The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-Consolidation-
The Jr. High
Dear Editor,
I want to thank the Quill for contacting the slate of candidates running for the Board of Education of the proposed new Southern/Union School District and publishing their thoughts and opinions.
After reading all the responses I find four for whom I would confidently cast a vote. It is clear that these four people are willing to put the needs of the students first while protecting those who will be paying the bill.
All the candidates appear to agree that curriculum must be improved and redundant spending eliminated.
The words "financial", "finances", "frivolous spending", etc. appeared in the answers, but only four people really meant what they said.
The issue of combining the Junior High was sidestepped by the other eight, couched around whether it was financially feasible, do it later, it isn't fair, or leave it as is.
In the South end of the district the perception is "Southern is going to give up everything and Union is giving up nothing." In the North end the cry is "It is unfair that we have to pay off the bond for the Junior High and not get to use it."
In my opinion, NEITHER of these statements hold water! These statements do not take into account the core of the consolidation issues.
In my view, there are two MAJOR components in a well though out consolidation.
One is to improve the educational opportunities of the students and the other is to eliminate redundancies created by the merging of the districts involved.
If this can be accomplished without the need of a building program (which our consolidation COULD be) you have a win/win situation for the students as well as the taxpayers!
So to say Southern gives up everything and Union, nothing is invalid.
To say we are paying for a Junior High that we can't use is also invalid because those rooms could be very nicely incorporated into the High School.
The need to add classrooms by revamping the bus barn and building a new bus barn would NOT be required.
If this consolidation passes, the new district would be at its largest student population the first year. Both districts are projected to lose enrollment thereafter.
The time to move the Junior High to the High School campus is when the student population can be contained by that facility.
Then we would only be dealing with a relocation. Meanwhile, it is a gross error in judgment to deprive the Junior High students of an improved curriculum and ask the taxpayer to foot the bill.
In my opinion, those candidates taking the wait and see how it financially fits, or it is too big of a job are sidestepping the issue of what is best for the students.
It seems to me that it is a "no brainer" if you don't have to undertake a "hard hat and bulldozer" project to add space that will only be needed temporarily. Likewise, it is also a "no brainer" if you don't have to operate two separate Junior High facilities.
Warren/Alexis and Colchester/Northwestern districts got the task done and we can't?
All agree that the Superintendent of the new district should be a leader. Then set his priorities and let him lead!
At one of the informational meetings it was suggested we take a "leap of faith." I plan to do just that. I will vote yes for consolidation, but I am obviously going to put a lot of faith in the new board.
Faith that they will do what is best for ALL kids. Faith that they will not undertake an expensive building project before a single student attends class. Faith that they will hire a strong leader to build a school system for which we can all be proud.
Faith that they can make the tough decisions to wipe out the redundant financial costs.
IF the new board can accomplish this we will have a win/win situation for both the kids and the taxpayer. Keep the faith!
It will take just four people out of the seven elected to the new board to make this consolidation a true consolidation that will provide quality education to all the students.
Please do this. Read the entire list of responses from the candidates that appear in the October 13, 2004 issue of the Quill. If you agree that the only way to make this consolidation truly efficient by also combining the Junior High, please join me in casting votes for Lonnie Brent, Kathy Bavery, Brad Arnold and Richard Clifton.
Jens Notestein
Stronghurst
Union Student Speaks For Consolidation
Dear Editor,
As a student of Union High School concerned about where my education is going, I have some points I would like to address on the Southern/Union consolidation issue.
I have grown up familiar with both districts due to having family and friends from the Southern district, while attending Union. It has always been my belief that the adults in both communities have tried to give me and my fellow students the best education and opportunity to succeed as possible.
However, this brings a question to mind. If what the voters want for us is success, then why aren't they jumping at the chance to give us a better education?
If this consolidation does not pass, we are at great risk of losing classes such as music and agriculture.
What effect will this have on the futures of those of us pursuing the dream of attending college perhaps majoring in those fields?
As for general education, I recently had a conversation with a Southern graduate who stated that the classes he took while in high school prepared him very little for the college courses he has been taking this semester.
Many students from Union are taking classes at SCC just to achieve the minimum number of required classes needed to attend their college of choice, due to the classes not being offered or not being the level of difficulty needed.
They feel this is because of the limited curriculum available in smaller schools.
If the consolidation passes we will have the opportunity to add specialized College Preparation classes and courses similar to Advanced Placement to our curriculum, which will greatly improve our chances of getting into college and in turn lead to a better future.
How can people oppose giving us a better future?
Many people may have doubts about the way our schedule is set up. Block schedule is not as bad as it seems.
We have 40 minutes for the teacher to explain/give notes on the subject and then we get 45 minutes to do the assigned work.
This gives us the opportunity to ask the teacher questions on the assignment and also leaves time after school for sports, family, NHS and other extra curricular activities, knowing and feeling confident that we have completed the assignment successfully.
