Tuesday, May 5 is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. It’s a very important day for students, teachers and parents in the Niles Community School District. It’s a day when you can help make a difference in the lives of those who utilize the aging buildings and out-of-date technology you can help improve the safety and security of the children in our community, and you can help make the dollars we all spend more valuable by saving money in energy costs.

The Niles Community Schools bond proposals on May 5th will benefit our students the most by upgrading the technology they use in the classroom to 21st Century standards. It’s no secret that today’s students learn much differently than most parents did years ago. Technological advancements have changed in the classroom to help students become equipped with the skills they need to be successful in college and the workplace. This bond will help ensure all of our schools are equipped with technology to meet our students’ needs.

These proposals will also benefit our students by improving the facilities they use to make them safer and healthier. Aside from the Niles New Tech wing of the high school, the buildings in the district have not had renovations in 42 years. Take a visit to some of the schools and look at the condition of the bathrooms, ceilings, doors, floors and windows. They are in poor condition. Some argue that simple maintenance can and will help the condition of the facilities, but let’s be real, the buildings are between 50 and 75 years old. There’s only so much that can be done with maintenance.

The school district spends a large amount of money annually repairing old, outdated equipment and heating non-energy efficient buildings. If the buildings are more energy efficient, the energy and repair bills will be lower, and that money can be put into the classrooms to benefit the students.

The teachers of the district will also benefit from the same improvements. Technology enhancements can help them be more productive and efficient during the time they have with the students, allowing them to transfer more knowledge and information. Teachers should not have to spend their own money for classroom materials and learning tools. The savings in energy costs should allow more of these items to be provided for them.

Parents will benefit also. With building improvements and advanced technology, students will have a better educational experience and be more prepared to succeed in college and in the workplace. After all, the goal of every parent should be to ensure their children are able to learn and grow into young adults with the knowledge and experience they need to provide a life for themselves.

For those who don’t have children in the Niles school district, think about it this way…. The children that surround you as neighbors, friends and family members will be the future workers and leaders in the area. These bonds can become a catalyst for revitalization of our community.

To make an educated decision about the Niles Community Schools Bond proposals, please take a short few minutes and review the information provided on the Niles Community Schools web page (www.nilesschools.org). Click on the “Every Learner, Every School” logo on the right-hand side for more information.

By voting “yes, yes” on May 5th for both of the Niles Community Schools bond proposals, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and comfort knowing you have done the right thing to help your child be more prepared for his or her future, and also help the community become a better place to live. Let’s be proud of our schools… vote Yes-Yes.

 

Scott Schneider

Niles