my neighbors. It is what it is and time to move on.

Life will not end here because our kids will have a 30 min. bus ride. Many kids already have that, including mine to MS. So get off your high horse and come down to reality.

The only ones lauging about this whole mess are the lawyers who will end up making lots of money off of this.

What can we learn from all this....send you kid to law school. They'll always have a job as long as we live in a selfish society.

For all you folks trying to defend WHITE EAGLE SUBDIVISION hosting this group....um I don't think so. You don't rent your big clubhouse out to just anyone. It speaks of the area, unfortunately. Thanks for making the divide even bigger. Suggest we redraw county lines starting at 75th street. OK?

Personal note to the Blogmaster, your humor was not lost on me. You attributed my comment to Vermont. Very good! haha

Bettina Siebert

First of all, D204 did try to build the 3rd high school on the property at 75th and Rt. 59. After much expense and time spent in court, it was determined that the cash to buy this land was more than double the original estimate. What were they supposed to do but change the location? If D204 wanted to pass another referundum to get more cash to buy this coveted location, the residents would've been upset. There is no solution that will make everyone happy. Second, why file a lawsuit against the school district? Who pays the school district? The school district is funded with real estate taxes. If the school has to settle a lawsuit, won't the taxpayers in essence be penalizing themselves? Why don't we focus on moving forward and embracing the new school and being positive about the changes so that the students can be positive about it? I think the real reason for the lawsuit is parents in the overpriced subdivisions (i.e. White Eagle, Tall Grass, and Ashwood) don't want their kids to go to WV. Why not? That's the real question for everyone to consider. You moved into D204, not Neuqua Valley school district. This arguing reminds me of high school, and the people who talk about moving because of remind of students in high school who whined because they didn't get their way. If you didn't know, by the way, the real estate market is horrid right now, so when you try to sell your $700,000 home that you 100% financed, good luck breaking even (or even selling it for that manner). Live your life and let things be...it's not like your kids are getting sent to a bad high school.

For the record, I live in Plainfield, which is properly planning for its anticipated school growth. I have no interest in D204, but I thought I would share my opinion as I'm a big believer in common sense, and this whole thing doesn't make any sense to me. Thanks for reading.

ps blogmaster,,, nevermind, there really is a Vermont

Please let's stop pretending that you are representing the entire district. My daughter has attended 11 years of school with spoiled rotten White Eagle children who think that they're somehow more 'entitled.' Truly they are a product of self absorbed parents.

When new elementary schools were being built, White Eagle pushed hard for boundaries where no one outside of White Eagle's gates would be allowed to attend THEIR elementary school. And of course, who can forget the infamous White Eagle lawsuit demanding that they be allowed to use Naperville mailing addresses - when they are clearly situated in the munincipality of Aurora? At this point the entire district has your number. The second I saw the approved boundary plan I knew there would be yet another White Eagle lawsuit demanding preferential treatment.

Forget about YOU wasting money on this pathetic attempt at a lawsuit. As a taxpayer in this district, has it occurred to you that we ALL have to pay district lawyers to respond to you? Give us all a break already and let the district focus on what's best for our kids. You are no better then anyone else - the boundaries were equitably drawn to balance the student population. period. GET OVER YOURSELF ALREADY!

>>That $204 should go towards the teachers or AC!

Clearly posted by a teacher.

Like those teachers or administrators need more money.
The average administrator makes 100K a year and teachers who work 9 months of the year also make on average 100K a year when you annualize what they make in 9 months.

The biggest problem we have is that the teachers' union runs and elects the school board.

That is the reason they want to keep building empty and unneeded schools like Peterson and hire more teachers....

Posted by: MH | March 5, 2008 07:25 PM
OK, I'll type it. It's not the distance, the splitting, etc. They are EMBARRASSED to have to say they are going to Waubaonsie. (which my kids go to and is a great school).

MH...that was me that questioned the # of Black or Hispanic parents in attendance at last night's meeting. I'm in agreement with you and the real issue of diversity needs to be addressed and not tap danced around.

from DH-
... "I think if the SB did anything wrong it was hanging on too long to trying to make the BB site work. They should have moved onto a Plan B long ago"...

...that's another problem with the SB... there was NO PLAN B! wise up!

and i support your right to complain that you should go to a closer elementary school!

204 Lifetime resident and Anonymous 7:48-

Since you seem so concerned about lawyers fees. I suggest you ask the SB how much they have cost everyone. How many millions of dollars are going to be paid to BB lawyers. At the end of the day you are footing the bill for all of their mistakes.

>Wheatland was NOT closed

Huh?? YES it was and all the students were moved to Peterson because Peterson was EMPTY. The district built an EMPTY school.

Get your facts straight.

It is shown right here on the district website.

http://www.ipsd.org/Documents/0708/EnrollmentStats07.pdf

Wheatland ZERO.

Enrollment is already declining and even the district has recently admitted as such. In 2011, high school enrollment starts to decline.

2008-2009 8656
2009-2010 8950
2010-2011 9172
2011-2012 9252
2012-2013 9222
2013-2014 9131
2014-2015 9193
2015-2016 9178
2016-2017 8688

The 3rd high school will never be needed and is a multi-million dollar waste of money.

To Megan,

I live in White Eagle and have for almost 11 years. I have no part in nor do I agree with the lawsuit. I ask that you and others NOT assume that all of White Eagle is involved in this. White Eagle is a very large community and like any large community has many different views.

I know there are many people here upset that the meeting was held at the White Eagle Homeowners' Club as it might imply exactly what you have stated. All it took was ONE resident to book that club; that is all.

My kids have gone to White Eagle school in total for 8 years now (3 kids) . Do not label children any children as spoiled . How dare you. That is name calling and down right wrong.

If you are so unhappy with White Eagle, then move away, or maybe you already did????

Just because you live in a big house and drive a new beemer doesn't make you wealthy. Nor, does it mean you're not wealthy if you don't live in a big house or drive a shiny new beemer. I know a lot of people who make A LOT of money and don't need to flaunt it with these kind of excesses. Stop the "you're just jealous" talk. I could give a crap who lives "where" or drives "what". If some of you truly think people are jealous of you because of these things then your shallow-ness precedes you. In fact, this sort of attitude only points out what others have echoed in these blogs. There are many in our community who appear to be self-righteous, self-centered, (and self-incriminating) by the nature of their comments. I hope you all don't pass along these traits to your kids. But how can you help it? It's all you know. I can't wait to move back to the East Coast where the people are "real" not mere facades of human beings.

Incredible!
After reviewing these blogs and previous postings, no school board enabler has ever came close to answering the question that is at the root of this mess.....did the school board act with integrity and do what the tax payers asked them to do? The answer is an unquestionable NO!!!!!
Because so many (but well less than 50%....far less than what could ever get another referendum approved) who want to enable this school board and have them continue on their path of arrogance and deciept, here is a quick ethics lesson that I taught my kid. I think even the south side wanna bees up north will get this.
My child asked me what the problem was and I said,
"Honey, imagine going into a voting booth to vote and you vote for...golly I don't know, Obama. Later you found out that the local democratic party changes the locations on the punch ballot and you actually voted for...Hillary Clinton? The party does not tell you but they did! You realize you voted for someone or some thing you did not want! Does that seem fair?"
The answer..."No, that sounds like cheating".
In the end for those who think this is about boundries, the rich vrs the not so rich, the Naperville vrs Aurora, you are as blind as a monkey with his/her head in the sand. Please tell me, if another referendum comes up, who in their right mind would vote for it? You would have to be a dumb axe! How many lies and half truths can be swallowed. This district is planning on handing out bonuses to "on time" contractors like a drunken sailor who has been at sea for 5 years. Even that is insulting to the sailor. People...8-10 million is set aside for that and the number will go higher! Is this monopoly money?
For the school board enablers, pleas fnd a way to learn some ethics or at least learn how to anwer the moral questions that the school board is void of the ability to answer. Any person with 1/2 a brain could say Duuuhhhh... it wasnt actually listed on the referendum we voted for! That is how they sold it a 1000 times with each printed document and pro-referendum document that they published (also against the law!).
This school board has been a disgrace and a slice of humility is due.

The answer? Yes, that sounds like cheating

Megan:
This blog is about the potential lawsuit by a group of 204 residents. This is not about White Eagle children, the address of White Eagle or the entire subdivision. Your first two paragraphs are just rude. The last paragraph is more appropriate for this discussion.

I am amazed that these people call themselves educated. They are soliciting tax payers of this district to help pay attorney fees to fight their petty battle when they also are paying attorney fees for the same group they are trying to sue. The logic in that is...............

You complain your taxes are high so we turn around and sue only to add more expenses to the SD. I don't appreciate a small group of people wasting my tax dollars for your little playground fight. So you need to go sit in the corner and think about what it is you are doing wrong. When you can calm down and think rationally you may come out and apologize to the whole class.

Other than the fact that NV is newer could someone point out to me exactly why the teaching at WV is inferior to NV. I'm not referring to ISAT score because yes WV has more disadvantaged students. I'm assuming that all? of the White Eagle and Tall Grass children are in an "All Honors" so they won't have to mix with the "regular" students. So explain to me the difference between freshman algebra/trig or honors biology at NV vs WV?

One other solution for the Tall Grass and White Eagle parents is to send there children to IMSA or some other acceptable elite private school. Oh that's right just because you're wealthy doesn't mean they automatically will qualify for acceptance.

I aspire some day to be as wealthy as a WE or TG. Just did my taxes, I am as wealthy as you and I am happy to send my child to WVHS. Go WV!!

As someone without kids, this makes me wonder if having children somehow makes you go brain dead. You guys sound like stereotypical suburban idiots with too much time on your hands and no real problems to worry about.

can't we all just get along?

I was at the meeting last night - to listen and learn. I can't give you exact numbers, but yes, there were African American families representing themselves at the meeting. I can't speak to the number of Hispanic families, other than I didn't see any. I find it curious that some people completely discount and disregard families of other ethnic/racial backgrounds - Arab, Asian, Indian - all of which were represented in pretty large numbers. I guess they have a limited view of diversity....sad. It was an open invitation meeting, nothing clandestine, so why is this even being brought up? Another attempt to paint some neighborhoods of south Naperville as racist and elitist, I suppose. I get the feeling many people making these claims have not spent much time in this neck of the woods - maybe they should - and actually look beyond the houses and see the people who live in them. The people that live in the neighborhoods that are continually slammed on blogs and indirectly in the "fair" press are not all horrible monsters. It's truly insulting and hurtful. I work every day for what I have, and I work every day teaching language minority students, most of them Hispanic. How can anyone possibly know anyway, by race, who is unhappy about the decisions that have come down? And if we did know, would we be telling the unhappy minority families, who might live near WV and are being sent to MV, to "get over themselves"? I hope not, as no one should be saying that to anyone. People who are not happy, no matter the reason, are going to speak out - and they have a right to. People should get over that - it's how democracy works. And, for those of you who continue to say that we (TG, WE, etc.) are nothing more than whining cry babies, and that schools and specifically school proximity don't matter, please tell realtors to stop sending flyers to my house on a regular basis that make a point of saying (in big bold, red letters) - Neuqua Valley & Spring Book Grade School - VOTED YES FEB 19! I think it's time many people look in the mirror and then look at the people and entities that are truly creating the divide. After two go-rounds of this, I am tired of being painted as something I'm not just because I want my kids to go to the schools closest to my house - period.

So the district represents the constituents and these individuals are suing the district so they are suing themselves?? Why not impeach some board members? The district can reeally afford legal bills based on it's current level of debt. Should be interesting to see a tax increase on this same group to pay for legal bills.

To BMW vs Cadillac: I looked at both plans, and they look exactly the same, I just got it cheaper from the dealer down the road. I love shopping online!

To DH, please stop asking questions that can be asked about any proposed plan: "Am I supposed to blindly trust the administration and the board that the new location and transportation plans are truly best for the district?" That's a great question for the BB property too, so when you get an answer please make sure its for every parcel (and don't stop at just the open parcels) in the district so we know exactly where to build MV. Probably somewhere to the west of Target.

When I sat on the committee four years ago, we talked about Magnet schools, split shifts, year-round schooling, Freshman campuses, and just about everything else and the 3rd HS is still the best option. NV and WV main campuses at capacity are 3000 students, which is very crowded. Ideally, it should be about 2600 students to have room to move and have average size classrooms. So in the end, if we are left with 3 high schools with 2600 students each, I'm good with that.

Can I get my check back? I think I'll send my $204 to WV, at least it will help the kids.

Its time to get off the backs of WE/TG and open your eyes at the rest of our neighbors. Less than a week after the SB voted on their new boundaries the Ashwood Creek signs changed and now show "Neuqua High School" and we received a postcard in the mail from Nick Malleos, Coldwell Banker selling a home on Seiler Drive and in large Red print "Neuqua Valley and Springbrook Grade school- Voted yes Feb 19th!"

So give me a break that all the rest of the district views all schools as equal. These two realtors and builders should be ashamed. We have great schools in our district but instead of marketing our great school district they choose to highlight that they apparently find some schools more marketable.

Maybe our Realtor Blogger can talk to her peers and save some of the lecturing to concerned parents.

For full disclosure, I’m a D203 resident –

I find this whole lawsuit threat to be completely predictable. I think everyone in Naperville knew when the boundaries came out that it was just a matter of time before White Eagle residents sued. You can try to claim all you want that this is more than a WE issue, but if that was really the case you should have held your meeting far from WE. Appearances matter.

I read with dismay that a couple of people wanted D203 and D204 to merge. Why would anyone in D203 want this? We have enough dysfunction without inheriting your mess in D204. What would be the benefit to D203? No thanks.

Lastly, is Collins the same lawyer Dick Furstenau hired to sue the city? Does this guy specialize in raking in taxpayer money or something?

T.B.

Trey, know the facts. The SB did meet with privately with Stonebridge staff and board members for the sole purpose of determining if the site was selected would the club be open to supporting the school by providing access to the facilities -- i.e. Can the MV Golf teams play at Stonebridge as their home course. The SB did not come asking for people to come to the meeting to support their decision on the Eola site location. Stonebridge is a private club and is not obligated to lend out their facilities. It was the SB doing its job to be thorough on what resources would be available to the new school. There were only a few people involved in the meeting and at no time where they asked by the SB to gather the troops and come to the meeting to support the Eola location. Without prior knowledge of the meeting I planned to attend along with many of the others from the North because we believe this is the right decsion for the district. We also attended the meetings 2 years ago because we wanted to be represented.

I rarely support lawsuits to resolve issues but I don't see any other way to get this SBs attention and to get the facts and information on the table.

The meetings in "executive session" followed by "community input" sessions when it was clear they had already decided on the outcome were totally inappropriate. The voters had clearly spoken in 05 and said without the facts and community involvement there would be no referendum passed. I moved from 203 to 204 around that time and was unaware how pervasive the mistrust and lies were between the SB and this community . I now understand the feelings after witnessing the processes and tactics used by this team over the past 2 years.

In the last few weeks I have learned many interesting facts about the process and timeline that the SB and ADmin never shared and believe that the discovery process of the lawsuit will be very telling. If the SB and administration have nothing to hide and have been totally up front then maybe the community will be able to feel that the process was just and we can heal. On the other hand if the process reveals that the Admin and SB were not up front and honest with the community we can work as a community to fix this issue and move forward. We need to be united since a third school will require a referendum to fund operating expenses in the next year or two and will never pass unless this mess is cleaned up. Its clear that the current SB team believes they know best and has done nothing to work on its reputation. Remember after the 06 referendum when J Clark said she wanted to find out why 1/3 of the community did not support the referendum. I've seen nor heard any evidence that there was any discussion with our community.

I am very pleased with the education my children continue to receive in this district as well as the one they rec'd in 203 but the tension between the community and the SB as well as the process used by the admin and SB to get this 3rd school is unacceptable and must be resolved.

It is a shame that the only way to get the community and school admin/board to openly share information and work TOGETHER on a solution is through the court system.

Lets stop taking shots at subdivisions and concerned parents and demand that the Admin and SB do their job and get back to the table and fix this mess.

We are now at 105 comments and counting.

After reading every single one of the comments I have come to the following conclusions:

1. You all are right!

2. You all are wrong!

Now that might seem contradictory to some, but those with true insight will understand my conclusions.

In the course of 105 comments some minor, valid points have actually been stated. However, these points have been severely overshadowed by a ton of less than relevant comments and a fair amount of nonsense. Causes me to wonder if some of these posters are actually thinking while they are writing. Clearly the vast majority of the posters do not go back and reread what they have written prior to clicking on the post button.

Clearly a lot of posters are upset Some posters even seem beyond upset; more like rage or hatred. The common theme through all of this is that there is a lot of blame and finger pointing going on in an attempt to justify, explain, or rationalize these extreme feelings. Yet there also does seem to be a total lack of candor, of honesty as to the root of the feelings. People are saying certain things, yet really seam to mean something else. Until everyone confronts these feelings and honestly states what they either want or don't want, likes or dislikes, etc., etc. we are going to build walls instead of bridges.

Somehow SD204 needs to find common ground. Don't expect to find it from the SB. Don't expect to find it from the SD Administration. For common ground it must come from each of us. Life is a compromise. Unless you play it only to be win or lose. And if you do, consider that no one wins all the time and no one loses all the time.

Our family has lived in SD204 for over two decades. Over these years we have seen many, many changes. Some of us can even remember "back in the day" when there wasn't a single stop light or stop sign on Rt 59 south of 75th street until you reached Plainfield and most everything east or west of Rt 59 were farms. All this growth and development brought lots of changes while Naperville more than doubled in size.

To all of the new people... welcome. Glad to see you made it your home. Our family has many fond memories of our years here filled with love, laughter, and yes even a few tears. We hope your family will enjoy Naperville as much as or even more than we have. Naperville is a great community, filled with untold potential. Together we can accomplish everything and anything. Build togetherness and we will all build community. Build community, real community, and everyone will take notice. Build community, real community, and your children will take notice.

Ten years, twenty years, thirty years from now. Will it really matter that much which high school your children attended? More than which high school they attended what your children will remember the most is how each of you behaved as parents and the role model you provided on how to live their lives and then pass these examples and values down to their own children.

This is one issue. This is today. There will be many tomorrows. There will be many more issues. Beyond all the tomorrows, beyond all the issues, what is the legacy you want to leave to your family and your community? How do you want your family, your community to remember you when all of the issues have faded away and become just distant memory?

Brooks>Hill>Granger(due to a boundary change)>Waubonsie

I'm a proud Warrior parent. WV has provided my children with every opportunity to bloom academically and athletically. I don't think any one of us could ask for more.

How did I vote? NO. Did I adjust? YES.

I believe the school board has made the best decision for the district. In the long run, the tax contributions from the more valuable BB site will make this a much more sustainable choice. As a former Brookdale resident, I can understand the frustration that some of you are feeling, believing that the districting did not go your way, even though you know that the decision was complicated and that there were many factors that had to be considered. However, a lawsuit is not the answer. My compliments to the school board during this difficult decision. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished.

Host, here. Trying to keep the discussion civil, and thanking those who for the most part are intelligent conversation on the topic at hand.

Here's a thought: To what extent might the current wave of civic activism in District 204 affect the next school board elections? In other words, here's how the process works: the voters elect school board members, the school board appoints administrators and makes decisions about policies and expenditures.

If the majority of voters are unhappy about the way things are going in D204, it would seem then that the proper channel for change would be for a slate of candidates who represent the views of the unhappy electorate would run for office. If they got elected they would be in a position to effect real change, if they followed through by acting on the will of the voters who would have put them in a position to do something about the situation.

Is there talk about the next school board elections? Could there be more than one slate of candidates representing more than one point of view of various 204 residents?

Wheatland is not closed, it is being used, just not as an ELEMENTRY building.

Whoever posted this?

Like those teachers or administrators need more money.
The average administrator makes 100K a year and teachers who work 9 months of the year also make on average 100K a year when you annualize what they make in 9 months.

My response:

The average administrator is underpaid. A teacher who is making 100,000 has vested at least 23 years and has a PHD and is only making 99,173. The pay schedule is on line. Imagine being in the business world with a PHD and 23 + years you would make triple that. This is not about the teachers it is about a frivolous lawsuit and people throwing away money on lawyers.

Get the facts straight...Wheatland was NOT closed it is being used.

Wheatland WAS CLOSED for K-5 educational purposes. It is being used mainly as a storage/workshop facility for Aramark and as office space for our contractual employees, Aramark, Sodexho, etc. There are a few preschool classes in there as well. The entire Wheatland K-5 population was moved to Peterson or it would have sat empty yet another year.

I am a Tall Grass resident. I am not an elitist. I am not a racist. Some of the blogs have been irrational and hostile. I am hoping our kids are not reading this stuff.

In the fall, I can sit in my back yard and see the glow of the lights from the Neuqua football field and hear the band playing.. One daughter graduated from Neuqua. One will graduate next year. My son will start at Neuqua and, the way it looks now, will graduate from Waubonsie. Do I want my son to be able to graduate from Neuqua? Of course! He would be able to walk home… something my girls have done. It is a shame so many people are attacking White Eagle and Tall Grass residents for wanting something that they want as well.

If my son goes to Waubonsie, he will do well. He may be challenged by bus rides but the SD promises there will be buses to bring him home after extra-curricular activities. The concern I have is the SD has proven to be less than truthful.

All I want to see are real numbers and facts. Is the Metea site actually safe (glad my son will be going to Waubonsie rather than that site)? If the SD said no before, why are they saying yes now? If they are being sued by BB, what is the anticipated payment going to be? If they have to pay a large amount, does the BB property become reasonable? Are there other properties that are safer and more reasonable (i.e., Macom or the SE part of the district)? What about the EMF levels? Do the soil borings indicate significant issues and do they open the door for future suits (supposedly it was already cleaned)? What about the wetlands at the Metea site? Will that cost us a hefty, undisclosed amount?