Having a day in between each class allows time to study for tests as well.
I personally look at block schedule as a beneficial preparation, considering college classes usually run one to two hours or longer.
It's not about the rivalry because we proved that argument wrong this past football/cheerleading/dance season. Most of us have already developed friendships and the consolidation won't be an issue between students.
I could write all day and still not stress enough all the beneficial aspects of this consolidation towards our education. I feel the need to look at the bigger issue, we as students are concerned about where our education is going.
Please help give us the best opportunity to succeed, Vote Yes.
Sincerely,
Kayla Whiteman
BIGGSVILLE
Union High School Student
Urges "Yes" Vote
Dear Editor,
On November 2 the voters of Henderson County will be voting on the consolidation of the Union and Southern schools. The voters will have the choice of voting yes, for the consolidation, or no, against the consolidation.
A "yes" vote will improve the educational opportunities for every student in Henderson County and will allow a more efficient use of our tax money. A "yes" vote will increase our taxes, although I heard none of our school board candidates state that they wanted to increase our taxes to the maximum tax rate.
A "no" vote will not improve the educational opportunity for one student in either Southern or Union districts. A "no" vote will result in tax increases that will be needed to maintain the inefficient use of our tax money.
I do not like tax increases, but I do believe that our students in Henderson County deserve the best educational opportunities that we can afford to give them. I am going to vote "yes" because it is best for our students.
Will Bavery
Stronghurst
"Yes" Vote Is For Betterment Of Schools
Dear Editor and Voters of Henderson County,
The upcoming school consolidation vote in Henderson County may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make concerning the quality of education for our county's children.
The Committee of Ten has done an outstanding job, with nearly three years of work in compiling the facts and now presenting these facts with sensible reasons for bringing Southern Unit 120 and Union Unit 115 schools together, as one local district.
If you have not attended any of the many Community Meetings, I urge you to go and listen and ask questions.
There are many solid reasons and advantages for this consolidation when you consider: reducing enrollment trends; efficiencies of staff and facilities; state aid concerns; increased curriculum offerings; geography of the two districts and present facilities; possible financial incentives; etc.
Be an informed voter. Don't vote on emotion. There is too much at stake with this decision.
Please attend a community meeting or talk to one of the Committee of Ten members. There is still time to get the facts!
I am supporting this consolidation issue solely for the betterment of our local schools.
My children have graduated from the Southern School District and received a good education. It could have been much better with a stronger vocational program and more class offerings in Math, Science, English, History and Music. A newly formed consolidated school district will provide a much stronger curriculum in both the vocational and academic areas.
I feel that our K-8 grade students are receiving a sound educational foundation. It is in the high school class curriculum where we are still lacking. Our teachers are doing the best they can, but cuts and a lack of funding has limited the class offerings.
Ask a recent graduate now attending college (or their parents) how well the students were prepared for college work or for the world of work in a vocational field.
You will be surprised how many of these kids are at a disadvantage with their peers. I am not blaming our teachers or our schools. They do the best they can with the resources available.
We voters can provide a much better educational opportunity for all of our children with a consolidated school.
Many voters are concerned with rising real estate taxes. It is fairly certain that your taxes will be increasing whether this consolidation issue passes or fails.
You want the most return for your tax dollar. I would rather have my increased tax dollar used in a consolidated Henderson County school district with the full curriculum opportunities for all of our students.
If this vote fails, you will be facing a tax increase that provides a limited curriculum and reduced extra curricular activities and likely more cuts in the near future.
It is up to the voters of Henderson County (both Southern and Union School Districts) to decide. This opportunity is here and now!
I urge you to vote YES to consolidate our two schools.
Also, please make sure you vote for seven new school board members to serve the new district, who will represent the entire county and work for the success of this new school district.
Jerry W. Keimig
Stronghurst
Obama's and Keyes' leanings: Ill. U.S. Senate Race
Dear Editor,
If a candidate says they are something (i.e. conservative or liberal), they ought to back up their words with definable actions. Both have done just that:
Keyes advocates Internet filters blocking pornography in schools and public libraries(HB1812).
Obama voted against them.
Keyes defends our Second Amendment rights to protect our families, homes, and selves against intruders(SB2165)..
Obama voted against this.
Keyes supports medical malpractice reform; more reasonable healthcare costs.
Obama is against regulating medical malpractice awards. (Result? Higher patient fees.)
Keyes believes that every human being, regardless of age or ability, is entitled to dignity, defense, and continued life.
Obama voted for partial-birth abortion (HB382) and live-birth abortion(SB1661, 1662, 1663): The clinical practice of leaving a living, breathing, baby human to die of neglect simply because the mother doesn't want to take him (or her) home.
A U.S. Senator not only represents his state, but is a policy-maker for the entire country. Be educated about the candidates, be faithful to your values, and vote your conscience.
Sincerely,
Elisa Davis
TENNESSE, IL
John Kerry: I don't think so
Dear Editor,
John Kerry has endeared himself to those who favor the choice of legalized abortion. In fact he vows he would have litmus test in appointing to the Supreme Court only those justices who have a pro-choice stance.
I have a litmus test myself. If a candidate favors the so-called right to abortion that the 1973 Supreme Court found in the Constitution over the God-given right to life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which is spelled out in plain language, my vote goes to the one in favor of the culture of life, not the culture of death.
Senator Kerry firmly supports this gruesome method of puncturing the head of a baby in the birth canal, sucking out its brains and death.
How can any human being be so naive or cruel. If a man or a woman running for any office, let alone President of the United States, cannot stand up to defend the lives of the most vulnerable, innocent and defenseless human beings, how could he or she defend me, my loved ones or my homeland.
I just think this legalized abortion of a living infant is horrible.
John Kerry came back from Vietnam, went to Vietnam, turned his back on his comrades and says he can lead us against terrorists.
I don't think so, he calls it a nuisance. "Really".
Don Stevens
Stronghurst
Proud To Be From Stronghurst
Dear Editor,
Reading the article about the community coming together to help the Shaner's makes me very proud to be from Stronghurst..
I hope everyone realizes how proud you should be of your citizens that gave freely and without thought their time and compassion.
I am sure they felt they were just doing the neighborly thing and are sure that in their time of need their neighbors will be there for them.
Even though I haven't lived in the area for over 20 years I still think of Stronghurst as "home" and miss living in a small town where everyone knows you. Living in a larger town "up North" I am sometimes called a "hick" and today I am proud of that.
I showed the article to some of my co-workers and it affected all them the same.....a touch of awe that the community is so strong and sorrow for the Shaner family's loss, but pleasure that they know they are not alone. I was even told that now they understand why I call a place I have not lived for so long Home.
Thank you Quill newspaper for sharing this wonderful story.
Catrina (Jeanne Garst) Roberts
Minnesota
Concerned On Abortion Issue
Dear Editor,
The war waged against babies and their mothers, since 1973, is devisive. Choices for life, declared by candidates (Republic and Democrat), would have a great unifying effect upon our nation. John Kerry voted six times against the partial birth abortion ban.
Some abortionists and clinic owners quit lucrative businesses and are divulging deception and how many women, have suffered physical and emotional anguish.
Norma McCorvey was Jane Roe. In "Won by Love", she reveals how she was tricked into signing Roe vs. Wade, which resulted in the demise of millions of unborn babies.
A former abortion assistant, she is now pro-life, and said women were degraded and political rhetoric was put above safety.
Dr. Bernard Nathanson, M.D., owned one of the first and largest abortuaries in America. He is now pro-life. His video, "Silent Scream" (of an abortion), has changed the views of many.
Carol Everett, former wealthy abortion owner wrote "Blood Money". She quit after seeing "monthly" tragedies, that left some women maimed for life (some are sterile) and others died - after legal abortions, by a doctor.
Hollywood star, Gloria Swanson's autobiography states that 54 years after her abortion, she still cried fresh tears, that her failure to let her baby live, was "the greatest regret of my life."
Every state has lodging for single women needing assistance to keep or give their baby for adoption (numerous childless couples desire adoption).
Contact a local Crisis Pregnancy or RTL organization, for these options and where to locate them (or for counseling after an abortion).
Shirley George
Macomb
Dear Editor,
I wanted to share a letter we received commending our staff at Oak Lane. They put in many long days and hours yet manage to keep a warm smile and give a caring hand to our residents. Too often we take others for granted. It's nice when others take time out to send a simple "thank you", commending our staff.
We appreciate the residents and their family support and truly feel as if we are all family at Oak Lane.
Sincerely,
Richard Clifton,
Administrator
Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab
Stronghurst
The following is the letter we received in that regards:
Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab
Dear Richard,
I just wanted to take a few moments and express my thanks to yourself and the entire staff of Oak Lane for the excellent care afforded my Uncle, Corky Wunnenberg. While often times we hear of the neglect and the mistreatment of occupants of nursing home care, this is certainly not the case with Oak Lane. The administration and caregivers provided the most personal, respectful, professional, and courteous care to Corky.
As you may have been well aware, Corky was honest to a fault; had he any reservations or constructive criticism of care, you would have been advised. He always had praise for the members of the staff.
Each time I was visiting him he would always make a point of introducing, or pointing out, the various employees.
He knew each by name, fun facts about their personal lives and he always shared kind comments about each employee.
He always expressed his sincere appreciation for all the care delivered to each person whose home had become Oak Lane.
I did not expect Oak Lane to be Corky's final home, but he could not have picked a better place to spend the last nine months of his life.
If you ever need a referral, or a testament to the excellent services provided by your organization, please do not hesitate to call or write. On behalf of Corky and his entire family, thank you!
Sincerely,
Craig C. Voelker
Corky Wunnenberg's nephew