It appears that most people are attacking those considering a lawsuit because they happen to drive large cars and live in large houses (I don’t – but that is irrelevant). Maybe a lot of people have answers to my questions but have been inclined not to provide them. I have sent numerous letters to the Board and none were answered. Maybe a lawsuit can be avoided if concerned parents from across the whole district demand answers to these questions before the SD rushes forward.

I am so tired of hearing people that live in Ginger Woods state they have traveled so far for years. I moved to Stonebridge knowing that I would have to drive to WVHS. Choice we made! Fact remains that our side of the district has the least amount of children feeding to the high school. Would I like having a school almost across the street.....of course. But does it make sense for the entire district....heck no! I commend those fighting the cause to make our piss poor school board accountable. DrD talks about entitilement, yet this admin and SB are a bunch of selfserving, arrogant individuals (well arrogant is Metzger and Glawe). Next election will be an eye opener!

After reading all these comments, visiting the NSFOC website and talking to my neighbors, I believe underneath all this posturing the real issue with this group and their lawsuit remains the fact that they will now be attending WVHS instead of NVHS or the 3rd high school when it was proposed for BB. The distance between the BB site and WVHS location is negligible, as are the distances most of these families will be driving for middle schools. So using "neighborhood" school arguments in the lawsuit doesn't seem logical. Other families in the district have been driving much longer distances for years.

The SB will determine, based upon objective testing, that the Metea site is safe. If it is not, then there will be a need for more discussion. But using the safety issue as a cover for this lawsuit is a stretch. No one will allow the school to be built at an unsafe location and you will find a lot of parents watching what happens in this area, not just those considering a lawsuit.

And, at no time did the board mislead anyone about the need for and location of the 3rd HS. Yes, we all expected it would be at BB, but that didn't ultimately make sense and an alternative site was chosen. The school board did what it was elected to do. Did things work out as originally planned? No, but that's life. You don't always get what you think you want but in the end it works out - if you allow room to change and grow.

My biggest concern in all of this is the message that is being sent to both the children slated to move to WV and those that are already there. Your complaining and arguing will only make any transition, regardless of who is involved, harder on everyone, especially the students. You are setting a very bad example here and need to understand that many, many 204 parents do not support your views or possible lawsuit.

In the end, many believe this threat of a lawsuit would not even exist if you had gotten your way and either stayed at NV or moved to the BB site.

This grassroots group should be called "No School for Our Children" - because that is what the result of all this nonsense is.

Run for the school board during the next election. It is not a job most of these whiners would step up for, let alone be able to handle.

You all look for perfection that suits you - what about the masses. You do not live in a bubble called White Eagle - you live in Naperville, School District 204.

YOu are spending money and using time for this potential legal fight that has no merit. You do it in the name of your children!! Take the time and the money and spend time with your children. Talk about the boundaries, theschool, and WHAT THEY THINK!! You may be surprised.

My youngest will go to Metea. My oldest is now at Wabonsie. My youngest is disappointed he will not go to Waubonsie where his big brother went. Fromt he eyes of a child...Let us not force them to grow up becasue of our fears and prejudices...

I must stand up for the school board - they did not lie. I believe they intended to build at Brach Brodie but it is not economically sound at this point.

We complain they are not fiscally responsible, then we complain they "promised" something and did not come thru. We cannot have it both ways and choose which "complaint" to voice depending on the situation.

As a business owner, I know there are many factors that must be weighed in any economic/social decision. In the case of the school board's decision, we will never be aware of all of these factors.

I say "hats off" to the Board for moving forwad and to the new superintendent for keeping decision making where it belongs.

To DH:

With regard to the infamous Stonebridge meeting, I find it interesting that you stated you attended the meeting (where the site was selected) with others from the North because you believe it is the right decision for the district.

You do realize that the rest of the district didn't know until attending the meeting that the northern site had been selected. The "decision" was supposedly made at the public meeting. But was it?

Why do you think it is appropriate to announce this decision before-hand to certain sections of the district and then to others at a later date?

It also exposes the fact that the public meeting was staged. The SB and Admin. clearly knew what the decision on the site would be.

This is just one example of how the public is played in my opinion. If things were on the up and up there would have been more of a "real" discussion in front of the public. But the boundary meeting played out much the same way - it appeared that everything had already been decided.

I think the public is reacting to these dealings in the only way that they can - legally.

There is no other way to address the concerns. They tried with emails, and public comments but were completely ignored.

So unfortunately, due to the fact there are no other checks and balances in place with our SB (like a recall vote, or going to another governing body), the court system is the only system.

And to Ted, I'm sure there will be candidates for the next SB election who will run because of all we are witnessing. But that is a long way off - something must be done right now or the school will be built on this ill-conceived site.

In addition, it seems in this district, the SB has a way of keeping like minded people on the board. Someone resigns and then the rest of the SB can select their replacement - there's quite a history of this. That way when they run for reelection, they are an incumbant. It will be interesting to see if one of the current SB memebers resigns before their term is up. I'm betting on Glawe.

Ted, your post regarding civic activism is right on. Any lawsuit that is filed would be turned into a paper airplane and flown right out of court; these people haven't got a legal leg to stand on. It's the board that makes decisions and sets boundaries. If you don't like it, make changes within the system.

The pitchfork-and-torch-carrying citizens should really focus their energies on school board elections. But I'm betting dollars to donuts that the vast majority of these outraged parents don't bother voting for school board members because they can't be bothered. If they don't like what's going on, they should make it a point to learn what SB candidates stand for -- or, better yet, run for the Board themselves.

My bigger concern is that this kind of nonsense will make good people think twice about running for a spot on the SB because they don't want to be subject to this kind of senseless, vicious attack from whiny parents who don't get what they want.

Amen to Real Estate's post!!! White Eagle was a problem for the boundary committee over the NV boundaries and now they, as well as Tall Grass residents, are bringing up the tired out complaints about WV. They have a right to be upset and to even sue if they want, but leave the ugliness and the ignorance out of it. You aren't fooling anyone; it has nothing to do with the building or the curriculum, it has to do with your preconceived notions of WV students.
They will meet and b/c of their self-important arrogance will assume that they are the only ones who matter and will probably move ahead with their lawsuit. No one who has lived here before White Eagle was built will be surprised by this show of arrogance and intolerance. We have seen it over and over (remember the fence issue..they didn't want the kids from the subdivision behind them to be able to have easy access to White Eagle Elementary through an opening in their gate).
This lawsuit is about a very small portion of the district and perhaps the rest of us should hold a meeting to discuss our legal response to their lawsuit.

I don't know why I am posting on this blog, since it seems to be a lot of name calling and not facts.

First there is a lot of diverstiy at Scullen. Go visit that school and see for yourself. This is not about WV.

I am posting a quote off the proboards here. This is not a WE/TG issue. This is a district 204 issue and if you want to dismiss that we might be putting kids at danger to me is the most careless, selfish mistakes we in 204 can make.

"Spoke with several neighbors in my neighborhood that are planning (or have already) contributed and we live less than 1/2 mile from AME site. Poor place for children to attend school. Support is definately much greater than those 2 singled out neighboorhoods. Remember many of us have spouses that work late or travel and are unable to attend these evening meetings during the week. Don't use the number that showed up for the meeting as the true number of supporters."

So go ahead bash TG/WE residents without having all the facts about who is behind this lawsuit. Please look at the facts and make sure this SB is not putting kids in harms way.

Has anyone ever thought...

Why hasn't the SD released the environmental studies?
Why does the SD want to close the land without giving the public time to review the environmental studies? Is there something to hide? Do these studies include the pipelines running under the property? Why hasn't the SD been honest about BB damages, instead of ignoring it?

I have seen NOTHING on the IPSD website about environmental studies of the Eola Site.
I have seen NOTHING on the IPSD website about BB damages.

Is it true the elementary school enrollment in Indian Prairie 204 has declined the last 2 years in a row and that district administration is projecting high school enrollment to peak in 2011 and then decline?

If yes, why would we build a 3000 student high school for 2 years?
That seems like a waste?

I've listened to the NSFOC group, but in the end, I have to ask what good will a lawsuit do? Force the SD to build on BB? Where are the tens of millions of dollars going to come from for the land? Or does that mean we get an inferior school because we have to overpay for the land?

All the lawsuit does is make Todd Collins richer and make the SB waste even MORE of my money to defend itself on top of the thousands already wasted. The community voted to build the new school, so build the darn thing already so my kids KNOW where they will be going to HS, not guessing if it is going to be NV, WV or MV. (Right now, we're going to WV. Fine, we'll make WV a better school by spending our time and money there)

I'd rather spend my $204 campaigning to oust this idiotic school board in the next elections then suing them now.

The term "bait and switch" was tossed around frequently during the 06 referendum time period by Metzger himself.

On several occasions that I personally witnessed he stated that only minor boundary tweeks would occur in the future because to change things dramatically would constitute a "bait and switch" on the voters.

No he claims there is no bait and switch even though EVERYTHING has changed.

When are we going to stop letting this guy run the show? It's our money folks, and these are our kids.

Just because people don't like the direction that our SB is taking does not mean that they don't care about kids, or they're whiners or whatever the insult du jour is.

They want accountablity.

As for the woman who wrote "I hope your children aren't reading this"; I hate to tell the TG and WE residents this, but many of the children (middle schoolers) in the district were the ones coming home wondering what WE would do about the new boundaries. It isn't about your house or your car or your children being spoiled. There are a lot of big cars and spoiled kids in my neighborhood, which is a more "middle class" neighborhood than most NV feeder neighborhoods. This is about the reaction that the residents of WE have had to school district issues over the years. Please, to those posters who feel that this is about the integrity of the school board and "cheating"..you didn't vote for a site, you voted for a 3rd high school. Yes, it may have been underhanded, but you would have been fine with it if you had ended up at NV. There would be no threats of lawsuits. The SB has handled this situation poorly from the beginning but a lawsuit will hurt the entire district and will do nothing but show an ugly side of some of our residents.

I am amazed....This morning I went to the district 204 website for a staff directory and this portion of the website (where Dr. Daeschner's contact information used to be) has been removed. The website states that the information is only available in district buildings. Wow, Dr. Daeschner is closing even more doors to open communication. Does anyone know why this portion of the website has been removed? Where they receiving too much feedback on the new high school site?

>many 204 parents do not support your views or possible lawsuit.

1. District 204 is not made up of parents, it is made up of single people, divorced people, senior citizens, same sex couples, college students, empty nesters and many others that are not "parents".

2. Many of us DO support the lawsuit and we live in the boundary area slated to attend MV.

3. Please don't pretend you speak for "district 204" with your narrow, self-centered opinions.

DH -
I think you need to state the facts or maybe you're not aware of all of the facts. The meeting was not only with Stonebridge staff and Board members. The public was invited. The meeting was not only about the use of the golf facilities. The information I received inviting me to the meeting, asked individuals to come because the site would be announced and support was needed. It never mentioned anything about discussion of the facilities. And if it was solely about the facilities and the SB doing a thorough job of making sure resources were available to the new HS, wouldn't it have made more sense to have this meeting a bit earlier is the process rather than the night before announcing the new site district-wide?

Don't be fooled for one second folks. This is about one thing and one thing only, TG being upset about not getting NV. I don't mean to characterize the entire community, but I am referring to the 40 or so plotters who have schemed for 2 years to get NV no matter what it takes.

They are ticked off, and are willing to do whatever it takes to make others feel their pain.

They are thrilled that there are two other issues that have allowed them to recruit members of other communinties to their campaign (1. Ames environmental concerns and 2. SB broken promises). This has allowed them to increase their masses while also allowing them to put up a smoke screen as to their true one and only issue.

Don't be fooled folks, it's pretty transparent.

People voted for a third high school because the two high schools were built to accomodate 3,000. We are now well above that capacity and that is why people voted to build a third high school.

----------

May Watts Mom, that is not entirely correct as you do not account for the freshman centers that hold 1000 students and frontier that holds 600. District 204 currently will hold 8600 high school students.

Many believe we can add on to the existing schools for much less than building a large additional school.

I like the idea of a small charter school open to all in 204. My old state had a lottery system for new students to enter a charter school. This idea has potential for truly enriching our community.

I have an idea. Perhaps the good people in the southwest part of the district can form a committe and split from the rest and form their own district. In that way they can all stay at Neuqua and stay to themselves.

FYI...

You will find contact information for District 204 administrators located on the same webpage as before:

http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/Administration

Or visit www.ipsd.org, click "About IPSD 204", then "Administration".

Does anyone know the process for changing school boundaries? In other words, can a majority of the school board decide to change them at a future date, or must they be set in place never to be changed?

What if the third high school is built, only to see the boundaries change after the next school board election. What would prevent any subdivision(s) obtaining a majority on the board and simply changing the boundary?

>1. District 204 is not made up of parents, it is made up of single people, divorced people, senior citizens, same sex couples, college students, empty nesters and many others that are not "parents".

2. Many of us DO support the lawsuit and we live in the boundary area slated to attend MV.

3. Please don't pretend you speak for "district 204" with your narrow, self-centered opinions.

Please go back and reread my post before you make accusations and call my opinions "narrow, self-centered" No where in my post did I suggest I spoke for "district 204"; I gave my point of view and those of people I have communicated with.

The one thing you did get right is that there are alot of people - not just parents - who do not agree with a possible lawsuit and agree that the SB did its job in selecting an alternate site and choosing boundaries that suit the whole district, not just one or two areas. And please be honest with yourself, the people driving this possible lawsuit are parents, many with kids who are presently slated to attend WVHS. I'm sure there are others involved, single people(could be a parent), divorced people(could be parents), senior citizens(could be parents), same sex couples(could be parents), college students, empty nesters(by definition, parents, but I think the majority would identify themselves as "parents."

Now, please explain how my post was "narrow, self-centered"?

To Cowlishaw resident who wrote..

1. District 204 is not made up of parents, it is made up of single people, divorced people, senior citizens, same sex couples, college students, empty nesters and many others that are not "parents".

2. Many of us DO support the lawsuit and we live in the boundary area slated to attend MV.

3. Please don't pretend you speak for "district 204" with your narrow, self-centered opinions.

My response..

don't kid yourself

Where are these senior citizens, same sex couples, college students, empty nesters. They weren't at the board meeting.Where are they hiding.

Don't be fooled for one second folks. This is about one thing and one thing only, TG being upset about not getting NV. I don't mean to characterize the entire community, but I am referring to the 40 or so plotters who have schemed for 2 years to get NV no matter what it takes.

They are ticked off, and are willing to do whatever it takes to make others feel their pain.

They are thrilled that there are two other issues that have allowed them to recruit members of other communinties to their campaign (1. Ames environmental concerns and 2. SB broken promises). This has allowed them to increase their masses while also allowing them to put up a smoke screen as to their true one and only issue.

Don't be fooled folks, it's pretty transparent.

__________________________________________________________

Tall Grass Insider,

I live in Tall Grass as well and have many friends and neighbors that are outraged by this third high school debacle and are VERY concerned at what has occured in this district.

To me, this has nothing to do with not wanting to go to WVHS. In all honesty, my son would be better off at WVHS than NHVS as a small school would be much better for him.

To me, this is an accountability issue. This school board and administration have made some very bad decisions and lack any sense of credibility to me.

While the entire TG area is not involved in nsfoc, many people are beginning to wake up and question the direction this district is leading. They don't like it.

It has nothing to do with not wanting to go to WVHS. People keep finger pointing as that is what is being the discontent. Even the school board tried to villify those that disagreed with the site selection as WVHS haters. I think that is a big mistake. It was just the way they always operate. Pass on the blame for the situation to someone else.

They need to be held accountable.

Maybe this group will bring some transparency and credibility back to this district.

For that very reason, I'm writing my check right now!

>>District 204 currently will hold 8600 high school students

Not even close, at one time WV main held 3600 in a single building and NV main can hold even more, plus you have the 2 freshman campuses and Frontier. Let's trim 100 off the 3600 number to give some extra breathing room and say 3500.

3500
3500
1000
1000
600
=====
9600

The district projects peak enrollment 2 years after the 3rd high school opens at 9252 students. The existing HS facilities can handle 9600 but peak is 9252.

The 3rd high school isn't even needed.

2008-2009 8656
2009-2010 8950
2010-2011 9172
2011-2012 9252
2012-2013 9222
2013-2014 9131
2014-2015 9193
2015-2016 9178
2016-2017 8688

The SB has handled this situation poorly from the beginning but a lawsuit will hurt the entire district and will do nothing but show an ugly side of some of our residents.

---------

Meg G., Too late. They ugly side has already shown itself with name calling and finger pointing on this blog. I am not surprised that this blog is the same as the 204 boardmeeting sound off blog. Why are the only people being ugly and calling names and pointing fingers are bashing against WE/TG?

Could it be they are the ones that are ugly and not the residents of WE/TG?

As I read the posts, the apparent residents of WE/TG just make their point supporting them with facts. Most of the other blogs have no content, but are full of hatred and emotion. No actual argument containing facts.

Let's try to keep our minds on the discussion at hand our taxpayers money and the best way to spend it to enrich District 204 for all our benefit. It has become our job to make sure the SB is accountable.

>In all honesty, my son would be better off at WVHS than NHVS as a small school would be much better for him.

How do you figure WV will be smaller when the district takes the WV freshman campus away? Keep the WV freshman campus and rent a few portable classrooms for the middle school level. Problem solved for much less than the $160 million the district will spend.

Closing 1 high school building only to build another makes no sense given the declining enrollment.

The lawsuit ought to be about stopping the school board from going forward with the building of the 3rd high school we don't really need. Find out which person on the school board is getting a kickback from the construction company who will be given the contract to build this 3rd high school, and kick him/her out!

>Where are these senior citizens, same sex couples, college students, empty nesters. They weren't at the board meeting.Where are they hiding.

I was at the meeting and I have no children attending any district 204 school at this time.
And, you are narrow minded to think you can look at someone and know whether they are a parent or not. Your narrow mindedness speaks for itself. You are the same type of person that adopts every tax increase that comes along and never once considers what those higher taxes will do to senior citizens, single parents and others struggling to get along.

Not only is the 3rd high school a monumental waste of money, it will dilute property values when taxes skyrocket again.

Aren't you all tired bickering back and forth over this issue. Do you realize how many people in our district are fighting a real fight. How about those fighting for the lives or nurseing a child who is gravely ill. Do you think they care for a second what school their kid will attend. Some may just be hoping they make it to JH or HS.

Those are real fights in life. This is wasted energy. You will feel much better about yourself if you stop this and take you energy else where and help those who really need it. And imagine what an impact that will have on your children and what a beautiful lesson you will be teaching them and maybe do themselves one day.

>Find out which person on the school board is getting a kickback from the construction company who will be given the contract to build this 3rd high school, and kick him/her out!

You think there is only 1? What about current and former administrators?

I want to thank our blog host, Ted, for diligently manning his post at 4:51am today. He must have showered and has his coffee by then because his perspective is clear, concise and right-on. If you're not happy about the status quo, vote or run for SB. It's that simple. Don't sit on the sidelines and throw stones if you didn't actively participate in the process and now find yourself looking for someone to blame. The SB did what they could to make lemonade out of lemons, thankfully the "quick -take" manuever failed at BB and the "blinders" came off long enough to see the northern lights on Eola. Who in there right mind would want take on the BB estate lawyers again? Shark & shark bait.

Less than 20% of us showed up to vote in the last (non-presidential) election that included candidates (new & incumbent)for school board. As you now see, these board members control millions of our tax dollars and make decisions that affect our most valuable "possessions", our children. With all the vitriolic comments posted about the SB in the last few days (& years) during this process, how did incumbents like (Metzger, Clark) remain in office? One would think after all the fuss, people would have showed up in droves but....I defer to our host's comments this morning at 4:51 am on the topic. Good luck finding any takers.

> Find out which person on the school board is getting a kickback from the construction company

Here is a good place to start....

http://www.elections.state.il.us/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeSearch.aspx?NavLink=1

Contributed By Address
Amount Received
By

Aramark Management Services 2300 Warrenville Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515 $5,000.00
3/17/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Bogart, Sandra 3803 Royal Portrush Drive
Naperville, IL 60564 $1,000.00
2/22/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Buck, Stuart 1520 Winberie Court
Naperville, IL 60564 $300.00
2/27/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Clow PTA 1301 Springdale Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $300.00
2/16/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Crouse, Howard 30W250 Allister Lane
Naperville, IL 60563 $250.00
3/8/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

D'Addario, Elizabeth 2324 Wellsley Court
Naperville, IL 60564 $100.00
1/17/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Datz, Jack 3131 Treesdale Court
Naperville, IL 60564 $200.00
2/27/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Doody, James 2351 Fawn Lake Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $500.00
3/8/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Edwin Anderson Construction Co. 9526 W. Ainslie Street
Schiller Park, IL 60176 $1,000.00
2/18/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Fort, Jaynai
Occupation: Housewife
Employer: N/A 2875 Parkwood Lane
Aurora, IL 60502 $1,000.00
2/12/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Gregory Middle School PTA 2731 Salix Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $200.00
2/24/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Gurtz Electric Co. 77 West Seegers Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 $14,000.00
2/12/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Havala, Toni 3107 Treesdale Court
Naperville, IL 60564 $200.00
2/17/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Hughes, Michael 4020 Winberie Drive
Naperville, IL 60564 $25.00
2/16/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Hughes, Michael 4020 Winberie Drive
Naperville, IL 60564 $200.00
2/27/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Hurlbert, Sandra 2733 Seiler Drive
Naperville, IL 60565 $200.00
2/16/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Kimball Hill Homes 5999 New Wilke Road
#504
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 $1,000.00
3/15/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Kings Court Builders Inc. P.O. Box 5070
Naperville, IL 60567 $500.00
3/13/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Koulos, James 4220 Kings Hill Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $100.00
3/8/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Koulos, James 4220 Kings Hill Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $100.00
1/12/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Laidlaw Education Servces 9714 South Route 59
Naperville, IL 60564 $5,000.00
3/9/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Mason Contractors 306 W. Campus Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 $500.00
2/18/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Moser Enterproses 300 East 5th Ave.
Suite 430
Naperville, IL 60563 $500.00
2/17/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Neuqua Valley PTA 2560 95th Street
Naperville, IL 60564 $250.00
2/21/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Nicholas, Arthur 930 Emerald Drive
Naperville, IL 60540 $1,000.00
2/27/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Nicholas, Arthur 930 Emerald Drive
Naperville, IL 60540 $500.00
3/13/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Oxford Bank & Trust 1111 W 22nd Street
Suite 800
Oak Brook, IL 60523 $1,000.00
2/8/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Patterson PTA 3731 Lawrence Drive
Naperville, IL 60564 $250.00
2/13/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Ryland Homes 1141 E. Main Street
Suite 108
East Dundee, IL 60118 $2,500.00
2/10/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Schumann, Carl 3799 Baybrook Drive
Aurora, IL 60504 $250.00
2/9/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Schur, David 1401 Monarch Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $250.00
2/8/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Scullen Middle School PTSA 2815 Mistflower Lane
Naperville, IL 60564 $200.00
3/1/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Smith, Andrew 821 Thornapple Drive
Naperville, IL 60540 $100.00
3/1/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Smith, Andrew 821 Thornapple Drive
Naperville, IL 60540 $100.00
1/28/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids
Sodexho School Services 3020 Woodcreek Drive
Suite B
Downers Grove, IL 60515 $1,000.00
3/14/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Spring Brook Elementary PTA 2700 Seiler Dr.
Naperville, IL 60565 $200.00
3/10/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Taylor, James 4040 Winberie Ave.
Naperville, IL 60564 $200.00
2/27/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Welch PTA 2620 Leverenz Road
Naperville, IL 60564 $500.00
2/10/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

White Eagle School PTA 1585 White Eagle Drive
Naperville, IL 60564 $500.00
2/8/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Whitt Law 105 E. Galena
8th Floor
Aurora, IL 60505 $1,000.00
2/17/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Wiseman-Hughes Enterprises Inc 975 East 22nd Street
Wheaton, IL 60187 $2,000.00
2/17/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

Zoet, Gary 2356 Fawn Lake Circle
Naperville, IL 60564 $300.00
2/1/2006 Individual Contribution
204 the Kids

I want to reiterate the feelings of the Cowlishaw resident. There are many people outside of WE and TG that are not happy with the SB decisions. Many of us who will attend Metea want detailed answers on the saftey of the new site and the cost of abandoning Brach Brodie. We are not hearing answers.

I understand what the Cowlishaw resident is talking about when she says District 204 is not just parents. I spent time during the last referendum to convince my empty nester and childless neighbors to vote YES. Many did not trust the school board based on previous experience. Because of the location of the school and the boundaries presented, they were finally convinced to vote YES.

Then the board changed the site and the boundaries without going back to the public. Do you think these people will vote YES when this board comes back for operating revenue. I think the trust has been irrevocably broken and the future of 204 looks dismal.

I'm not in favor of the lawsuit, but I think the administration needs to come out and answer all of the questions that have been posed to them. They need to work on engaging the community instead of "scoffing" at WE and TG. I believe that by focusing their comments on those neighborhoods they are trying to take the heat off of themselves for making poor decisions. These poor decisions have angered many 204 residents not just parents. You don't need to have a child in this district to vote.

>my son would be better off at WVHS than NHVS as a small school would be much better for him

The best high school in the state, Stevenson, has 4500 students and the wide array of programs and extra-curricular activities which a smaller school can not offer.

Adlai E. Stevenson High School is one of the best high schools in Illinois and in America.
Stevenson is the only public high school in Illinois to receive four Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education from the U.S. Department of Education. SHS won the award in 1987, 1991, 1998, and 2002. Stevenson also received the U.S. Department of Education's New American High Schools Award in 1998. Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report have ranked Stevenson among the top 100 high schools in America, with both magazines selecting SHS in 2007. Stevenson was one of the few comprehensive public high schools to make the top 100 in U.S. News and World Report's rankings in 2007. Stevenson also is included annually in the School Watch and School Match listings of schools that offer features most sought by parents.

Stevenson offers more than 200 courses in communication arts, mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, fine arts, applied arts and physical welfare. Classes are taught by a talented and experienced corps of teachers, three-fourths of them with a master's degree or more. Several teachers at SHS are considered by their peers to be among the country's foremost authorities in their fields. Some of the textbooks and teaching practices used around the United States can trace their roots to Stevenson High School.

Stevenson's average ACT score in 2006-07 was 25.3, the second-highest mark in school history. Stevenson's Advanced Placement program is among the nation's best. More than 20 AP classes are available and SHS regularly leads the Midwest region in AP participation and has ranked in the top five worldwide.

Approximately 98 percent of SHS graduates attend college. Of that group, 8 in 10 will attend four-year colleges and universities while the remainder enroll at two-year schools. About 7 in 10 SHS graduates enroll at public colleges and universities. The Class of 2007 was awarded $18 million in college scholarships.

Stevenson has nearly 100 co-curricular clubs and activities open to students. Three-fourths of the student body is involved in co-curriculars, ranging from athletics to performing arts to civics.

Stevenson's 76-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities. All students have access to computers and nearly every classroom is capable of utilizing video, data and audio transmissions. A 1,200-seat performing arts center and an Olympic-sized swimming pool are other resources enjoyed by the community. The school has a college/career counseling center, two tutoring centers, two language laboratories, and a centralized technology area with five classrooms containing approximately 150 computers for student use.

Source:

https://blackboard1.district125.k12.il.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_31_1

>In all honesty, my son would be better off at...a small school...

Why in the world would you move to this area then? Naperville and Aurora are 2 of the biggest cities in the state and Bolingbrook is not far behind.

District 204 told taxpayers if they approved the money for the freshman campuses, we would never need a 3rd high school and we would operate 2 large high schools similar in size to New Trier and Stevenson. Taxpayers agreed to these "2" high schools consisting of 2 main campuses and 2 freshman campuses.

If you wanted small schools, you should have moved to a small town.

Just one quick question, if Tall Grass and White Eagle were going to go to NV, would you be considering a law suit?? Get over your selves, if your not happy, then move.

Do your homework...

You are absolutely correct. I did not do my homework when I moved here. I made a big mistake. Not only because the schools are large, the district leadership is suffering. The 204 leaders have promoted the very ugly rhetoric we are reading on this board.

Before any lawsuits are filed I suggest you fill out the atached Freedom of Information act form. When you see the dollars wasted we may all come together and straighten this mess out ourselves.

These attorneys representing 204 thrive of conflict it is the only way they can survive. The school boad does whatever they tell them to do regardless of what common sense may suggest.

Re: Illinois Freedom of Information Act Request
Dear ________:
This is a request for information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS
140.
I request that a copy of the following documents [or documents containing the
following information] be provided to me: [be as specific as you can in identifying the
documents or information you are seeking].
[Option:] I would like to inspect these records in person. [Option:] I would like to
obtain copies of these records.
[If you request copies of the records, you should consider adding the following text:]
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to
exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review
of the records. 5 ILCS 140/6. [Option:] I am willing to pay fees for this request up to a
maximum of $_____. If you estimate that the fees will exceed this limit, please inform
me first. [Option:] I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the
requested information to me is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute
significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and
is not primarily in my commercial interest. [Include a specific explanation of why your
request is in the public interest.]
I look forward to hearing from you in writing within seven working days, as required by
the Act. 5 ILCS 140(3).
Sincerely,
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
[Optional:] Telephone number and e-mail

To cowlishaw resident: to quote you

>you are narrow minded

>narrow mindedness speaks for itself

You do nothing but attack others' opinions as narrow-minded and selfish if they don't agree with your point of view.

You say you have no children presently attending D204 schools, but perhaps at one time you did. If so, did your kids benefit from a good education? Well, that is exactly what many on this board also want and that is why the vote for the 3rd high school passed. Your rants against it will not change anything. The new high school will be built. Please stop accusing people of what you are so obviously guilty of....being narrow minded and selfish. Is that your only argument?

Curios, Now thats a great posting - Lets all save the district some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I guess come next election we will have plenty of people running for the SB. Or are you all just a bunch of arm chair quarterbacks.

to: 100 co-curricular clubs and activities | March 6, 2008 10:49 AM

Thank you for the information regarding Stevenson high school - it looks like an outstanding school district who are on the right path to excellence. D204 can certainly learn from a district like this.

I understand your point that Stevenson has 4466 students (Stevenson web site), I also see that their average class size is 21 students. Does anyone know the average class sizes of NV and WV? I know the average class size at my kids elementary school (Graham) is 27.

I have seen a lot of overall totals and projections from people arguing that we do not need the 3rd high school - Perhaps we can also look at average class sizes? Reducing an average class size down to 21 like your Stevenson high school example is why I voted yes to the referendum, and why I still believe in the need for the third high school.

I hope all those in the "upscale neighborhoods" are willing to pay the higher taxes for the rest of us who understand why D204 made the decisions that they did. It all comes down to available funds.
If you don't like it, move out of the district!

Regard Ted's comments at 4:51am....

Ted says:

>Is there talk about the next school board elections? Could there be more than one slate of candidates representing more than one point of view of various 204 >residents?

This assumes you can raise enough money to overcome the massive amounts of money the teachers' union launders and funnels to their hand picked candidates which control the majority of local school boards.

And then what will Ted's paper do? They will most likely endorse these same liberal, tax and spend school board members and the waste and mismanagement will continue as before.

In the last 203 SB election, I recall that their was a slate of high reputable gentlemen who ran for school board on a slate as Ted suggests and then the SUN endorsed the same old teachers' union endorsed and funded candidates. That's like the fox guarding the henhouse?

When was the last time you saw the SUN run an article about school spending, questionable expenditures, relationships between school vendors and the school district, results of FOIA requests the paper submitted or anything even remotely critical?

Is the SUN calling for the passage of policy to stop Pay-For-Play like Cary adopted, investigating why the school districts have given hundreds of thousands of taxpayers dollars to the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce over the years, or questioned the building of a $160 million dollar high school when elementary school enrollment declining and high school enrrollment will peak in 2011?

Here is a really simple one that would solve many problems and dramatically eliminate highly questionable spending by the school districts; require all school districts to put their checkbook on the internet. Many school districts are in fact doing this already.

Let's see the SUN run an editorial calling for open checkbooks in 203 and 204.

Many of us would welcome the SUN doing some real investigative reporting, calling for specific reforms or endorsing reform minded candidates.

>Trey, know the facts. The SB did meet with privately with Stonebridge staff and board members for the sole purpose of determining if the site was selected would the club be open to supporting the school by providing access to the facilities -- i.e. Can the MV Golf teams play at Stonebridge as their home course. The SB did not come asking for people to come to the meeting to support their decision on the Eola site location. Stonebridge is a private club and is not obligated to lend out their facilities. It was the SB doing its job to be thorough on what resources would be available to the new school. There were only a few people involved in the meeting and at no time where they asked by the SB to gather the troops and come to the meeting to support the Eola location. Without prior knowledge of the meeting I planned to attend along with many of the others from the North because we believe this is the right decsion for the district. We also attended the meetings 2 years ago because we wanted to be represented>

I find this very humorous. The day before the new site was announced the school board met with Stonebridge Country Club because they were worried about where Metea students would play GOLF?? Really????

Just curious, did they make the same trip to White Eagle to see if the Waubonsie kids could play there?

Instead of worrying about where the kids would play golf more time should have been spent on preparing a presentation that would not have angered so many residents in the district. They could have made sure that all of the emails that were sent to the district with regard to safety concerns were addressed.
They could have been in their cars driving the bus routes to confirm the Laidlaw times that no one believes.

Instead, they just wanted to talk about golf? Not buyin it!!

Curios - Getting information via FOIA has been discussed, maybe already pursued, and it is certainly preferred over a lawsuit. The issue is time. At this point, 7 days is a lot of time....and who realistically thinks much will be divulged within that timeframe. How is non-compliance enforced? It should be disconcerting that anyone would have to do this in the first place.

Just curious, did they make the same trip to White Eagle to see if the Waubonsie kids could play there?
Anonymous | March 6, 2008 01:33 PM

No, but the SB and representatives of the administration did in fact meet privately with White Eagle, High Meadow, Oakhurst, Oakhurst North and other HOAs late summer and fall in 2005 to plant the particular seeds of scare...reassignment to WVHS, split shifts, ect. if they didn't pass the 2006 ref.

Today's headlines:

Homeowner Equity Is Lowest Since 1945
Home Foreclosures Hit Record High
Naperville Electric Rates to rise 11.25%
Oil hits $106 a barrel, Gas Prices to top $4 a Gallon by Summer
Facility Closures and Layoffs Announcements Rise

Yep, it is just the perfect time to build an unneeded 3rd high school, dilute property values further, and cause property taxes to skyrocket again.

Just brilliant.

This is about White Eagle and Tall Grass kids "having to go" to Waubonsie vs. Neuqua. I firmly believe if the boundaries had been drawn such that they still attended Neuqua, there would be no action being taken.

So much for economic diversity in Naperville where the "elite" and the traditional middle class could attend together.

I am frustrated by all the WE/Tallgrass bashing and wanted to put in my two cents. I live in WE and spent countless hours working to get the referendum passed the 1st and 2nd time. (For the record - it wasn't the Southwest that was the hardest to get on board with the referendum the 1st time through.) I am okay with the boundaries - even though on a personal level I will have 2 kids leaving friends from the middle school & freshman campus to switch schools. What I can't help but feel at this point though is that I'm not sure the school board did their "due diligence" in exploring all the alternatives.

The school board went from a "very inclusive" process for determining boundaries the first time through - to a "highly secretive" process for forming the boundaries the second time through. As a result, many of us have unanswered questions. There may be logical answers to these questions...but we need to hear them to feel on board with the district's direction. Without that information - it's hard not to feel that the board has come up with the best possible scenario. Even though I am not part of the group formulating the lawsuit - I too question whether the board did their "due diligence" in exploring all the alternatives.

In addition, it's not fair to put down only Tallgrass & White Eagle. They are only 2 of the areas concerned about the school board's direction. They are also the most impacted (or at least equally impacted) by the boundaries because it changes both middle school and high schools.

I don't think you can paint the board with a wide brush. Although there may be a strategy to oust every incumbent at the next election, the bigger problem remains for at least three more year.....the guy with the gavel. Review some history and ask yourself why we are in the state we're in today......what is the common denominator?

WVHS is less than 2.3 miles from BB.

WE and TG agreed with the rest of the 204 community in the last referendum that we needed a 3rd HS, and further agreed to be bussed to the corner of 75th and Commons to make this happen. Now claims of bait-and-switch with the result being they are bussed an extra 2.3 miles to Ogden and Eola will apparently cause pain and suffering on a scale that has never been seen before. They also say "it's not about the school, it's about the distance" and follow it up with "we need to slow down." This "distance" and the about face on the need for the school is now the justification behind their threats to sue the rest of the 204 community -- all over a crummy 2.3 miles. 2.3 miles! Give me a break.

Posted by: Gimmeabreak | March 5, 2008 05:33 PM

Well said "Gimmeabreak" :)!!! I love the part about "suffering on a scale that has never been seen before"...OMG I hope none of these folks ever suffer TRUE crisis..

Tallgrass and WE need to grow up. Yes you were not given what you thought you'd receive and I share your frustration on that issue. But BB was a terrible site to begin with and the only reason Will county voted so overwhelmingly for the referendum was because of those silly proposed boundaries. You folks are so spoiled that you probably would want another (4th) high school built immediately South of TG. Hey, that way your kids could have their pick of where they could walk. Never mind the rest of our kids who spend many hours per week on the bus to fill WV even though WE is closer to WV. I assume the little click you are forming to sue 204 refers to YOUR children and no one elses. And the rest of us are taxed exactly the same as you are so get over yourselves and quit whining!

Gimmeabreak and anonymous 2:28pm

You've got it all wrong, it's about the deceptive practices of the SB and district that some of us are very angry about!

But considering your statements and ability to "rubber stamp" everything the district does, you must be pleased with the end result and I respect that. How easy it is for some to point fingers and assume what others are motivated by.

It's easy to label entire areas selfish as witnessed on this board.

>Tallgrass and WE need to grow up.

I don't live in Tallgrass or White Eagle and I hope this group does sue the school district.

Just remember this quote...

"We don't have to do this" - Mark Metzger at the school board meeting.

A little herbal remedy for the faded memories may be in order. If its true that the nucleus of evil in 204 is in the SW corner then perhaps you've forgotten the Brookdale and Springbrook actors who put on a great show when they did not get their way during the last referendum and boundary discussion.

I'm positive if the SD and SB voted in boundaries which were North and South instead of East and West and that resulted in Welch, Springbrook and maybe Clow traveling to WV that there would be no issues or discussion from those residents...ya right.

The lack of trust in this administration and board is the root of the matter not the residents. I'm sure WE and TG are upset but if you believe for a moment that they are they only ones you're a fool.

I am personally looking forward to a trial where all the facts will be out there for the public to see. None of us have all those facts and when the SB and SD is asked to be more transparent they fail to respond. What are they hiding? It will be an interesting tale to read... What are the timelines and when and what information was known? What information was shared with the community they represent and what was not shared? Did the SB have any indication prior to the referrendum that the BB property may not be affordable? Did they in fact pursue all options for the alternate site with the same energy and compassion as the Eola site? Were the facts shared about the real costs of all options accurately reflected in the presentation they made to the public when deciding on Eola? Why didn't they pursue a plan B when they FIRST learned how costly the BB property may be? Did the school board follow the rules for the open meetings act or were there back room deals and discussions hidden from their constituents.

It will be a very educational process for all of us. Maybe all of this anxiety is just from crazy residents and the SD and SB have nothing to hide. If so we all owe them an apology. If not they owe us something...

This district seems to have a history of making "villians" of those that disagree with the school board/district.

Today, it's WE and TG and all the others that think this site stinks.

It used to be CFO was the "villian". I used to believe that they were in fact, the anti-education, horned headed members that they were called out to be.

Funny thing...

I just looked up something from their old voteno site. Read for yourselves. I give them more credit than I used to and wish in hindsight I'd have given their argument more credence.

Here's what I read from their old site:

Proposed High School Site Questioned

"At the initial public hearing on the referendum last fall, many residents from the north side of the district stated they would not vote for another high school on the south side - complaining that their property values had suffered because of the inequities between Waubonsie and Neuqua Valley.

Once again, the District chose to bypass the citizen�s committee route, by refusing to allow the referendum committee to look at the issue of where a potential new high school could be built. In an attempt to defuse any north/south issues, the District chose the most expensive land left in the area, the Brach farm along Rte 59 and 75th street because it falls in the middle of the district.

In an effort to justify its actions, the District made up a story to the community that the Brach farm - at a price tag of nearly $20M - cost no more than other land that would be available in the south end of the District, in Bolingbrook or Plainfield. However, CFO has talked to area real estate professionals who have indicated that land in Bolingbrook and Plainfield would cost no more than � of the Brach farm. Superintendent Crouse himself admitted this in the fall of 2004 to referendum committee members. Thus, not only is the cost of building the third high school far in excess of what appears to be necessary, but the land itself is nearly double the cost of other available land!

If the District�s decision to buy land at double the going price isn�t bad enough, by putting the proposed new high school in an area where the growth is not occurring - the District has created another problem - Boundaries!

Although the District says boundaries would be redone in the future, it ignores the fact that if a new school were built where the growth is occurring, the issue of boundaries would be an easy decision. If the District intends to bus children from the new areas to the middle of the district, it will obviously be increasing its busing/transportation costs, as well as further exasperating an already congested traffic area at 75th Street and Rte 59."

I wholeheatedly agree that WE and TG need to get over it. Their kids will survive going to WV, after all it is the same district and the same curiculum. Additionally all of their Abercrombie wearing friends will be headed to WV with them, so what really is the problem here? It was ok with these residents to build another high school as long as it was in their backyeard but now that they won't be attending they care about the environemtal issues? The boards irresponsibility? Sorry, WE and TG, most of us believe that this lawsuit and your reactions would have never happened if only you were given your way. I'm actually glad that the school will be on the Eola site and very happy that some of the more middle/working class of the district will get to enjoy a new building. You're making yourselves look very selfish, actually like spoiled kids. Soryy, you didn't get what you wanted, but life's like that. A good lesson for you and your kids. Welcome to the world beyond your elitist neighborhoods.

Trouble in river city says we can not paint the board with a broad brush? Why not? Every single one of them voted to rush the new boundaries and the new poluted school site. How much do you want to bet they all vote to rush buying the land and rush starting construction next week?

ATTENTION D204 RESIDENTS WHO LIVE IN THE PROPOSED METEA VALLEY ATTENANCE AREA...if you feel at all UNHAPPY about what the school board has done...you have a place to talk about that. NSFOC has a forum for you at their next meeting. whether or not you support the lawsuit doesn't matter. come talk about your concerns regarding the safety of the site. DO NOT TRUST THIS SCHOOL BOARD to protect your children. make your own decisions. register at the website ASAP and you will receive an email about the next meeting. JOIN NOW. bring your neighbors and your friends. THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SAY SOMETHING.

supporter 3:19 pm

while respectfully disagree with your comments, I think you are labeling certain areas. Would you like it if others put a label onto you because of where you live. In fact, tell us as I'm wondering, where do you live?

Also, your post would carry more power if you used spell check to clarify what you really mean.

Spelling is important. After all, aren't we talking about education?

To Supporter:

My kids do not wear Aberocrombie, we cannot afford it after paying our huge house payment.

Tall Grass resident,

P.S. I also do not have an extra $204 laying around my house.

Your post above sounds immature and ridiculous. I am going to say it one more time. Please stop generalizing. This group that wants to sue the district is not Tall Grass or White Eagle. It is made up of residents living throughout the district from all neighborhoods.

Has anyone done a statistical analysis of the 2006 referendum vote for the new high school? It seems to me that many people are pointing fingers at areas that supported the third high school (calling them selfish, entitled, etc. right now).

It would be interesting to see if some of these areas that are now criticizing those who supported the referendum are pointing fingers at others that supported more space at the middle and high school level.

For example, Brookdale voted resoundingly NO against more space in 2006 during the referendum. Yet, I've seen some posts from Brookdale residents calling out WE, TG and others criticizing the site selection at AME as being selfish.

I simply don't understand that logic.

Is anyone else really dishearted by the tone of most of these entires? Seems the most important lesson we can teach our children is in this process - how to deal with adversity constructively, without hurdling insults. We should be able to disagree and be upset without begin crass.

Sorry, Mr. (or Ms.) Stop the School Board, but "your last chance to say something" is far behind you. As it should be. This has been debated, considered and acted upon.

But, by all means, continue to whine. And as you do so, please try to answer three simple questions for me:

1) If the new boundaries allowed WE and TG residents to attend NV, would you be so concerned about the supposed safety issues of the new site?

2) How much more "due diligence" would you want the Board to engage in? When would you be satisifed? Just what does the Board have to do to make you happy?

3) Just what "deceptive practices" do you think the board engaged in? You think this was some massive, slick conspiracy that the board entered into to build a new school on the north side of town?

You can't have it both ways: The SB cannot be deviously clever AND cluelessly inept at the same time.

I'll parrot what someone else said earlier: Man, I'm happy to live in 203. We have our problems, and my kids will have to put up with lots of construction over the coming years, but we manage to resolve our problems like adults.

Mark 4:25pm

Could these be Mark Metzger?

Jenny Jones | March 6, 2008 04:01 PM

I can't help but (gently) point out the irony in your post. You said to supporter (| March 6, 2008 03:19 PM ) : "Also, your post would carry more power if you used spell check to clarify what you really mean. Spelling is important. After all, aren't we talking about education?"

The ironic part is that you started your post with the first line of: "while respectfully disagree with your comments" ? Do you mean "disagreeing:, or "While I respectfully disagree"? Irony does cut both ways.

that being said, I agree with your comments about labeling groups and the fact that it has no place on this blog. I too felt that Supporter was out of line with their post.

Trouble in river city says we can not paint the board with a broad brush? Why not? Every single one of them voted to rush the new boundaries and the new poluted school site. How much do you want to bet they all vote to rush buying the land and rush starting construction next week?
Posted by: Anonymous | March 6, 2008 03:27 PM

IMO your wide stroke of a brush centers around only one issue...the third high school...an emotional and personal one at that. Each board member does not seem to have the same morals, values and beliefs so I hardly think its fair to paint them all with the same proverbial brush.

LOL! Anonymous wordsmith 4:50

Yes, I meant to post "while I respectfully disagree with your comments"

I left out the I..

Read my post though, spelling was my bitter bone. I said nothing about grammer.

Just kidding. Shame on me!

I am not optimistic that the SB will give us an objective battery (no pun intended) of environmental test results for the AME site. They will tell us that they'll push a little dirt around and everything will be OK. After all, that's their M.O., right? Gloss over anything that gets in the way of their beloved 2009 opening date. Gloss over enviro hazards (contaminated soil, EMF from the power lines, the gigantic gas lines which run under the school site, the fact that they hated this parcel of land 2 years ago), gloss over the ped bridge, gloss over the BB legal costs, gloss over the inevitable need for an operating referendum, gloss over why they don't want to build at Macom, gloss over the "public input process" at the site selection meeting, gloss over the "public input process" at the boundary meeting, gloss over the enrollment projection dropoff, gloss over the creep-up of the MV construction cost, gloss over the transportation costs (and hire LAIDLAW, of all people, to do the transport studies? Please! CONFLICT OF INTEREST!)

My angst has nothing to do with bigotry, or any disdain towards WV or anything else. I just feel like I'm being treated like a child by these elected officials who represent the district I pay thousands of dollars to each year. Slow down, give us the REAL straight dope, stop ramming decisions down our throats, and maybe, just maybe, we'll all calm down?

Grr...

By the way, for what it's worth I found another blog at

http://www.elemental-learning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=90&EntryID=13

Thought all you blog-o-holics might want to know that.

TG/WE believe the SB broke promises in changing the location of the 3rd HS it’s not what they voted for, I also voted for a 3rd HS which was to be built on the BB land. I am aware now of what the referendum, “a 3rd HS” not its location, I guess I misunderstood the boundary and location of the 3rd HS when it was presented to the district prior to voting on the referendum.

I live in Thatchers Grove (corner of 75th & Ogden) about 3 minutes to WV, I was excited about the 3rd HS being built on the BB land, it was about the same distance for my house to MV or WV (THIS IS WHY I VOTED). Now my child who starts HS next year would have to go to MVHS at the Eola location, it’s not about the school with me it’s about the distance. TG/WE can keep NV and the north side can keep MV, just give me WV. I am thankful that some of the districts’ residences are taking action and trying to get the SB to rethink their decision.

A little herbal remedy for the faded memories may be in order. If its true that the nucleus of evil in 204 is in the SW corner then perhaps you've forgotten the Brookdale and Springbrook actors who put on a great show when they did not get their way during the last referendum and boundary discussion.

I'm positive if the SD and SB voted in boundaries which were North and South instead of East and West and that resulted in Welch, Springbrook and maybe Clow traveling to WV that there would be no issues or discussion from those residents...ya right.

The lack of trust in this administration and board is the root of the matter not the residents. I'm sure WE and TG are upset but if you believe for a moment that they are they only ones you're a fool.

I am personally looking forward to a trial where all the facts will be out there for the public to see. None of us have all those facts and when the SB and SD is asked to be more transparent they fail to respond. What are they hiding? It will be an interesting tale to read... What are the timelines and when and what information was known? What information was shared with the community they represent and what was not shared? Did the SB have any indication prior to the referrendum that the BB property may not be affordable? Did they in fact pursue all options for the alternate site with the same energy and compassion as the Eola site? Were the facts shared about the real costs of all options accurately reflected in the presentation they made to the public when deciding on Eola? Why didn't they pursue a plan B when they FIRST learned how costly the BB property may be? Did the school board follow the rules for the open meetings act or were there back room deals and discussions hidden from their constituents.

It will be a very educational process for all of us. Maybe all of this anxiety is just from crazy residents and the SD and SB have nothing to hide. If so we all owe them an apology. If not they owe us something...

I can appreciate the fact that quite a few people are not happy about the switch of the location and the change of boundaries. Let's face it, most of us are not big fans of change particularly with our kids, and for some, perceived change in the value of our homes.

Call me an optimist but here is how I think things will play out.. the lawsuit idea will either be dropped or dismissed as it clearly would be precedent setting (and really based on weak premises).

MOST OF The people going to a different school whether it be any one of the 3 high schools will be passionate supporters of their kids success in school and will continue to be tremendous assets to ANY school community they belong to!

SOME of the people will be challenged to move on OR really do believe that things can be done differently in the future as it relates to decision making. My guess is they will band together aggressively and get 1 or 2 people elected to the school board next election and you know what, that's ok because we live in a democracy and active discussion and voting in local elections is a good thing.

1) I'm a Tall Grass resident who is happy my kids will go to WVHS.(yes, we do exist).
2) The group that met at WE is only fighting for what they believe, so cut them some slack.
3) All of this narrow-minded neighborhood bashing has got to stop. I applaud my neighbors for fighting for their kids, it's their right and that doesn't make them snobs. (BTW the most disparaging comments are coming 10 to 1 from people outside of TG/WE).
4) Yes, we have been misled by the SB, BIG TIME, but we elected (and re-elected) these ninnies.
5) I hope my kid doesn't get hit by a CN train on his way to school.

It's amazing how we have a change in location and now all the sudden the SB can't be trusted, under the table dealings, etc. You would think it was run by the mob.

Why is it that the majority of you didn't feel this way before the announcement. Simply put, you got what you wanted and now you don't so all the decision makers are crooks.

Give me a break.

And to WV Warrior.. kids have been crossing those RR tracks since WV opened. That is not a good enough reason for you to be upset. By feeling that way you are saying that your kids are more special than those who have been crossing those tracks for the past 30 years or so.

Hi, TG Warrior (you think).

A couple of points:

1) I'm glad you're happy about WV. From what I've heard, it's a great school.

2) Yes, those parents are fighting for what they believe in. But the problem is that their beliefs are self-centered and shallow. They are fighting because they didn't get their way and their little ones are going to a school that they don't want them to go to. That is the only reason they're going through with this; the environmental concerns are a pathetic smokescreen.

3) Of course the opposing comments are coming 10-1 from outside of WE/TG. Where else would they come from? I mean, the WE/TG people are the ones who are kicking and screaming because they didn't get their way.

4) Still don't know what you mean by "misled" by the Board. Just HOW did the Board mislead you? I mean, it looked like it bungled things big-time, but I don't see any treachery here.

5) No one wants to see their kids hit by a train. Does that make you a better parent than anyone else? Kids have been crossing tracks every day to go to school in both 203 and 204.

Everyone should simmer down and act like adults. Please. Set a good example for your children.

This is off topic please be patient. This blog along with the past boundary blog of late Feb. has a total of 670 comments. There is a very positive blog about a Naperville native doing great work for the less fortunate,"Naperville's Giving Spirit". It is easily found on the main blog page. This blog has been up for a # of days and there have been only 2 comments. If anyone wants to view and comment on this topic it would be much appreciated. The subject matter exemplifies the actions many in the 204 district strive for.

The boundaries will remain as drawn. The board will not change it's course on any of this. It is a done deal and a lawsuit has no chance of stopping it. Why? Well before we moved here, we lived in a district in MI where the BOE made a similar decision. They pi**ed off the wealthier people in our city and they decided to sue. They wasted a lot of money (theirs and the districts)and it created anomosity/division in the community that lasts to this day. Things like this create bitter rifts that endure when some people are made to feel like their kid's or their school isn't "good enough" for some.
From someone who's been through this before, I really have to say that the residents of WE and Tall Grass are coming off pretty badly in the community. I have kids at WV and it's fine. It will continue to be fine. Trust me, it's more of a parent problem. The kid's will adapt to the change in building, they're flexible and many of them will be excited about the change. Above all, please don't let them sense your anger and disdain for this boundary decision, it will taint their view of what is absolutely going to happen. Welcome to WV...and I mean that sincerely.

Someone wrote the following===>Each board member does not seem to have the same morals, values and beliefs so I hardly think its fair to paint them all with the same proverbial brush.

Who are you to tell us about the school board and their morals and values? We judge them by their votes. More than 2 years ago they told us a site at rt59/75th, gave us boundaries and asked us to vote. Now suddenly we have a NEW school site, NEW boundaries and are spending 25 million more! This is not what we were told BEFORE we voted. Even Christine Vickers has gone to the dark side and suddenly supports this monumental waste of money. She's a phony. She likes the new site and is now a yes voter. It turns out that the sign we had on the fence was a much more accurate number than the $125 million the district told us.

$148 million and counting.

I say sue them all.

Mark said to "set a good example for your children".

I am 60 years old and will never have any children. Stop your stupidity.

Please note that when the NSFOC website first went online they did have a map of what they wanted to boundaries to be. They have since removed this, but guess you can imagine what it looked like.

Concerned Parent, in my humble opinion it's you that has it wrong. Where were you and the other objectionists raising the "we don't need a 3rd HS in this district 'cause enrollments are declining" argument BEFORE MV was moved to Eola.

You were nowhere to be found.

I would like to point out that the silence of approval for the need of the 3rd HS BEFORE the move from BB was deafening. You were on board with the need for this school then.

Now you want to sue the rest of us because the school moved and TG/WE has to go to Waubonsie. Plain and simple. That's what this is about and everyone on this board knows it. All other arguments to the contrary are, IMHO, a smoke screen.

If you were as vociferous in your objections to spending the money when MV was being built at BB as you are today with the Eola site I would be empathetic to your cause; I'd also be willing to entertain the other arguments you're trying to make. However, once again, I remind you and the TG/WE communities that you said nothing. NOTHING! At least until they took your school away. And now you have to drive a lousy 2.3 miles further.

Give me a break.

My $204 is in the mail and there is plenty more coming if needed. Its a shame it takes legal action to get the SB to come to the table with the parents/residents/their consituents.

Guess I'll have to skip a few trips to Abercrombie since according to our community thats where we all spend our money.

Whats the next insult you're going to fire at concerned parents? Requesting bigger lockers at NV and WV for the fur coats the kids will wear? Give me a break folks this is Naperville, Aurora and Bolingbrook not Beverly Hills. I don't see much of a difference in the homes in any corner of this district. We are all quite fortunate to live here and have great schools. We all teach our kids not to stereotype and so lets stop doing that to one another.

I support the suit and do not believe it is a SW 204 issue. Its increasingly clear many are outraged by this board and administration. Lawsuits are not the best solution but what options have the school board provided? One way emails to them without reply, "open forums" where people are locked out of the building and crammed into preschool rooms, community feedback sessions where legitimate suggestions and feedback are ignored, back office deals which are cast in stone before feedback from the community is considered?

Seems that if anyone is to blame for the legal action it is the SB and SD for closing the doors on the residents and leaving them no option.

I'm not losing sleep over where our kids will go to school but am losing my hair over the "process" used.

Stop the goofy emails insulting one another and lets focus on getting the facts on the table and accountablility for this entire mess which was grossly mismanaged by our "leadership".

ATTENTION D204 RESIDENTS WHO LIVE IN THE PROPOSED METEA VALLEY ATTENDANCE AREA...if you feel at all UNHAPPY about what the school board has done...you have a place to talk about that. if you are concerned about the safety of the new high school location? NSFOC has a forum for you at their next meeting. whether or not you support the lawsuit doesn't matter. come talk about your concerns. DO NOT TRUST THIS SCHOOL BOARD to protect your children. make your own decisions. register at the website ASAP (www.nsfoc.org) and you will receive an email about the next meeting. JOIN NOW. bring your neighbors and your friends. THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING!!!

I find it amusing that all the 'experts' here insist that the school board can and will leave any site in a contaminated state. They would have a very hard time convincing contractors to take the liability of building on such a site. Something like that may have happened 40 years ago, but not today.

I have to laugh at Wildflower Dad who says-"Sue em all". Please! The stupidity of some people in #204 just doesn't stop. The school board are elected officials by us. We put them there to make these decisions. Yeah so they did not keep their promises. Just like your average politician. I am sure alot of people would love to sue Bush.
Vickers warned about the possibility of the boundries being changed on several occasions. And it happened just like she said. Life isn't fair but then you already know that.The SB did not sign a contract with the people about the boundries. There is no case. Its just old fashioned politics which our elected officials have been doing for years. And like in politics someone wins and someone gets bitten on the ass. With Brach Brodie, Brookdale got screwed. With the Eola site TG and WE have the red derriere.

Even Christine Vickers has gone to the dark side and suddenly supports this monumental waste of money. She's a phony. She likes the new site and is now a yes voter. It turns out that the sign we had on the fence was a much more accurate number than the $125 million the district told us.
$148 million and counting.
I say sue them all.
Posted by: Wildflower Dad | March 6, 2008 08:58 PM

Dear Sir:
I was forwarded your above post with derogatory comments about my personal character which I would like to respectfully address at this time. I have not "gone to the dark side" (not sure what that means exactly) nor do I support wasting money. In fact, my campaign platform was one of fiscal responsibility, open and honest government, and change.

If I’m reading this correctly, it appears you are directing these comments about me based on a vote. I would direct you to the district's website where you can at your leisure view a board meeting online. http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/OnDemandVideo

At the January 22, 2008, meeting (mms://media.ipsd.org/ipsd_ondemand/ipsd_live/board_meeting_20080225.wsx) at about the 2:28 time marker, you will find where I took the opportunity to set forth my voting history. I also solidified my past and present positions. I continue to believe there is no need for the third high school based on enrollment and capacity facts as I see them, I voted against quick take (I believed there was a potential risk for a high jury award at trial and considered the stakes too high to gamble with the taxpayers’ money). I voted against the referendum consultant because I disagreed with their objectives, and I was against the premature boundary discussions in 2006 based on the simple fact there was no land or building. I also supported an alternate plan in case we lost the condemnation case. I have been in the minority—democracy rules. With regard to the bonds, I clearly indicated that we should stay within the monetary constraints represented in the referendum language. In my mind that language implied that the cost for this project would be $124.6 million not $146 million (I’m a Dist. 204 taxpayer too). There are residents in this community that may agree with me entirely, partially or not at all. That’s okay, we are all entitled to our opinions. We don't always see and hear things with the same eyes and ears. Regardless, I do believe it is important to extend respect of opinions bilaterally(IMHO).

With regard to your "yes voter" comment, the reason I supported the site was out of respect to the 2006 voter majority not because my opinion has changed. As an elected official I believe I have a duty to uphold the will of the voters on a voter-approved initiative. As you know, the 2006 voters overturned a 2005 "no vote" against the third high school. Quite frankly, my hands have officially been tied. With the jury verdict making the acquisition of Brach-Brodie financially unreachable and after hearing the administration's recommendation of the AME site and their basis to support same, AME appeared to me to be the best possible solution in lieu of BB.

I cannot speak for other board members or for the board as a whole, it is not my right to do so. I can only speak for myself. There have certainly been some tough times during my tenure (rewarding times too). At some point we all have been verbally abused, demeaned, yelled at and belittled either on an individual basis or as a whole. From my personal perspective I find it ironic that the majority of those times for me have been in my efforts at being open and honest with the public.

You certainly are within your constitutional rights to call me any name you wish. I do, however, hope that someday you’ll have a change of opinion and heart.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine Vickers

I have just spent the better part of an hour reading the comments posted here, and I think that the biggest underlying issue in all this is only being touched on lightly, that of property values.
When we were shopping for a home in this area 9 years ago, we heard it from our realtor first and second from people my husband would work with--don't buy in Aurora. Even though 204 went into Aurora, buy in Naperville, we were told, if you want a home that will retain its value. So we invested in a Naperville address and have never regretted it. But we quickly learned that the value of our investment was also influenced by which schools within 204 our subdivision was districted to. I've always heard WV was a great school, as was NV, as are all 204 schools, which is why we moved here in the first place. But WV is in Aurora, therefore, automatic stigma. Unfair? Definitely, but the perception is Naperville is good, Aurora not so good, and perception goes a long way in real estate. I heard this put very bluntly by a Tall Grass resident at a boundary meeting in '06. I remember the speaker identified himself as a member of the board for the TG homeowner's association. But the only thing I remember about his comments to the SB was one of his angry opening sentences about TG being redistricted from Neuqua to Waubonsie--"you're screwing with my property values!" I really think this is at the heart of the whole debate, but it sounds so selfish and ugly when said out loud we don't want to admit it. Instead, we cloak ourselves in objections over busing and railroad tracks and distance and safety and school splits and power lines and everything else out there. Yes, these are important issues when determining school locations and boundaries, but not insurmountable ones.
This is what everyone in subdivisions surrounding NVHS knows--that the value of their homes will be greater if they reside in NVHS's attendance area. After all, NV is the high school that was featured on Oprah as a state-of-the-art public school. Who wouldn't want to be associated with that? NV has another thing going for it--it's demographics. As long as Neuqua has no Title 1 or "disadvantaged" students in its attendance area, its test scores will likely always be higher than Waubonsie and even Metea, regardless of where it ends up being built, as both schools have several Title 1 feeder schools within their boundaries. Higher test scores equals increased desirability which equals higher property values. And from some of the comments on this site, it seems that realtors with listings in the NVHS attendance area haven't wasted any time in capitalizing on this, which just adds to the divisivness in 204. It appears that many people are so focused on the impact this has on their dollars that they've lost their sense--of community, of what's really important for their children educationally, and especially of what's reasonable and fair for others in 204 as well.

To wildflower dad: Why do you think the cost of the high school is going up? Lets see its because of people like you stalling the process. Do you think construction cost are going to stay the same? If you delay it again, logic states the cost will rise again. Give me a break! Here are the true facts. YOU are against it because it isnt in your neigborhood. YOU are against it because you didnt get your way, and your child has to attend a different school. I dont recall you complaining when you got your way!

"NV has another thing going for it--it's demographics. As long as Neuqua has no Title 1 or "disadvantaged" students in its attendance area, its test scores will likely always be higher than Waubonsie and even Metea, regardless of where it ends up being built, as both schools have several Title 1 feeder schools within their boundaries. Higher test scores equals increased desirability which equals higher property values..."

I don't really get this comment...you've liked NV because there are no Title 1 programs?? That leads to higher test scores and higher property values?
The boundary revision WILL change the demographics in all of these schools. Those who worked on the boundaries obviously gave a lot of attention to maintaining a balance between these factors. Test scores will most likely change as a result but I think they drew the boundaries with equity in mind and they work well for most of the district. I happen to live on the eastern edge of the district, my child goes to Owen. Most of my area was upset about being districted to Metea as we are closer to WV. I applaud the board for looking logically at this situation and keeping us at WV. I agree with what has been posted previously, it's a great school and is no less than NV and Metea. Some of us are actually a little concerned about the changes Scullen parents are going to bring to WV.

Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.
~John Kenneth Galbraith

Remember when 203 was the hot bed of real estate? Naperville North and Central were the schools to attend and the place to live.Nearly all of that district falls within the city limits of Naperville and a small piece of Lisle. Then along came 204 with the new schools and big plans. The city of Naperville could not sell real estate fast enough. The best town for the best advantage.A Kid friendly city.The Aurora portion of district 204 continued to boom also but with higher density and contributed many tax dollars to 204.YOU BOUGHT A DREAM BASED ON MARKETING PEOPLE! People transfer into and out of naperville very three years. When the Nequa Valley referendum passed it was the Naperville parents getting a big new facility within the city limits of Naperville (Property values people) and the tax body of Aurora. They threw millions at it. Aurora residents within the district paid tax dollars for it. But it is a NAPERVILLE SCHOOL. When White Eagle was developed they had the nerve to place signs up giving the impression they were fully in Naperville. Aurora residents were so enraged that the Aurora Mayor threatened to cut off their water supply if the offensive signs did not come down. Aurora has always faced this problem with White Eagle real estate. Yes we in Aurora are well aware that realitors tell people to buy "on the better side of white eagle." As a past Aid at a 204 Middle school I can tell you I have heard teachers talk about Aurora Students as disavantaged or in one case "it doesn't matter he'll end up selling crack anyway".These teacher lived in Naperville proper and leave me with a bad taste in my mouth for the entire district. I hope that the Aurora faction of district 204 comes to life and gets this school built on Aurora ground if for nothing else to stop this. As an Aurora resident I understand that the police and fire protection for this school will come out of Aurora Taxes. I'll gladly pay. I think a small percentage of people believe they "Bought" the right to push around the rest of us. The truth is you don't want to have an Aurora school on your real estate sales flyer right? Believe me there are many days I wish you weren't in my district because my kids would be just fine without the ever present one upsmanship of Naperville.

To Anonymous 3:05 AM
A great post. You have stated what everyone else won't say, it is about the property values more then the children at TG. Who can blame them for being upset? TG was built at the same time as NV and people from all over the country came to that subdivison and others in those boundries. It was a great investment; solid property values that were sure to go up and your kids can go to such a hyped up school. And Oprah was championing it! What their research didnt tell them was 204 was not ocmpletely build out and more and more people kept coming for the same reason. Therefore a new high school was inevable. Now they feel their investant has taken a hit and in this economy has gotten worse. Just like the stock market.

I had some personal business up on the north end of the district and thought I might spend some extra time looking at the new Metea Valley site. It is an eye opener that I encourage every district tax payer to do.
My first conclusion is that the site should be renamed. How about Love Canal High School? Want a local twist then maybe Amoco Research Memorial High School? It is clear, no matter what this board might do with the results they get from the enviromental reports, something will likely happen down the road. Pictures and warnings say a 1000 words
By something I mean any type of lawsuit if a child gets sick with an unknown cancer or ailment (God forbid). This could go on multiple times (God forbid). The disrtict will be forced to pay legal fees to defend itself. Legal fees that the tax payers pay. Or is it payed with monopoly money, just like the new HS?
In the next month, the board should have a pep rally at the site. Do it like a football game. Have people tail gate next to the traffic, trains, power lines, gas pipe. That will clearly bring support and respect to the school board. Set it up at 8AM so that folks can test the drive times!
Who is in?

Kudos to Anonymous at 3:05 am (3:05 am?!) for stating what's really driving this pathetic exercise -- and for his/her eloquent closing statement regarding the value of community.

Community means more than boundary lines between Naperville, Aurora and Bolingbrook. It means coming together for the good of all involved -- not just for a select few who want things their way.

And thanks to ONH at 9:30 last night, who pointed out that the nsfoc web site plainly (and rather short-sightedly) posted its boundary map-wish list on its web site before taking it down. I think we all know what's behind this action.

Welch is a titile one school.

To Vermont,

I did my research before I chose where to purchase my home. I understood that Naperville was a growing community. My research turned up an article in which Howie Crouse was quoted as saying that if we have Gold Campuses, there would be no need to build a new high school in the future. Now here we are building a new high school.

To Christine Vickers,

I remember you trying to tell everyone that we did not need a new high school, but unfortunately you were not heard. I applaud you for continuing to stand up for your beliefs.

I beleive there are alternatives to the enrollment bubble. What people did not realize two years, was how popular the Frontier Campus would become. I feel that alternative plans need to be looked at, such as expanding the Frontier Campus. Just a thought.

JK,

Sorry, have to really disagree with you regarding the site. I've driven by the new school site several times in the last month, and each time I've driven past, I've been amazed how far AWAY from the power lines, etc it is. Are you looking at the right parcel? Some would lead you to believe the school will be right under the power lines. Not true.

If the post above really was from Christine Vickers, bravo to her for replying as she did.

I think most of the posters have been watching too many TV dramas. The school board, believe it or not, is trying to act in our best interests.

>Community means more than boundary lines between Naperville, Aurora and Bolingbrook

Hello?

IPSD 204 also serves part of Plainfield.

Beacon Valley Voices column - http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/opinions/valleyviews/829619,2_5_AU07_VVTATAR_S1.article#

Time for healing in Indian Prairie

March 7, 2008

The topic of boundary changes in the Indian Prairie School District is a painful one for many people. Long-time district residents have gone through frequent boundary changes as we opened 18 new elementary schools, five new middle schools and a high school in the last 20 years.

We will soon have relief from overcrowding with the expected construction of a middle school and third high school. But this achievement comes with a huge price. The new schools will not only be expensive, the boundary shifts that result will be painful to families and to the school board and administration, which has lost the trust and respect of some residents. Our district is in an angry and divided state.

I believe the school district has done its homework and has made what board members and the administration considered to be the best decisions they could with the information and options available.

In hindsight, a third high school would have been a better option than the freshman centers that opened in 2003. Although I was a big supporter of the 2005 referendum, apparently many did not feel they had enough information to support a third high school and that no vote -- whether blame falls on the people in charge or the voters -- is a huge part of what led directly to the mess of the past couple of years.

We no longer had the option to buy the Brach-Brodie land (which many residents thought was a bad site for a high school anyway) at a negotiated price and had to go through the courts. Had the court case gone more quickly, had we been granted quick-take, or had the jury price come in anywhere near comparable sales in the area, we would have a school building underway at that location. Clearly, none of these things happened.

The Brach-Brodie site would have allowed the new school to be made up fairly equally from both Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley attendance areas. The new site at Eola and Molitor roads in Aurora requires the school be filled entirely from within the Waubonsie Valley attendance areas, with a large number of students shifting from the Neuqua attendance area to Waubonsie.

Many more students are moved under the new boundary plan. Many students who had a short commute will now have a long one, and some who had a long commute will have an even longer one. Several schools will find their student bodies split as they move from grade school to middle school or from middle school to high school. In the first years, some students will move from one overcrowded building to another, some will stay in their same overcrowded building, and some will move into an incomplete, but not crowded building of freshman and sophomores that will not have varsity sports the first year (and may not have fall sports at all that year).

Several district residents submitted boundary plans, and some appeared to be superior to the one selected by the school board because they minimize school splits and/or distance. Yet it seems board members tried to do what they could given that each move of one area would cause another area to move as well. In an effort to avoid the boundary fiasco of two years ago they rushed this decision through without giving residents the benefit of hearing the thought processes that caused them to address the concerns of some areas but not others.

I do not think this is a laughing matter. The lives of parents and children are planned around where these students will go to school. People bought their homes based on school locations, even though in a growing district boundaries are known to change. I have a great deal of sympathy for the changes many families will be dealing with and could easily have been in their shoes. Too many are reacting as if this boundary shift is the worst thing that could ever happen to their family. If this is the worst, then they are truly blessed.

All Indian Prairie students will continue to get an excellent education and access to fantastic extra-curricular programs. I am both thrilled as a Metea parent and sad as a Waubonsie parent the new school will be led by Waubonsie Valley's current principal. It is time to move on and look forward to the new space and additional opportunities that will be available. It is time to come together and support all of our children, all of our families, all of our neighborhoods, all of our schools, and our school board and administration.

I hope that the parent's in we and tg strongly consider ending this argument quickly. A lawsuit doesn't have even a small chance of success. The boundaries will be enforced as currently drawn. The board acted within it's charter. Change is tough. I agree that it is tougher for the parents and that the kid's will thrive, as they always have, regardless of the building in which they receive their 204 education. I also have to agree that it is a little suspect that a watch dog group is formed only after the boundary decision. The group is claiming long term abuses and incompetence by the board. But where was this group in recent years?
Also, this bitterness is getting back to the students. Understand, we and tg, that wv students are hearing this. It saddens me because they have pride in their school and their accomplishments. To them, this comes across as "the people with more money think our school and the rest of us aren't good enough to share space." These are kids that your kids ARE going to meet. Let's make it a smooth transition. This argument is only hurting the wv kids and IS going to cause unnecessary tension when the new students arrive. I hope these parents have considered how their kids are going to be met at wv and the fact that you are paving that road right now. And yes, wv kids are talking about this....and it's not in your favor.

I commend Ms. Vickers for her fortitude, sticking to her beliefs, and being consistent in her voting. Surely there have been many uncomfortable days as the lone dissenter on the Board. However, as the minority, it would have been nice if she - or anyone on the Board for that matter - would have braved an honest,unbiased path and speak to the fact that they are now clearly not acting on this referendum in the spirit in which it was passed. We have:

1. No boundaries the people actually voted on, which the Board said it understood we wanted to know before voting
2. No Brach Brodie, which the Board went after with the EXTREME measure of trying to get on a "quick take" basis which means they wanted the land at unknown price to be determined down the road, by a jury
3. Different price tag. $124M vs. $146M and counting.

It's very simple. Where is the integrity of the Board?

No ballots come with an explanation of a candidate's position, or caveats of when those positions might change. People make decisions based on what is presented, what they see, and what they hear over time. Heck, people might not be so upset if the Board would have offered caveats on any piece of literature they passed out and promoted, other than obscure references to possible boundary changes from Ms.Vickers at Board meetings.

Those who don't see a problem with this now are surely those who feel that they have benefitted from the turn of events. Many of them are also the people who choose to demean entire groups of people they don't know other than by subdivision names and say "get over yourselves". To quote Ms. Vickers people in the community who are questioning anything are now the ones being "verbally abused, demeaned, yelled at and belittled either on an individual basis or as a whole." Another sad situation, and one that has and continues to be promoted by some of the Board members, and most recently Mr. Daeschner with his public comments about "entitlement".

I can only say if you see no problem with the actions and integrity of the Board now, you will see it later. Not in site changes or in boundary changes, but in future efforts to actually find money to finish and fund the new school. As the Board has proved, focusing on technicalities can certainly be done, and is done all the time. But is not wise to disenfranchise a large number of voters by breaking public trust. It's sad that so many people don't understand this and are not willing to take a stand, no matter what side of the great boundary divide they are on.

Several people have referenced the nsfoc website that originally posted the "boundary map wish list", before it was removed. Can anyone provide a copy of that here? It would be great as a point of illustration about what a great many of those involved in nsfoc are really fighting for.

Why are we so sure the third high school won't be needed? Is Naperville not consistently ranked as one of the best places to raise a family? Of course people with children will not want to buy a home here and send their young children to the wonderful 204 schools. Wake up. The people angry have NV envy. The third high school is needed now and will be needed 30 years from now. Plus half the kids in White Eagle go to private school anyway! I support 204 and the kids!!!!!

Ah yes, I was waiting for this to happen. Once again the annexed section of Aurora which wants to be Naperville can't bear the fact that their kids will have to go to WV. Let me just state that there are only two things guaranteed in life....death and taxes.

Yes, we voted for the referendum and it passed; however, let's not forget that the Brach Brodie sight became way to expensive. 204 even went to court and a jury of our peers said the land was worth more than what the district could afford...so the district had no choice but to look at other opportunities.

I suggest three things...

1. If the folks in White Eagle are not happy, move to the east side of 59...that way you will have a good chance of attending NV and you will have a legitimate Naperville address.

2. Instead of hiring an attorney who sees a huge payoff for himself with the litigation, pool your funds and subsidize the district in the shortfall for the Brach Brodie property.

3. Stop whining and accept the fact that your kids will have to go to a great high school.

I love how people are talking about power lines on the site. About 15 years ago we were looking at houses in Ashbury. The builder had some "great deals" on a few lots. After going out and seeing thsese lots they had big old power lines right along the property lines. Not what I want to look out my window and see in my backyard. I'm sure by now they houses have been built on these lots.

So please explain why we couldn't build a building near power lines but all over this area we have homes up against power lines, cell towers, radio towers, etc.

Declining enrollment in district 204 is clearly evident. I would rather see the monies spent on hiring additional quality teachers, paying for the continued education of our teachers, improving programs to help our children and better SB planning for contraction and temporary expansion at current sites as necessary. Effective SB stewardship of taxpayer monies is a must.

What's the status on the safeness of the new site. Have all phases been completed? Is the plan to begin construction April 1, 2008 a firm date?

A couple days ago I met with a prospective client, this was our first meeting, to break the ice I usually ask some personal question, one question lead to another and the topic got to where we live, I told him Naperville is where I live, he said he lives in Naperville as well (great we have something in common). Turns out he lives in WE, the conversation progressed to D204, to sum this part of the conversation, he mentioned that a school board member lives in WE and he (my prospective client) is very involved with the new boundary. He said WE have a very good chance of going to WV new school or no new school. As it turns out my prospective client and this board member are pretty close, they along with some other WE friends decided (with a smile on his face, he said) where every WE goes TG would have to go as well. He has no idea I live in TG, I did not mention it I want his account.

After our meeting I decide to look into this, to see how politics plays a part. If WE is going to WV so is TG (board member lives there), Stillwater is going to NV although both Stillwater and TG are considered to have walkers (School Admin lives in Stillwater), Springbrook community are bused to NW while TG has walkers, however Springbrook goes to NW (Board member lives in Springrook), according to the board, west of RT59 is considered to be a contiguous line for WV, this include WE, TG, Ashwood Park, Tamarack as some others, Tamarack goes to NW (Principal of NW lives in Tamarack).

According to this blog, TG/WE are whiners who are setting a bad example for their kids. I guess it would be better to let my kids know that if they feel they are being taken advantage of it would be best to just sit and let it happen. Is that a good lesson? I think not. I let my kids know that they MUST fight back if they believe they or their friends are being taken advantage of.

Fact
The referendum was to build a 3rd hs for 126.4m.for the growing (now shrinking) student population.
No boundaries were on the ballot.
No location of the 3rd hs was on the ballot.
Just a yes or no for the money to build.

JK,

What site were you looking at? The people of district 204 are not idiots. Love canal? There were 60 samples taken and only 5 samples showed issues requiring remediation. The testing of the soil will be expanded near the area where the 5 samples were taken to make sure there are not other areas requiring remediation. Remediation is required by state law before any property can change hands. The Illinois EPA is involved currently to making sure remediation will be done. As soon as the soil issues were discovered, the EPA had to be involved, regardless of whether or not the property was being sold or not. This is not a serious issue since remediation for this type of situation is easily done. JK, you have numerous posts on here. It is obvious you are passionate about having your property in the NVS district or in the new school provided it was at the BB location. Scare tactics about the new site are unwarranted and ignorant.

This issue is not about the safety of the new site. It is about the location of the new site, the boundaries that it requires, and the impact on property values.

There are some great properties on the north side of the district. This might just be a good time to move to the north side of the district. Properties at Stonebridge and the surrounding subdivisions are every bit as nice or nicer than WE and TG.

Bravo "big picture issues", well said at 8:59 am.
And don't forget, by all accounts, the district has no money to run the new school and will have to pass another referendum to hire teachers, buy books, pay the gas and electric bills, etc... Remember all those quotes in the paper from David Holm saying in essence "no tax increase". Puhleaz...

The district does not know how to be perfectly up front and honest with us.

Look at today's announcement on the updated kindergarten FAQ.

http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=16719

Question #3 says

How much will this cost taxpayers?

The district's answer is a complete joke.

They turn all the additional costs into a "new revenue stream".

What? Yes, money grows on trees in Springfield?
Wrong, state government is bankrupt and YOU pay those taxes!

The real answer is that when the costs go up and the state no longer covers the real costs due to the state's fiscal crisis, it will cost district 204 taxpayers millions more.

This is just the start of another entitlement program that will cost 204 taxpayers millions in the long run. More teachers and more administrators for a very expensive baby sitting service.

Come on 204, take an integrity course.

Posted by Vermont

And like in politics someone wins and someone gets bitten on the ass. With Brach Brodie, Brookdale got screwed. With the Eola site TG and WE have the red derriere.

----------

I wonder why it is ok with you (and some others) if it is someone else who gets hurt? If you perceive (by your admission) we are getting hurt (I don't like your word choice, sorry)then I guess our concerns may be valid. We might really be the ones getting hurt in this process. But that's ok, because that is how things work, right?

Posted by: Give me WV | March 6, 2008 05:30 PM

I was hoping to get some type of response from my D204 residences regarding the distance from Thatchers Grove to MV. Most people in my subdivision are not speaking up and no one on this blog has commented on my post/entry (I feel left out) is it because I don’t live in TG or WE? People I'm minutes away from WV, I want WV, what can I do but support WE/TG action.

We are all quite fortunate to live here and have great schools. We all teach our kids not to stereotype and so lets stop doing that to one another.

-------

Yeah Big D! You are my hero! (standing ovation)

Let's all stop the SB from clouding the issue, their mishandling of the entire situation. Let's use the freedom of information act and really determine the best use of our money. Don't forget their job is to represent us afterall.

Thanks Jim J. I agree it is refreshing to celebrate things that are good about Naperville.

Also off topic please view the blog about the railroad merger. It seems this affects everyone involved in this blog as well as the increased rail traffic will go through our school district. Yet I only see one dissenting voice on the blog opposed to the merger.

Life time resident said...

"Face it, Naperville has turned into a town that looks good on the outside but on the inside it's like a cancer spreading it's disease. Unfortunately a round of chemo won't erradicate it.

We have to many selfish, arrogant people who live in this town and are destroying its reputation for those of us who have been here all our lives, were educated in 204 and our now our kids."

Soooooo true. We moved here (Naperville) a year ago (bad choice on our part!) and are looking to move asap. You're right, it looks wonderful from the outside, very normal but it's filled with snobby attitudes. Very classist, unfriendly and elitist. Really, really tough for new kids to fit in. I had a parent tell me that basically my daughter shouldn't even try to befriend hers because she's had her group of friends since kindergarten and they wouldn't be interested in adding to that!! I know it's hard to hear and maybe hard for some to see but it's glaringly clear to us newcomers. If you're not driving the right suv, wearing the right clothes and keeping your kid's enriched by the right high priced activities you don't have much of a chance in many of Naperville's neighborhoods.

I'm embarassed to call any of you my neighbors. It is what it is and time to move on.

I am a college student & have lived in Naperville all my life. I think it is disgusting and completely out of line for TG and WE to think that they are center of the D204 universe. As I read these posts, I cannot believe some of the remarks that parents have said. The sense of entitlement and all the me, me, I's. It is no wonder TG & WE have a poor reputation and you're children have become selfish, spoiled, rotten little monsters. Now I know where they get it from. It's contagious... I hope you all get well soon!

Dear concerned parent,

Some things bear repeating :) - thank you!
-----
"At the initial public hearing on the referendum last fall, many residents from the north side of the district stated they would not vote for another high school on the south side - complaining that their property values had suffered because of the inequities between Waubonsie and Neuqua Valley.

Once again, the District chose to bypass the citizen�s committee route, by refusing to allow the referendum committee to look at the issue of where a potential new high school could be built. In an attempt to defuse any north/south issues, the District chose the most expensive land left in the area, the Brach farm along Rte 59 and 75th street because it falls in the middle of the district.

In an effort to justify its actions, the District made up a story to the community that the Brach farm - at a price tag of nearly $20M - cost no more than other land that would be available in the south end of the District, in Bolingbrook or Plainfield. However, CFO has talked to area real estate professionals who have indicated that land in Bolingbrook and Plainfield would cost no more than � of the Brach farm. Superintendent Crouse himself admitted this in the fall of 2004 to referendum committee members. Thus, not only is the cost of building the third high school far in excess of what appears to be necessary, but the land itself is nearly double the cost of other available land!

If the District�s decision to buy land at double the going price isn�t bad enough, by putting the proposed new high school in an area where the growth is not occurring - the District has created another problem - Boundaries!

Although the District says boundaries would be redone in the future, it ignores the fact that if a new school were built where the growth is occurring, the issue of boundaries would be an easy decision. If the District intends to bus children from the new areas to the middle of the district, it will obviously be increasing its busing/transportation costs, as well as further exasperating an already congested traffic area at 75th Street and Rte 59."

Beware everyone the SB is not done with its spin on "facts".

And to WV Warrior.. kids have been crossing those RR tracks since WV opened. That is not a good enough reason for you to be upset. By feeling that way you are saying that your kids are more special than those who have been crossing those tracks for the past 30 years or so.

------

Ummm. The odds of a train fatality will increase up to 60% if the railroad merger goes through. CN ranked 10th in railroad fatalities with 33 reported accidents in 2007. Don't forget the trains will increase from 2 per day to up to 2 per hour. They also are trying to increase the speeds at which they are allowed to travel in our area (making them much more dangerous).

Dear Mark 8:01pm

Ummm regarding comment #3, she said desparaging and derogatory comments not opposition. You're wrong.

I agree with a WV Warrior all the inappropriate "bashing" in this blog belongs to people throwing them at WE/TG. I look forward to getting to know her and her family at WVHS!

"But considering your statements and ability to "rubber stamp" everything the district does, you must be pleased with the end result and I respect that. How easy it is for some to point fingers and assume what others are motivated by.

It's easy to label entire areas selfish as witnessed on this board."

Posted by: Concerned Parent | March 6, 2008 02:47 PM

Concerned Parent,
I'm not sure where you got the idea that I am "pleased with the end result" or that I "possess the ability to rubber stamp everything the district does" ...but I do agree with your statement that it is "easy to assume what others are motivated by" :).
My point was that it was just coincidental that the nsfoc formed together and decided to "sue" the district (that means they are suing themselves AND the rest of us that don't happen to agree with their little group, since ALL of our tax dollars get to pay for the district's defense lawyers)over decisions they didn't agree with.... only AFTER the new boundaries were announced.One can only conclude that the impetus for their agenda was directly related to the boundaries...thus quick information gathering for any "legal straw" they could grasp hold of and base a potential lawsuit on. Otherwise, why not meet with Mr. Collins months ago when Brach-Brodie logistics were falling through for the board's lack of proficiency and mis-handlings?
I voted for a 3rd high school(NOT boundaries,or even definitive location) because I think there is a need. I am not happy that my children will not end up attending the same high school. I think in hindsight(always 20-20) there were much better ways for this board to handle the proceedings but I will be the first to admit that I would not want to be on this board for anything! These people have sacrificed beyond belief and will always be the brunt of unhappy people that could have "done a much better job". I do not believe that there are any conspiracies,ulterior motives, or attempts to hide a bubbling, nuclear,underground toxic parcel of land. Some board members have families, friends and even children that could ultimately end up at the new school.A new school will not be built on an unsafe land parcel PERIOD! The environmental testing results are due in any day. Just like everything else in this process, circumstances can change and this district will respond as needed.
The nsfoc should refocus their "energies" and decide which folks will be running for the school board so they can make the "right" decisions for all of us while simultaneously keeping everyone in district #204 happy. GOOD LUCK!

Dear Researcher, you are absolutely correct.

I have lived here long enough to remember when Howie Crouse and others told us if we just spent money on the freshman centers, we would not need the 3rd high school and all would be well. So, now that we have declining elementary school enrollment and high school enrollment projected to peak 1-2 years after the new high school opens, why in the world would we spend $160 million on a 3000 student high school which will never be needed?

‘District leaders have considered the idea of a third high school over the last decade, but have rejected it as too costly. A high school would cost nearly twice as much as converting and replacing the middle schools and would not be as marketable to commercial buyers in 15 or 20 years when the enrollment boom has passed through the district.’

Daily Herald, 1/28/01 (quoting District 204 Officials)

‘They didn’t like the idea eight years ago and they don’t like it now. When plans were put in place in 1993 to build Neuqua Valley High School, Indian Prairie District 204 officials also discussed-and rejected-the possibility of building a third high school. Instead of building a third high school, district administrators developed what they thought was a better solution-having freshman centers. This is not a new idea…[w]e changed the design for middle schools knowing we would eventually move toward the freshman campuses.’

Naperville Sun, 1//31/01 (quoting Howard Crouse, then Associate Superintendent)

‘We’re trying to avoid the expense and problems of [having to build] a third high school. A third high school also would become burdensome once student population levels off…which[he] projects will be in about 15 to 20 years. If student population does not taper off as expected…the district can adapt its space needs by having off-campus facilities at junior college or technical schools—having students complete courses via the Internet.

Howard Crouse, Associate Superintendent, Naperville Sun, January, 2001

‘Enrollment should plateau…and then actually start declining 10 to 15 years out. These projections indicate a ‘bubble’ of student growth…

Bob Biedron, Co-Chair, Citizens for Continued Excellence in Education (Say Yes Political Action Committee), Daily Herald, 2/15/01

‘School officials favor freshman campuses over a third high school for several reasons. A new high school would be more costly than freshman centers, school officials say. Administrators project a high school would cost about $80 million, not including buying land. I don’t see how we could, practically, build a high school we need with the facilities we need and run under an $80 (million) to $90 million project.’

Daily Herald, 2/17/01 (quoting then school board member Mark Metzger)

‘[District 204 administrators] also predict that student enrollment in the district eventually will level off and then start to decline. They estimate the high school population would fit back into [the main campuses of] Neuqua and Waubonsie around 2020…[by] 2010, [we] predict high school enrollment will peak at 8,800 students. If this happens, officials say they don’t want the district to be stuck with a high school that isn’t being used… We’ve seen what’s occurred with other districts having empty high schools with very little utility. A high school, which would be much larger [than a freshman campus], likely would be difficult to sell…[I]f the schools would be over capacity for several years, school leaders would explore various options to deal with that...building additions then or having some students take a few classes through nearby colleges.’

Daily Herald, 2/17/01 (quoting Howard Crouse, then Associate Superintendent)

‘[Referendum] Supporters also believe local funds are needed as soon as possible to build freshmen campuses for the district. A bubble of students is expected to move through the district into the high schools…[s]chool officials say freshmen campuses cost less than a third of what a high school would. Building ninth-grade centers and replacement middle schools would cost $53 million, while a third high school would cost about $80 million, they say.’

Daily Herald, 2/26/01 (quoting District 204 Officials)

‘It is easy to say that Indian Prairie should build a third high school. But that decision was made years ago. At this point, time is too short for the urgent need and land is too expensive. Besides that, even if all those obstacles could be overcome, the ‘third high school’ eventually could end up the white elephant my high school was…[my own high school] opened in 1970, large enough to hold more than 2,500 students, but the enrollment never reached much more than 1,600. Districtwide, enrollment peaked at 12,500 and then began to decline [closing in 1981].The school district tried to sell the building. But for years, it sat there…[b]ut as I’ve listened to the debate around me in the past several months, I’ve thought a lot about what a waste in taxpayer money it all was.

Joni Hirsh Blackman, Naperville Sun, 2/11/01

When are we going to have thoughtful debate on the issues at hand and stop mentioning addresses?

When are we going to debate the issues we face and not generalize or catagorize people in groups?

This is how the school board is manipulating you, wake up!

If Florida and Michigan can have a re-vote, why can't district 204?

It has been 2 years since the referendum passed and nothing the district presented to us has come true.

With 2 years of declining elementary school enrollment and high school enrollment projected to peak in 2011 and then decline, the need for a 3rd high school has now passed?

The district should have a do over.

"I was hoping to get some type of response from my D204 residences regarding the distance from Thatchers Grove to MV. Most people in my subdivision are not speaking up and no one on this blog has commented on my post/entry (I feel left out) is it because I don’t live in TG or WE? People I'm minutes away from WV, I want WV, what can I do but support WE/TG action."

Posted by: Give me WV | March 7, 2008 10:21 AM

I am sorry that you are one of the families that didn't get the best scenario distance-wise. I would say that you need to decide if you support a 3rd high school for our kids or would rather fight the district and try to stop the 3rd school from being built due to your inconvenience. I don't mean to sound harsh but that is really what it all boils down to. Lawsuits and negative "activist" groups are working toward this goal.Sort of the mentality "if I don't get the toy I want I'm not playing". That's fine. Just know that the people in this district will NOT be willing to vote for another high school again. Hopefully the consequences of that will not outweigh the inconvenience of added minutes to your bus/driving commute.

It has been 2 years since this referendum passed and we seem to be getting along okay with the facilities we have.
If high school enrollment is going to peak in 3 years and then decline, why are we spending $160 million to build an empty school?

No business in the private sector would do that.

Did we learn nothing from the empty Peterson elementary school debacle?

"Soooooo true. We moved here (Naperville) a year ago (bad choice on our part!) and are looking to move asap. " - Anonymous 10:30

I have one suggestion...try Aurora. We're normal out here and we have a fantastic high school -- make that two fantastic high schools.

Hi, Anonymous 10:59.

You're right; I should have said "derogatory" comments, not "opposition." My bad.

And Anonymous 10:30 am: Sorry for this bad experience. Why don't you try some of the older neighborhoods in the 203 district? We're a friendly bunch and would love to have you as a neighbor.

Regarding Christine Vickers self promoting post, I don't remember her being very vocal about her opposition to the 3rd HS. I seem to remember her voting "present" most of the time vs. ya or nay. I also remember her conveniently missing in action from meetings when a important votes were to be cast.....now she's got 20/20 hindset when she sees people looking to throw all of them overboard. Sorry Christine, that's not the kind of leadership qualities I'll be looking for in the next SB elections.

At least she had the guts to sign her name to her post as opposed to other SB bloggers...eh "Mark". Remember their names folks...Mark "the wizard" Metzger was the visionary for the idiotic quick-take manuever and Jeanette "wicked witch of the west" Clark introduced the 11th hour 8b or 9c or 10-4 ( I don't remember anymore) plan that would have had us in a cross town bussing version of the 1960's under the guise of "balancing academic achievement". Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain folks...Remember how passionate she was about her alma mater Waubonsie getting a bad rap but ironically every one of her "plans" shifted her own home from Waubonsie to the new Metea site....guess who's headed back to Metea again now that the BB site is out and Eola's in...that's right, our former madame president and teacher of the hearing impaired. No cheering or applause please just tap your fingers together above your head and repeat after me ...."there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."
Aunty Em is that you.....no wake up Dorothy it's still Mark and Clark.

Note from host:
The school board members are elected public officials, and therefore criticism of them is being allowed, however satirical. However, I caution that posts that mention people by name will be reviewed carefully and determined on a case-by-case basis whether they meet standards of civility and decorum we hope to maintain on this forum.

Prospecting....I'm wondering if this is a scam post. Because I don't know of a HS in our SD with the initials NW. You used that over and over again.

I don't believe any of these posts because anybody can say antying they want to. And I think Prospecting is one of them. Who in their right mind would try to gain a client and throw out that much info. on a blog about their meeting. If the person you were meeting with read it he/she would know who you were talking about. Good luck landing and retaining that account.

I thinks it's a waste of time to continue to debate the need for a third HS. Voters voices have already decided that. The district tried everthing in it's power to obtain the BB land, what more could they have done? You want the district to go back on the whole idea of building a new school just because it isn't on a particular piece of land? The idea of a new school, particular boundaries and a particular parcel on which to build all falling into place at the right time is a bit far fetched. It certainly wasn't the package being voted on. A new high school was the only issue up for vote. If you felt like that is what you were voting for, then I think you were a bit unrealistic. Things in life are fluid and don't always turn out as planned especially when their are many players and factors involved. I think that the district is just trying to fullfill the voters wish...to have a third high school.

At the pta meeting at NVHS superintendant Stephen Daeschner spoke about horrible commuting times especially if you are traveling north!?!!! Then why are we building a school at the very northern edge of our district where most will have to travel north through commuter traffic to attend?????

You may view the full story at dailyherald.com but here is the excerpt

"The traffic patterns I observe around here are pretty ugly between 6:30 to 7 or 8 a.m., especially if you're heading north," he said to a room full of nodding heads. "You can basically eliminate your high schoolers from that traffic pattern if you start later. Think about it."

Wait, now the new spin from 204 is start high school later so the traffic won't be as bad at the new site since more people will have to fight traffic going north? What?

Let's see here...what will really bring down property values:

Forming a group such NFOSC (or whatever the heck it is they call themselves).

Articles in the local paper bashing the SB and every decision they have made since day one. As if any of them have been here that long.

Slamming one neighborhood over another.

That hatred between the North and South. (Could history be repeating itself....if so North wins.)

This is what will bring your property values down more than anything. No body in their right mind would move into this district because of the hatred that is going on.

And if the realtors were doing their jobs they would be supporting the schools within 204. Maybe they are doing what they are because they have a lot of clients who are about to lose their homes because they fell for all those goofy unconventional loans.

Anonymous 12:31, you are right on the mark. If this tiny group of parents really does manage to slow down construction of the new school, what do the people of 204 have to look forward to?

Even more crowded school hallways and classrooms
Even more lunches starting at 9 am
Even fewer opportunities for after-school activities
And even more acrimonious shouting between neighbors.

Add them all up and you get a tarnished image of our town and declining property values -- just the opposite of what this group wants.

But, hey, it will only reinforce the value of living over here in District 203, where we can approve a referendum to improve our schools without this sort of nonsense.

Mark, hi :). Even though you corrected your word choice, I still agree with her. But I appreciate how nice and considerate your are. You are good at making friends :) while making your point. Thank you!

It is good to see someone interested in more than the 204 uncivil war. The train issue is bigger than the additional train traffic generated if CN buys the rails. If CN buys the rails, the STAR line will not go forward. The STAR line would connect the Aurora/Naperville area with O'Hare airport. Taking a train to the airport should add some appeal to living in this area.

I have no comment about realtors doing their jobs, however I wish they would stop sending me post cards advertising homes in NVHS new boundaries voted Feb 19th!!!! (they like all the exclamation points). Also, I can do without signs stating the same facts stuck in front of neighborhoods.

That does not seem to embrace the good for all the residents of District 204. If all our schools are equally good, why aren't we promoting this fact? (shame on you, "impartial" representatives)

I would like to know why the moderators of the Naperville Sun are allowing people to make such comments (below) about children. I am disgusted that someone would write this and even more disgusted that the Naperville Sun would allow it to be posted.

Shame on you!

"I am a college student & have lived in Naperville all my life. I think it is disgusting and completely out of line for TG and WE to think that they are center of the D204 universe. As I read these posts, I cannot believe some of the remarks that parents have said. The sense of entitlement and all the me, me, I's. It is no wonder TG & WE have a poor reputation and you're children have become selfish, spoiled, rotten little monsters. Now I know where they get it from. It's contagious... I hope you all get well soon!"

Posted by: Contagious | March 7, 2008 10:39 AM

The star line would also help commuters that work in the O'hare corridor. I would much rather ride a train and take a cab than fight the traffic.

Alas, I feel no one else supports the star line, but we may have a new bridge connecting 95th street to Boughton road - woo hoo something else we don't really need that costs a lot of money. Can we send this money to help our rail situation?

Sorry, back to the issue of spending a lot of money on a potentially highly underused school (no, not Peterson, Metea).

Sally,

Well, I agree it is a shameful comment. However, if it really was a college student they are apparently not old enough to know better.

They are only following the bad example set by others on this blog. Regrettable, but true.

It is regrettable, poor behavior on Contagious' part. The Sun allows us this opportunity to voice our own opinion however disagreeable and I thank them for the opportunity.

I do hope everyone will learn a lesson from this and keep decorum and show respect to others while voicing our own thoughts and feelings.

Suggestion to the Leadership of 204...

News flash... You have a major issue here that is begging for leadership. When there is a public outcry where do you find real leaders? You find them on the front line communicating, listening and working on contingencies and tactics.

Where are our leaders???

Exactly. We are where we are today due to a lack of leadership and arrogance that they know more than the parents.

No lawsuit would be necessary if the doors to the emerald city (sorry, but I did enjoy the satire by Dorothy and Mr Wizard)could be opened so that all of the little people could talk to the leaders and work on solutions. When leaders fail to communicate and isolate themselves from their constituents revolutions occur. We don't need a revolution here we need leadership! Leadership may also chase the flying monkeys away.

Mark wrote:

>Even more crowded school hallways and classrooms
>Even more lunches starting at 9 am
>Even fewer opportunities for after-school activities
>And even more acrimonious shouting between neighbors

Of course, none of these things are true and student achievement has not declined in the 2 years since the referendum passed.
The size or newness of a school has nothing to do with student achievement. District 204's 2 main campuses have fewer students today than they did 2 years ago due to the use of the Frontier campus.

I bet Mark was part of the "it's for the kids" and "no overcrowding contingent". Just more fear based propaganda.

Does Stevenson have a problem with after-school activities because they have a large school?

Of course they don't and neither do 204 schools.
More students means more activiites and programs, not less.

The best high school in the state, Stevenson, has 4500 students and the wide array of programs and extra-curricular activities which a smaller school can not offer.

Adlai E. Stevenson High School is one of the best high schools in Illinois and in America.
Stevenson is the only public high school in Illinois to receive four Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education from the U.S. Department of Education. SHS won the award in 1987, 1991, 1998, and 2002. Stevenson also received the U.S. Department of Education's New American High Schools Award in 1998. Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report have ranked Stevenson among the top 100 high schools in America, with both magazines selecting SHS in 2007. Stevenson was one of the few comprehensive public high schools to make the top 100 in U.S. News and World Report's rankings in 2007. Stevenson also is included annually in the School Watch and School Match listings of schools that offer features most sought by parents.

Stevenson offers more than 200 courses in communication arts, mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, fine arts, applied arts and physical welfare. Classes are taught by a talented and experienced corps of teachers, three-fourths of them with a master's degree or more. Several teachers at SHS are considered by their peers to be among the country's foremost authorities in their fields. Some of the textbooks and teaching practices used around the United States can trace their roots to Stevenson High School.

Stevenson's average ACT score in 2006-07 was 25.3, the second-highest mark in school history. Stevenson's Advanced Placement program is among the nation's best. More than 20 AP classes are available and SHS regularly leads the Midwest region in AP participation and has ranked in the top five worldwide.

Approximately 98 percent of SHS graduates attend college. Of that group, 8 in 10 will attend four-year colleges and universities while the remainder enroll at two-year schools. About 7 in 10 SHS graduates enroll at public colleges and universities. The Class of 2007 was awarded $18 million in college scholarships.

Stevenson has nearly 100 co-curricular clubs and activities open to students. Three-fourths of the student body is involved in co-curriculars, ranging from athletics to performing arts to civics.

Stevenson's 76-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities. All students have access to computers and nearly every classroom is capable of utilizing video, data and audio transmissions. A 1,200-seat performing arts center and an Olympic-sized swimming pool are other resources enjoyed by the community. The school has a college/career counseling center, two tutoring centers, two language laboratories, and a centralized technology area with five classrooms containing approximately 150 computers for student use.

Source:

https://blackboard1.district125.k12.il.us/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_31_1

I love the excuse that we should build and then have to pay to operate a $160 million high school because the current cafeteria is crowed. The cafeteria at my office is crowded sometimes and you know what people do instead? They bring their own lunch or they go out to eat. This is the most ridiculous excuse to build another high school. If it is really a problem, let students go off campus to eat lunch like the vaunted Naperville Community Unit School District 203 or New Trier Township High School District 203 allow students to do.

High school students smoke, drink, have sex, and drive cars but they can't go to McDonalds to get a hamburger at lunch?

Give me a break.

If the cafeteria is crowded, let the students that want to go off campus for lunch, go off campus for lunch.

There, we just saved $160,000,000 and kept skyrocketing taxes from diluting our property values.

Wow, I can't tell people about my bumper sticker that says
My Money Goes to MeatHead High and you allowed this?
I think maybe you were skimming this one too fast...

It is no wonder TG & WE have a poor reputation and you're children have become selfish, spoiled, rotten little monsters.

Moderator Jim: I guess we can allow it, although it's meaniungless and we'd much prefer that, given the volume of your blogs, toiu attach a name to them. It's time to drop the (Anonymous).

Anonymous 01:53PM We have an open principal position at WV now maybe we can recruit the Stevenson Principal to 204...

I can't believe how many "soccer moms" who live in TG and WE are sitting at their computers complaining all day long.....how do your husbands stay married to women such as yourselves.

GET A JOB OR HOBBY (other than sitting on the computer and complaning all day long).

Two things are guaranteed in life:

1. DEATH

2. TAXES (which doesn't give you your personal choice of a school)

Get over it and move on....maybe to Wisteria Lane...

It is good to see someone interested in more than the 204 uncivil war. The train issue is bigger than the additional train traffic generated if CN buys the rails. If CN buys the rails, the STAR line will not go forward. The STAR line would connect the Aurora/Naperville area with O'Hare airport. Taking a train to the airport should add some appeal to living in this area.

I've been trying to come up with a more appropriate meaning for the acronym "NSFOC".

I'm not happy with it, but this is what I've come up with so far.

only Neuqua iS acceptable For Our Children

I am sure someone can help me with this.

I don't want this district to be like Stevenson. They spent $13,308 per student last year. They aren't getting 50% better results than we are for the extra 50% dollars.

Am I getting this right? The same lawyer (Shawn Collins) that Dick Furstenau has hired to pursue his misguided lawsuit against the City of Naperville is being used for this debacle? Have you all lost your minds? Collins is pushing this only to make a boat load of money off of our taxes. I read the quotes from Collins from the White Eagle meeting. This is outrageous! How much ill-gotten gains are we willing to give this guy? I live in D204 and am very unhappy with how our school board has conducted themselves. But throwing thousands and thousands of dollars at this opportunistic attorney is not the way to change things. I think this should be the subject of this debate.

To: Anonymous | March 7, 2008 01:41 PM

thanks again for the info on Stevenson high school - it appears to be the same posting from yesterday? At that time I pointed out that the Stevenson web site also indicates that average class size for their school is 21 (something missing from your post).

If we are going to claim that Stevenson is a wonderful school even though they have 4500 students we should also acknowledge their average class size.

I then asked what the current average class sizes are at both WV and NV and haven't seen any responses - is this something anyone knows? Perhaps finding this information out will hurt the case for those against the 3rd high school? I don't know. Again - as I mentioned yesterday the average size in my neighborhood - High Meadow (Graham School) is 27.

Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2007 4:11 PM

You may have read in the local newspapers that a Naperville area
developer proposed a concept to sell Indian Prairie a parcel of land in the southwest portion of the district for the construction of Metea Valley High School.

The Board of Education reviewed but did not accept the developer's concept last October for several reasons. The proposal involved portions of property the developer did not own and involved multiple other parties and additional
hurdles. No financial incentive for the district was offered.

The referendum presented to the community was based on the Brach-Brodie land and boundaries were determined. Those boundaries would no longer be in effect if the location of the school changed. In our opinion, the location of the land and boundaries are contributing factors to why people voted
as they did. A promise was made to the community and the community supported the district by passing the referendum.

Further, when the two parcels of land are compared, we believe
Brach-Brodie is still the best property for the high school. It is easy for someone to speculate on land value in the newspaper, but ultimately the value has to be proven in court.

Although the land acquisition is taking longer than the we would like, we are confident that the district will purchase the Brach-Brodie land for a fair price as the legal process continues to move forward.

Howard Crouse
Superintendent

Well stated. Let's try to remember who, is most important in this debate. I'm also thinking that the NV students who will attend WV in 2009 aren't as concerned about the transition as some of their parents are.

"...Also, this bitterness is getting back to the students. Understand, we and tg, that wv students are hearing this. It saddens me because they have pride in their school and their accomplishments. To them, this comes across as "the people with more money think our school and the rest of us aren't good enough to share space." These are kids that your kids ARE going to meet. Let's make it a smooth transition. This argument is only hurting the wv kids and IS going to cause unnecessary tension when the new students arrive..."

Personally, I think Dick Furstenau has a very good case.

Obviously school board was not right on BB property take over, spending so much money on lawsuite and giving/having false hope on land. I know many of my neighours voted Yes based on BB property, not based on Eola site.

Who can accept attending school which is far/risky commute when you have a chance to attend school close to your door steps. If we talk about it, we are bad..grow up. move on...etc etc.. (Wow..you people are great)

Regarding Stevenson high school, it seems Mark is trying to claim that students can't get into any activities because our schools are too large? That is nonsense, they are hundreds of clubs and groups which a student can join if they are inclinded to do so. Our schools offer a very wide array of activities just as the other large high schools which were mentioned do. Add to that all the programs the local park districts and colleges offer and there are endless opportunities for students to be active.
This excuse for building another school is old news and shere folly. My son barely has time to eat and I am a one woman chauffeur driver.

One thing is for sure, as enrollment starts to decline in 2011, class size will also decline if we retain all the teachers.

Hey, about that Super Secret Stonebridge Meeting that supposedly took place with Mark Metzger ... I was there, front and center. A Stonebridge Resident requested the meeting (tho' I'm not really sure why) and Mark M. agreed. John Stephens joined him. It was a last minute deal, so the announcement went out via the Stonebridge Swim Team list serve because that appeared to be the biggest list available to send it out by. We then forwarded it on as we saw fit. There were about 12 of us present.

NO NEW information was presented. Everything they discussed had already been blasted across the papers, etc... We simply asked questions about how it came to be, etc. - and how we could support it. At the SB meeting - which I also attended, I could only identify about 7 of us from this area - no large group.

Stonebridge was fine with Brach Brodie, Stonebridge is fine with Eola, Stonebridge was fine with going to WVHS, Stonebridge is fine with going to Metea. I like the fact that my neighbors may grouse, but make the best of whatever comes down the pike. I like that we aren't into filing lawsuits or sidewalk supervising the School Board. It's alot more peaceful it seems. We just get on the bus and go to the school and get a great education. Just a different way of thinking and livng.

I wish those who feel the urge to fight best of luck - it's not a fun place to be. I don't envy you.

And I have no idea what will be the end result, but I do know whatever it is, Stonebridge will be fine with whatever high school we do go to.

Good luck to all!

Dear Broken promises,

I attended a meeting in March? of 2007 where Mark Metzger made similar claims to the above Howie Crouse claims. He seemed to be trying to drum up support for quick take at this meeting. When anyone dared to ask about the possibility that the BB property might not be obtained or that the cost might be far greater than the district was claiming, in his usually arrogant style he dismissed these questions as though only a fool would ask such a thing.

He went on to say that even if the price did come in higher, the the district was making and I quote "millions" in interest from the bonds that were sold and even if the process took longer, more and more money was being made on the proceeds of the bonds.

Where did these milions go?

The district spends more than a billion every 4 years, suddenly they have religion and are fiscally responsible? What would have been responsible was not to make promises they couldn't keep.

The district should NEVER have had boundary meetings or drawn boundaries until they OWNED the land.

The district can NOT be trusted.

anon 4:08 says:
"Who can accept attending school which is far/risky commute when you have a chance to attend school close to your door steps. If we talk about it, we are bad..grow up. move on...etc etc.. (Wow..you people are great)"

What far and risky commute are you talking about? The commute from WE to WV is neither far nor risky. The board did have the sense to address the longest commute time in the district (Brighton Ridge, Owen) by keeping that area in the WV attendance zone rather than the proposed MV. These kids were to be on the bus 35 min or more. Exactly what is your complaint? Many families across this district have in the past or currently pass a closer school to attend a more distant school. This is the nature of a growing area. I think that you need to be sensitive to that reality. It's a tough one for us that have already endured what you complain about to listen to many of you talk about it like it's an unbearable, unworkable and completely unfair situation. The situation has been reality for many of us, now it will include you. No big deal.

To all the bloggers slamming on WE and TG

Can someone please copy one blog were a TG resident or WE resident slams on WVHS, it's students or states that it is NVHS or nothing. I thought so! Can we then look at all the blogs that are slamming on TG and WE residents. The only ranting I see on this board is from narrow minded jealous people who do not have their facts correct!

Come on, folks.

The "Stevenson v. 204 high schools" argument is silly. Yes, Stevenson has 4,000+ students, but it is built for them. It went through a renovation about 10 years ago to add a new wing to accommodate the crowd. The 204 schools can't accommodate what we have now. To compare Stevenson to overcrowded schools is absurd.

You have a choice: Build on to the existing schools or build a new one. The voters of District 204 made their choice to build a new school. Now you live with the choice.

Tired of Ignorance,

Your name is appropriate. Your comments show how little you know and/or are trying not to know. You must live in Stonebridge and think your propety values will finally go up because of the new site. Lets see....possibly contaminated school site, traffic that is out of control on Eola (not to mention your new interchange at 88), a huge increase in train traffic (some of it potentially dangerous). That sounds like utopia.

The issues with the site will come out someday....maybe late? All the tests that the district is "required to do" are not in. On this site, they are already bending the previous safety guidlines for a school site to move forward. Yes-bending as in manipulate to make it OK. To give them a way to talk around the very reason why this site was disqualified in the first place. In the end it goes back to the old duck saying. They said the site was too risky before. Eventhough nothing has changed, except the school boards standards, and now it is safe now?

If this school board was trust worthy, you would not be having this fight or so many questions. If there is anger, it starts with the board and it's manipulation of the districts tax payers.

Lastly, after almost 300 blogs there is still no reasonable answer to how this school board is even close to getting it right. No answer to the "bait and switch". No answer to the 1000s of documents they printed telling everyone a vote for the referendum WAS a vote for BB. No answer as to why, if this lovely piece of property is perfect for Metea, the board does not move quickly on a new and HONEST referendum. No answer to why the board will never clearly answer why this property was "not even a consideration" because of possible enviromental issues".

One thing I know, the answer will not come from Tired of Ignorance. Maybe think of a name change - Content with Ignorance.

Someone commented about Dr. D making the statement at a PTA meeting about the traffic in the early morning. Not sure if you have heard but they are thinking of changing the high schools start times with the elementary. That will help with the traffic and research shows the older ones should be starting later.

People are sure hung up on trying to compare #204 with the North Shore schools like New Trier and Stevenson. Well drop the comparisons. I live in WE and am a graduate of New Trier. I can tell you those schools do have very large enrollments like NV but they are much older school districts that are more established and their school boards are light years ahead of ours. And the parents are better mannered and more intelligent. It takes decades to achieve the lofty rankins those schools do. What ever potential problems they have are ironed out in an organized and civil way which is why 204 will never be among the top elite despite some high test scores. Yes the SB was not truthful and made some political back door deals but that does not excuse the behavior of certain parents who behave like trailer park trash. My kids will go to WV and we are proud of it and will carry on the Warrior traditions.

"Can someone please copy one blog were a TG resident or WE resident slams on WVHS, it's students or states that it is NVHS or nothing. I thought so! Can we then look at all the blogs that are slamming on TG and WE residents. The only ranting I see on this board is from narrow minded jealous people who do not have their facts correct!"

Lisa | March 7, 2008 05:02 PM

Give me a break, Lisa. We're slamming you because you're now plotting to sue the rest of us.

Let's not lose site of the blog topic folks.

To this blogger:
Posted by: Anonymous | March 7, 2008 03:05 AM
You nailed it - end of story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE:

Posted by: Contagious | March 7, 2008 10:39 AM

You have a great future! Your comments were right on.

Folks - get over it, your kids are gonna go to a great high school in D204!

i just read the motion filed by nsfoc.

The legal argument in the motion has serious validity.

According to the ISBE 2007 school report card the ave class sizes are 22.1 for WV and 23.0 for NV. But these will surely increase over the next few years as the population increases.

Let's pay our teachers like New Trier and Stevenson does, hire more teachers with Master's degrees or higher, and stop filling our schools with inexperienced, first year teachers and then you can start comparing 204 to those schools.

The finger pointing to certain subdivisions should be pointed to the SB. They spent millions of our tax dollars trying to purchase land in a prime commercial land area. Did they really think that the land values would not increase over time? They never had a plan B and even now what is plan B if the school is not completed by the fall of 2009? The Eola property was eliminated in the past because of safety concerns and even stated that Patterson was moved from the original location to a differnt location due to the parents concern about the power lines, so why is it OK to build a HS near power lines? The unknown cost associated with the BB property. The numbers of students in district 204 peaking in 2011 and than decreasing. The lack of communication to the citizens of 204 as if they have something to hide. The dividing of certain middle school when other proposal by many other individuals have kept middle school intact. The fact that Curt Bradshaw voted against Jeanette Clarks proposal in 2006 to put WE and TG to WVHS because he felt the referendum would not pass, now he has a change of heart. Why would anyone wnat to live in a subdivision that is an island and has an increased travel time to the HS when there are many subdivision that keep the middle schools intack and the HS commute to a minimum. We have every right to be upset with the choice the board has made. We have tried to get the board to communicate and they refuse (hats off to Vicki for at least having the guts to respond to this blog). I do not think anyone really wants to sue the board but what alternative have they given us?

To Gimmeabreak:

I am not part of any law suit and I live in Tall Grass. Why are you generalizing? Are you that narrow minded and predjudiced? I am done with this ridiculous blog.

In 2005, the SD presented a referendum for a third high school. That referendum failed with less than 50% voting for it. The SD hired a consulting firm to find out how it could pass a third high school referendum the second time around. They were told to identify the location of the school that is in the center or south part of town (where 85% of the children live) and identify the boundaries. They identified the BB site and told the people what the boundaries would be. As a result, 66% of the district voted for the school despite the fact that the student bubble could easily be managed without a third school.

When the district was not able to acquire the land at less than fair market value, they quickly moved to acquire the Eola land. They had a quick meeting, presented deceitful comparisons to other site options and moved forward with a north location that is nothing short of ridiculous.

In the SD land comparisons, the Macom land was very close to the price of the Eola property. They compared these prices with an inflated BB price (included damages that would not be included if they bought the land, but excluded them from alternate sites). The Macom land does not have the EMF issue that the Eola site has. The Macom site does not have the underground gas lines that the Eola site has. The Macom site would result in lower transportation costs than the Eola site. The Macom site would force fewer children across railroad tracks than the Eola site. The Macom site was not dismissed as being unsafe like the Eola site was. The Macom site would provide natural boundaries while the Eola site boundaries are causing angst from multiple locations (not just WE and TG). The Macom site is in the middle to south part of the district where 85% of the students live while the Eola site is in the north where 15% of the students live.

Bradshaw and Clark would fail in their attempts to move Brookdale into the Macom site (remember Clark tried to move Brookdale into the BB site). Brookdale will go to the Eola site. Coincidence – I don’t think so.

There are a lot of questions that have not been answered. What are the true BB damages if the district does not purchase the BB land? Why did the SD state that the Eola site was unsafe but know think it is safe? Do the current owners of the land want to dump the site because its residential value (with the contaminated soil after the EPA already had it cleaned, the EMF hazards, and the gas lines, and the wetlands) is lower than desired? Is SD rushing to build the high school for a 2009 opening based upon the fact that delays and the decreasing student population would make bring spur serious questions about its necessity? If one child becomes sick after all the issues raised about safety of the Eola site, how many millions of dollars would the SD have to pay out?

If we concentrate on these issues rather than people talking about elitism, the sizes of cars and the sizes of homes, the whole district would be far better off.

Apparently we're not the only community who is having problems with Dr D's autocratic style. Although Dr D has had many notable accomplishments during his career his style and history of litigation over boundary decisions are not new issues.

Daeschner won't get contract extension - School board votes to seek replacement
Writer: Chris Kenning
6/13/2006 Louisville Courier-Journal

His support slipping, Stephen Daeschner's 14th year as superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools likely will be his last.

The school board did not extend his contract last night past June 30, 2007 -- instead voting to start a search to replace him.

Others said they were unhappy with academic progress, particularly among low-income and minority students.

"I'm not interested in giving him more time," board member Pat O'Leary said last night after the board conducted its annual closed-door evaluation session, when it also considers his contract. "It's time for a change."

Paula Wolf, head of the district's parent-teacher association, urged the school board to keep Daeschner on to defend a desegregation lawsuit heading to the U.S. Supreme Court. A Louisville parent is challenging the district's use of race as a factor in assigning students to schools.

Others complain about Daeschner's sometimes autocratic leadership style and disagree with decisions, from the creation of a student laptop computer pilot project at four schools to the pace of a math-science initiative funded by a $25million General Electric Foundation grant.

It also says Daeschner doesn't collaborate enough with teachers on a range of issues.

"Everything we bring up is just blown off," Neal said.

Daeschner, who has said in the past that he tries to involve groups including teachers and parents, said last night he was proud of the district's progress.

He said he didn't yet know what would come next for him.

More Money Down The Hole Wrote:
Am I getting this right? The same lawyer (Shawn Collins) that Dick Furstenau has hired to pursue his misguided lawsuit against the City of Naperville is being used for this debacle?

Did he also represent the "citizen's group" fighting the wheaton-warrenville sd plan to build the new hubble ms off herrick road due to possible env. concerns due to being close to the amaco r&d campus. Maybe our host knows? It got some coverage in the SUN over the past 2 years.

To HG Res- #204 couldn't afford the teachers like at New Trier and Stevenson. Our money is being wasted on lawsuits and lawyers.

In regards to the lawsuit that our fine neighbors(aka nsfoc..neighborhood schools for OUR children....ironic, huh?)have filed against ALL OF US!!!!!

I am embarrassed and ashamed for Mr. Andrews and the rest of the nsfoc lemings.They obviously don't have the sense to be embarrassed for themselves. You can't really blame Collins....he needs a paycheck just like everybody else and I'm sure he can spot an emotional money fountain with the best of them. They teach that in law school :) Make sure to keep that $204 money coming ,you know who's!!!!We need to make sure Collins can send his kids to the best schools...never mind what you are effectively doing to your OWN kids but are too stupid to realize.Have fun in your overcrowded portables because NOONE will vote to pay for any more BB legal fees, or operating fees for that matter. You have made your own bed...have fun lying in it. Oh, and don't forget that YOU were responsible for this.

sorry JK but you need to do your homework. It is nice to know that driving past the matea site makes you an expert on environmental concerns. If you had driven past the site, you would have noticed a big yellow sign advising of the meeting at Aurora City Hall concerning rezoning and annexing that land. These issues were discussed and paperwork from the state of Illinois EPA will be given to the city of Aurora. So now I bet you are going to say it is one big conspiracy with the school board, the city of aurora, and the Illinois EPA. I didn't realize so many government agencies had it out to get you.

The interstate ramp at 88 for Eola Rd is a dead issue. That was put to rest last Spring. I'm glad you keep up to date.

Isn't that dangerous railroad line you are talking about the same line that runs near WE and TG? I guess WE and TG will be dangerous places to live.

JK where do you reside?

According to a recent article in TIME magazine on education, one of the main reasons the USA is slipping worldwide is partly because of the way our system is structured. Our SB and admin. flow chart/model is vertical, "ivory tower" ish with very little info making it up to the top from teachers and/or parents. The administration, SB and principals don't listen to anyone except themselves. Everything flows down from the top in the form of mandates, usually unsupported with money, time and/or manpower. They would rather "stick needles in their eyes" than have to talk to us parents. When they hear us say "hey, wait a second, I'm a taxpayer, I pay your salary," they run for their lives. They're arrogantly blind to suggestions even from int'l scholars.

Other countries respect and revere their teachers. Younger teachers receive top notch training from sr. master teachers, their opinions are heard and considered, they're involved in their own outcomes on salary with merit pay and receive scholarships for further training in their fields. Most have masters degrees in their fields in addition to a teacher's certificate bachelors degree.

Here in the USA we have first year teachers, teaching at the HS level, don't pay them very well until they've been around for 20 years and don't give them much time, support or interaction with their peers or mentors. Here's your room, here's the book and make sure everybody get's at least a B or you'll have to talk to their parents.....and no, I'm not a teacher, just an observer of a broken system.

A challenge to those of you who complain the most about the school board: Who is going to run for the open school board seats? You? Your neighbor? If you have that much animosity for the school board and the decisions they have made, run for a seat on the board. What you don't have time? Energy? Money? Hmmm?

The fact is WE voted in a 3rd HS by a democratic (remember that?)majority vote. WE determined a 3rd HS was needed. The BB site was too expensive and the SB looked for alternative sites. The Macom site had faults-parts of it were not in D204 and included a parcel that had a life lease-the owners refused to sell to anyone. Let us remember also the builder DID NOT OWN all the land that was suggested for a building site. Another site was next to an active stone quarry. Another was a long strip of land along Rt. 59, with accessibility problems.

To those in the south end who believe a new HS should have been built there: What 80 acre parcel of land would you suggest?

To those who believe we should still build on BB: Are you willing to pay higher taxes to account for the "fair market value" decreed by the court system?

To those who believe in suing the school district because you feel you have been deceived: Should families from Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield, have to pay attorneys fees from our precious tax dollars to respond to YOUR complaints about where YOUR children go to HS?

Where were all the dissenters when the new Metea site was announced in January? There didn't seem to be any concern about environmental hazards or EMF emissions UNTIL AFTER THE BOUNDARIES WERE ANNOUNCED in February.

The people of D204 decided in a legal and democratic vote that a new HS should be built. The site and boundaries was to be determined by our elected SB. If you are unhappy with the decisions made by our elected officials, decide to run for the next open seat on the board or support someone who is running for the school board.

Our family has lived through many boundary issues, going all the way back to 1990. We had an opportunity to move into 203 but chose to stay in 204, due in part to the diversity of the student population. Parents play a HUGE role in how quickly children become part of a new school culture. It stands to reason the more parents argue, the more division and isolation their children experience at school.

Bottom line? Parents grow up and let your children experience life.

Oh, my. Tell me, Vermont at 6:07 pm, if the North Shore is so superior to us bumpkins, pray tell why you lowered yourself to live here amongst "trailer park trash?" And for a school district that turns out students and parents that are "more intelligent," you have a problem with spelling and grammar ("rankins," "What ever," etc.).

You say that you will be proud to carry on the WV Warrior tradition. That's not all you're proud of; you seem to have a very high opinion of yourself as well.

We need to all start being honest about our neighborhoods. I recently moved to Stonebridge and it is not true that we are happy with whatever high school we attend. Many of my neighbors do not approve of the contaminated land for Metea. Also the people of Ginger Woods should stop siting the example that they have been driving a distance for years. YOU CHOSE THAT. When I selected Stonebridge I wanted to relatively close to schools for my kids and the train station coupled with highway access. Seems we want to slam on the south neighborhoods yet is a district wide concern. Mark and John attended a meetin in our neighboorhood, but these are also the same 2 SB members that came up with Owen East. This was a plan to make a modification to the boundaries all alongand was not a result of the public comments made the night of the vote. Nice try guys but we are on to you. Ashwood Park going to Scullen was also always in the works, but they needed to make it appear like some changes were made based on public remarks. SB members do talk with their "friends" but obviously don't realize that their "friends" talk to their friends. These SB members are clowns.

Good lord your going to sue yourselves? You voted these people into the administration and now your gonna sue everyone in your district because you didn't get the outcome you thought you were going to get? I agree it's sad that the brach-brody land deal went south but what are your true option? Your going to tie up the funds,land values, and futures of your children? They attend High School for 4 years people! It is not about the location it can't be.I really hope it isn't about sending your children over the border into Aurora to attend school. I pray you aren't about to tie up the next few years in litigation over the mailing address of the school. I pray you don't think more of your real estate value than your children. The Aurora residents have paid as much in Taxes as the Naperville portion of 204. That's a slam dunk.This is a tale of two cities and one school district.

Lisa

Glad to year you're not personally part of the lawsuit. But your neighbors are as represented by hundreds of posts on this blog. This means, rightly or wrongly, you're going to be thrown under the bus (pun intended) with those neighbors of yours who are very vocal about suing the rest of us -- I will gladly include you in "us."

So if, in your opinion, being angry that people in my school district are planning to sue me makes me narrow minded, then guilty as charged.

Just as many of us suspected...the southern folks angry about the location just got played by the VOTE NO contingency circa 2006.

They have filed a lawsuit basically stating that the new school either be built on Brach Brodie or NOT built at all...
They are meeting on Sunday night...I think the majority of folks in WE did NOT want them at their clubhouse...

NSFOC LEMINGS:
NEXT MEETING RALLY IS SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 7 PM - at the Holiday Inn Select, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville on Diehl Road, just west of Naper. Attorney Shawn Collins will attend.

The "Relief Requested" indicating the resolutions that the group wants are as filed on page 18 ...

1.Order the Defendant(US) to purchase Brach-Brodie

2. Order the Defendant(US) to refrain from purchasing land other than BB

3. IF Defendant is unable to purchase Brach Brodie, return money collected from the 2006 referendum to the people.

4.AWARD PLAINTIFFS ITS ATTORNEY'S(aka Mr. Collins thank you very much from all of the "non-members" of nsfoc,aka NO school for our children) FEES AND COSTS !!!!

They basically are trying to take away the 3rd high school OR force us to pay more money (a LOT more money) for BB.Time to show our disdain and voices folks!http://www.nsfoc.org/pdf/complaint.pdf Here's the link to the 19 page lawsuit filed against ALL OF US.

In reading over this lawsuit that was filed yesterday I found it very interesting that there are ONLY two relief items requested in the suit. The first is that the 3rd HS be built on the BB property. The second is, if they cannot buy the BB land; return the money to the tax payers. So at the end of the day if NSFOC doesn’t get the HS on their terms then forget it. They have finally shown all of their cards. It has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility, just the fact they are not getting their way! They have used every tactic to scare us about how bad the other site is but at the end of the day this suit shows what their true feelings are and that is not to go to WV.

Frustrated with parents said...
"...Parents play a HUGE role in how quickly children become part of a new school culture. It stands to reason the more parents argue, the more division and isolation their children experience at school."

Couldn't agree more. This whole lawsuit threat is sending kids the wrong message. Your kids are going to attend WV, don't create tension for them, don't make it harder for them. Your group would have a lot more credibility had it existed BEFORE you were re-drawn to WV. The whole toxic land issue is also a farce since your kids won't even be attending MV. Also, if your group consisted of parents across the district, why hold the meeting at the WE club? Why not at some other facility not associated with a particular neighborhood.
Again, your just creating tension with the current WV students, some of which your kids will shortly attend school with. Whether you want to admit it or not, all of this IS creating and sending an "elitist" vibe/overtone to these kids. And yes, it is your kids that will eventually pay the price.

Frustrated with Parents wrote, “The Macom site had faults-parts of it were not in D204 and included a parcel that had a life lease-the owners refused to sell to anyone. Let us remember also the builder DID NOT OWN all the land that was suggested for a building site.”

Do you know what imminent Domain is? Have you been paying attention for the last few years? BB did not want to sell their land to the SD either. The only issue is that the price has to be fair market value. It does not matter who owns the land and it does not matter if they do not want to sell. They can also annex the land into D204…. not an issue.

There is also farm land in Bolingbrook, which is in D204. Again, it would create natural boundaries. It would be safe land. It would be where the population is and growing. It was suggested in 2006 but the SD said that we could not afford it because we would have to supply the sewer lines. Perhaps they should phone the Plainfield district. They could do it. They could do it for cheaper. Their school is almost done. If our new school was near theirs, we would have a natural rivalry between the schools. They could even do things as revolutionary as create a new conference with our three schools, Plainfield’s fours schools and Oswego’s two schools (how many trips to Elgin and Bartlett have you made?).

This SB continues to make poor decision after poor decision. It tells parents that they do not have to listen to them. It makes promises that it has no intentions of keeping. In 2006, they had meeting after meeting about the site and about boundaries. They at least pretended to listen. This time around, they quickly moved to purchase land that THEY said was unsafe. When people ask about their choices and the reason they are rushing and not having open and transparent meetings, they ridicule the questioners and tell them that they do not have to answer to their constituency.

A lawsuit is out last option. If we as parents united, and demanded accountability instead of talking about homes and cars and other irrelevant things, a law suit would not be necessary.

"1.Order the Defendant(US) to purchase Brach-Brodie

2. Order the Defendant(US) to refrain from purchasing land other than BB

3. IF Defendant is unable to purchase Brach Brodie, return money collected from the 2006 referendum to the people."

WOW, their true, selfish colors are shining through. Honestly, what chance do you think you have in winning this? This filing may as well be stated "give us what we want or take it away from everyone." Talk about throwing your weight around. It is so highly unlikely that a court would dictate that a SB reverse a decision. The SB has done absolutely nothing wrong. Why on earth would an outside entity (the court) usurp local control? This is RARELY ever done and courts are generally NEVER interested in meddling in local governance issue unless there is some issue of legality. So where is it in this case? I really struggle to understand how this group thinks this is a worthwhile issue to pursue. Where is the illegality?

you can't pick your neighbors - you wrote

The "Relief Requested" indicating the resolutions that the group wants are as filed on page 18 ...

1.Order the Defendant(US) to purchase Brach-Brodie

2. Order the Defendant(US) to refrain from purchasing land other than BB

3. IF Defendant is unable to purchase Brach Brodie, return money collected from the 2006 referendum to the people.

4.AWARD PLAINTIFFS ITS ATTORNEY'S(aka Mr. Collins thank you very much from all of the "non-members" of nsfoc,aka NO school for our children) FEES AND COSTS !!!!

They basically are trying to take away the 3rd high school OR force us to pay more money (a LOT more money) for BB.Time to show our disdain and voices folks!http://www.nsfoc.org/pdf/complaint.pdf Here's the link to the 19 page lawsuit filed against ALL OF US.

Judges do not legislate. The relief states, use the money as promised or give it back. If you want to use it for something else like a different location, you can come back and ask us first. After all, it is our money.

you can't pick your neighbors said this:

The "Relief Requested" indicating the resolutions that the group wants are as filed on page 18 ...

1.Order the Defendant(US) to purchase Brach-Brodie

2. Order the Defendant(US) to refrain from purchasing land other than BB

3. IF Defendant is unable to purchase Brach Brodie, return money collected from the 2006 referendum to the people.

4.AWARD PLAINTIFFS ITS ATTORNEY'S(aka Mr. Collins thank you very much from all of the "non-members" of nsfoc,aka NO school for our children) FEES AND COSTS !!!!

This is unbelieveably sickening. If the jury was still out on this group's motives, this makes it crystal clear. What or who gave any of you the idea that you can force the district to buy a particular piece of land??? That just baffles me and solidifies my view that this is indeed a selfish, shortsighted group. You'll never win this. I'd love if another group formed to sue NSFOC. Maybe Stonebridge should form a group to force the district to purchase a piece of land that they find most desirable. Afterall, why should their wants be any less than yours.

Disgusted:

Perhaps you ALL need to read what you vote yes for in the future. You voted yes for the money not for the site or boundaries.

"Judges do not legislate. The relief states, use the money as promised or give it back. If you want to use it for something else like a different location, you can come back and ask us first. After all, it is our money."

Posted by: Disgusted | March 8, 2008 09:44 AM

Disgusted,
We have that in common. The FACT is that money IS being used as promised...to build a third high school. Did the ballot that you and I voted on state a 3rd high on BRACH BRODIE land? NO. We were voting on a 3rd high school. PERIOD. END OF STORY.

http://www.nsfoc.org/pdf/complaint.pdf

Now that I have seen this, I am definitely sending a check!
Bravo.

"Judges do not legislate. The relief states, use the money as promised or give it back. If you want to use it for something else like a different location, you can come back and ask us first. After all, it is our money."

Posted by: Disgusted | March 8, 2008 09:44 AM

Oh, and by the way, did the nsfoc "ask" any of the THOUSANDS of people in this district that ARE NOT members of their little "group" BEFORE filing this incredibly ridiculous lawsuit?!... "AFTER ALL IT IS OUR MONEY" !!!!!!!!

HOW DARE YOU IDIOTS THINK YOU SPEAK FOR THE REST OF US! AND you have the audacity to call our school board members stupid?!!!!

The March 7 11:08 post that references newpaper articles are a perfect example of why people have no faith in our SB. It was better to spend 53 Million to build Gold Campuses as a new HS would have cost 80 Million, and that was too expensive! Now the HS will cost 150 Million!

What is the SB's Plan B if the referendum to operate the new HS does not pass? They did not have a Plan B in place in the event that the BB land fell through and they scrambled to find a new site. Mistakes occur when you rush.

I feel the public was mislead about the actual enrollment numbers in order to pass the referendum. Look for yourself at the district website. I feel the BB debacle has given this district a chance to re-think solutions for a short-term over-crowding problem.

"The FACT is that money IS being used as promised...to build a third high school. Did the ballot that you and I voted on state a 3rd high on BRACH BRODIE land?"

AMEN, check the ref. language. This is exactly the reason why no court will tough this. let it go people. Nothing good will come of this. You're looking more foolish every day.

OMG, they didn't just actually admit this publicly, did they?!?!?!?!?

Anonymous - I agree with you. NSFOC objectives are very clear. A government body should not be able to request funding for a specific purpose and then change their minds and purchase something that is, in their own estimation, hazardous to the district. It establishes a physical hazard to the children who will be attending school at that site and establishes a fiscal hazard to every individual residing in the district.

It is an established fact that the 2005 referendum did not pass when the SD did not identify the school location and it boundaries. The Center of Community Opinion told the SD that the only way they could pass the referendum is to identify where the school would be located and what the boundaries would be. The SD in numerous examples and on their own website stated where the school would be and what the boundaries would be. Metzger even stated, "to change the boundaries after the vote smacks of bait and switch and is simply unfair".

Shawn Collins and the NSFOC will present a preponderance of evidence showing that the original referendum failed by a 58% to 42% ratio and that the 2006 referendum won by a 58% to 42% ratio. The difference between the 2005 referendum vote and the 2006 referendum vote was the SD's identification of the site, the boundaries and the promise that the boundaries will not change.

Now a judge will determine if the swing voters' constitutional rights were usurped when the SD decided to buy the hazardous property.

With that said... it is time for me to send my $204 to the NSFOC. I would encourage all to read the complaint which can be found at //www.nsfoc.org/pdf/complaint.pdf.

Hopefully others will read it and send their $204 as well.

Lisa, Anonymous, No Schools,

Lisa,
Your points are outstanding, decent, and on tatget. There need to be more voices of reason that provide comments about solutions.
You should think about running for the school board.

Anonymous,
I live in the districts SW but not in WE or TG. I do have many friends there who care greatly about their kids and took great pride (past tense) in this school district. They would and have done many wonderful things for the district and feel, rightly so, that the district is giving them AND the entire school district the shaft. After almost 325 blogs, there is not a single person who has even come close to defending the Eola site. Can you explain that? Are there no posetive qualities about it? The answer is a clear NO!

No Schools,
As I would tell everyone who wants to know the bottom line, read the court filing. I feel that all the good folks on the SW would accept this site and the new boundries if there was a real and honest vote on the matter and the Eola location won. Those who did not like the outcome could pick up and leave. Anyone who reads the court filings has no legitimate argument against it. As Metzger said himself "any change in locaton and boundries would be a bait and switch".

The bottom line is this, TG, WE, SB, SW, ML, BD, WW, HM, AC, AP, LW, OH are not the problem. The problem is an out of control school board that must be stopped for the greater long term health of the school district.

There is a percentage of the populuation that changed their vote based upon the SD stating the BB land would be the site and publishing the BB boundaries. The court will decide if the SD misreprented themselves. That is why we have courts.

For the Love of God - you seem a little testy this morning.

You know what? At the end of the day it all comes down to this: Do you want the new NS or not? I think that it's loud and clear to most of us that you want it only if it's in your backyard. Come on, there's no bait and switch here. I think that most of us understood that there is/was no way that the SD could guarantee ANYTHING in relation to a particular piece of land (although they tried there best on BB) or set boundaries. There are far to many factors and other parties (the BB trust!) involved for this to have been a sure thing. I really think that you misunderstood what you were voting for. You voted only for the creation of a new HS, that's it. So you really are essentially saying that your vote for the new HS was yes but only if it was going to be on the piece of land that met with your approval. What about the rest of the voters who simply voted for a new HS, regardless of it's location? Why are you trying to invalidate us?

So the lawsuit has 4 demands?
1 - Send the WE kids to the BB site.
2 - Keep the WE kids at NV.
3 - Don't let non-WE students attend a new HS.
4 - Make all homeowners share the cost of making sure WE gets its way.

I think the people of WE need to start their own school district. Obviously thier wants are more important than anyone else in the school district.

Is there a way we can make sure that their shark in a suit cannot say in court that he represents the people of district 204? That would be a lie.

Wow.

I can't believe the cheek of these nsfoc parents. At least I'm glad that they announced their true intentions instead of hiding behind "it's a safety" issue.

Anything else we can do for while we're at it? Warm up your coffee? Shovel your driveways? Shine your shoes?

BTW, you do realize you haven't got a snowball's chance of winning. The referendum was for a third high school, not a third high school at a specific location.

What a group. They must be proud of themselves. How can they walk down the streets without hanging their heads in shame? How can any group be so self-centered?

Shawn Collins and the NSFOC will present a preponderance of evidence showing that the original referendum failed by a 58% to 42% ratio and that the 2006 referendum won by a 58% to 42% ratio. The difference between the 2005 referendum vote and the 2006 referendum vote was the SD's identification of the site, the boundaries and the promise that the boundaries will not change.

Now a judge will determine if the swing voters' constitutional rights were usurped when the SD decided to buy the hazardous property.

With that said... it is time for me to send my $204 to the NSFOC. I would encourage all to read the complaint which can be found at //www.nsfoc.org/pdf/complaint.pdf.

Hopefully others will read it and send their $204 as well.

Posted by: Disgusted | March 8, 2008 10:44 AM

Disgusted,
Thank you for solidifying your stance. You do not and probably NEVER wanted a third high school and you have managed to play on the emotions of disenchanted folks upset to be traveling 2 or 3 miles further to a smaller school.
How does a judge determine the "mindset" of a swing voter? Can this be defined? Is he/she a "mind-reading" judge?Do they know why I voted no in 2005 and yes in 2006? Does he/she know what I'm thinking now?

Do you have in writing the words "I PROMISE that this will be the sight of the new high school" from a board member? Was that on the ballot? I think I missed the word PROMISE.In fact, I don't recall the words Brach Brodie on my ballot either.

Also, do you have in writing that the Eola site is "hazardous"? I would like to see that because I do think that would actually warrant legal basis.Noone is defending the Eola site because there is no need to.We are awaiting the testing results as a district and will respond if applicable.
Lastly, I have seen the "preponderance of evidence" in your 19 page legal document. I would say that this is open to interpretation. I voted no in 2005 and yes in 2006 because of my increased awareness of the student population numbers and predictions. I was not as informed in 2005 and quite honestly did not attend any of the board meetings at that time.I can say without a doubt that I DID NOT change my vote due to "promises" of boundaries or location of the new school.THAT WOULD BE NAIVE. I changed my vote because I now determined a NEED for a third school.
Thanks for all that your little group has done for this district's children. "Make A Wish" foundation has a wonderful website that would truly benefit from your $204 contribution.

I've been monitoring this blog for a few weeks now (in between preparing tax returns) and have come to the conclusion that the majority of entries are in favor of moving on from BB site and getting this 3rd HS built on time, on budget (or as close to that as we can get). The vitriolic, petty, nasty stuff is definitely the minority voice. (about 75 out of 350 blog postings from a total of some 30,000 total #204 parents )So where is the justification to stereotype or generalize "all District #204" parents as jerks.

Yes, there are quite a few "thousand dollar millionaires" out here in Naperville but that's par for the course in alot of neighborhoods these days. But there's alot of "old, smart money" too, and not just in #203 my "Yankee" friends to the North. Some #203ers must not be reading the headlines for the last few years about their SB as well. Don't kid yourself those supposed real estate agents that are telling you #204 property values have soured by this debate, are the same people who would blow through the "black box - video taped" intersection at 95th & Book to come sign a listing agreement on one of our homes.

But all in all, Naperville is one of the best communities in one of the best countries on the planet. So remember the old adage... "don't believe everything y'all read in the newspaper!"

For the Love of God - you seem a little testy this morning.

Posted by: Disgusted | March 8, 2008 11:02 AM

Disgusted,
You're right, I am testy this morning. You would think I was getting sued or something.
Oh, that's right...I AM... AND SO ARE YOU...BY YOU....

JK - I can defend the Eola sit over the BB site based on the fact that it is unreasonable for all the people of this district to pay twice as much for the BB property just so those people in the SW can send thier children to the new high school (translation - maximize property values).

The first relief requested of the lawsuit is to require all the taxpayers of 204 to pay for the BB land. If the people of the subdivions you mentioned want to come up with the difference in the costs of the 2 sites, do that.

Are the property owners of those subdivisions willing to pay a special SAS every year to cover the cost difference in the 2 sites?

Why do you feel that the remainnig people of the district should have to pay the difference just so your kids go to your school of choice?

Why do you feel that the rest of the district should have to pay attorney and court costs to defend our right not to over pay for land that benefits your part of the district only?

Why should teh rest of us pay your attorney fees and costs? If you feel the fight is worth it, you pay for it. If your attorney is a true beleiver, let him work pro bono.

Your cohorts in this lawsuit are only looking out for themselves and not the entire district. I hope you lose and I hope the judge doesn't let your attorney collect his fees or costs from the people of this district.

The district is more than just the SW subdivisions. We all voted for the same referendum. I read the referendum. Did you? No hanging chads here.

I am speaking off the top of my head here. I have not dug into the research. But wasn't there another issue that helped get the referendum passed? Didn't the SB also restructure some bond payments that had a positive short term effect on our property taxes? I beleive that is why I voted yes for it. I am not a parent and I did not want my taxes to go up. It really ticks me off that my tax dollars have to be paid to defend a lawsuit that my neighbors are filing. It is embarrassing to live here.

Very compelling complaint by Mr. Collins. You lost me early on though (page 2) when you and your "assistants" didn't even spell Neuqua correctly in your, soon to be very expensive to everyone, 19 page document.

("Waubonsie and Nequa high schools" page 2). For what your getting paid, I would think you might have had somebody proof read your work. I know, y'all were in a hurry!

A classic example of....if you throw enough of it on the wall, some of it might stick...

Disgusted,
You're right, I am testy this morning. You would think I was getting sued or something.
Oh, that's right...I AM... AND SO ARE YOU...BY YOU....

For the Love of God | March 8, 2008 11:53 AM

Out of 700+ posts on this board, this is the one.

Dear,
kids just sue if you don't get your way.... | March 8, 2008 11:46 AM

There are hundreds of pages of proof that the SD and SB sold us BB with its boundaries. Here is one example.

Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2007 4:11 PM

You may have read in the local newspapers that a Naperville area
developer proposed a concept to sell Indian Prairie a parcel of land in the southwest portion of the district for the construction of Metea Valley High School.

The Board of Education reviewed but did not accept the developer's concept last October for several reasons. The proposal involved portions of property the developer did not own and involved multiple other parties and additional
hurdles. No financial incentive for the district was offered.

The referendum presented to the community was based on the Brach-Brodie land and boundaries were determined. Those boundaries would no longer be in effect if the location of the school changed. In our opinion, the location of the land and boundaries are contributing factors to why people voted
as they did. A promise was made to the community and the community supported the district by passing the referendum.

Further, when the two parcels of land are compared, we believe
Brach-Brodie is still the best property for the high school. It is easy for someone to speculate on land value in the newspaper, but ultimately the value has to be proven in court.

Although the land acquisition is taking longer than the we would like, we are confident that the district will purchase the Brach-Brodie land for a fair price as the legal process continues to move forward.

Howard Crouse
Superintendent

Anonymous | March 7, 2008 10:09 PM
WOW, It looks like we are seeing Dr D's true colors early on... hope it won't take us 14yrs to make a change.

We could really have benefited from a Super who was a uniting force and not an autocrat. Parents want and should be involved in the process. Looks like Dr D left a mess behind. Lets not let him mess up our great SD!

Dear dazed and confused | March 8, 2008 12:11 PM,

Yes they refinanced but it was equivalent to debt consolidation of a 15 yr mortage and all your credit cards into a 40 yr plan. The payments go down but you pay through the nose for 15 more years. Cute trick but in the longrun not a swift financial move!!

The referendum presented to the community was based on the Brach-Brodie land and boundaries were determined. Those boundaries would no longer be in effect if the location of the school changed. In our opinion, the location of the land and boundaries are contributing factors to why people voted as they did. A promise was made to the community and the community supported the district by passing the referendum.

Howard Crouse
Superintendent
January 11, 2007 4:11 PM

Looks like Howard Crouse and the NSFOC are in agreement.

My child starts HS next year, a few weeks ago NV has its freshman orientation, after the orientation we stopped at the school’s store where we ended up spending just over $200.00 on NV stuff. Now we are told that WV would be the HS for my area, which is not my school of choice, but it’s ok. Is my child going to wear the NV gear at WV?

I have done everything I could to help out the schools my kids attended, all they had to do was ask. Yesterday I took everything NV and dropped it off in a Salvation Army box. I’m done supporting this school district, I’ll continue paying my taxes (because I have to) but anything extra I’m no longer participating in, (Fund raisers, Market day, sporting event etc…) I am just utterly frustrated with all the name calling, finger pointing, you’re better than me, I’m better than you crap. This is the doing of an untrustworthy, self-serving school board, if you want to point fingers point it in their direction.

Your assessment of the debt restructuring is correct Big D, way to keep the subject on target and eliminate tertiary claims. Let's also hear from the experts on Eola site for all these supposed contaminants before we turn over the "fear" card on the river.

Glad you liked my "Wizard of Oz" satirical entry yesterday. I can't help it but sometimes I crack myself up! We gotta keep our sense of humor alive or we'll surely lose our way. But there's really nothing funny how this SB has fubar-ed this thing. Keep the faith.

I wonder if this whole Boundry saga could be made into a book or movie series. Something along the lines of the morning soaps. It certainly is entertaining and gut wrenching. Everything the viewer would want.

"The referendum presented to the community was based on the Brac