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Waltham Elementary School District responds to failed referendum · Illinois Valley - Shaw Local

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  Waltham Elementary School District responds to failed referendum. Written by Matthias Werner
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  This article is being read by an automated voice brought to you
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  by Everlet. Waltham Elementary School District personnel responded to Tuesday night’s failed
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  referendum.
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  The referendum on the ballot would’ve funded a $7.5 million building annex
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  project if voters approved it. After an unofficial tally of 625 no
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  votes to 565 yes votes, the school responded Wednesday afternoon with a
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  statement.
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  Although this referendum was unsuccessful, our commitment to our students has not
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  changed, and neither has our responsibility to address the challenges before us,
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  the statement read.
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  Waltham personnel put forth a proposal to address the district’s growing student
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  enrollment with the building annex, and voiced their displeasure with the result
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  of the election.
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  While we are deeply disappointed in the outcome of Tuesday’s referendum, we
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  respect the decision of our voters and appreciate everyone who took the
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  time to make their voice heard, the statement read. Unfortunately, the need
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  for additional permanent classroom space remains, regardless of the election results.
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  As of now, the school uses temporary modular classrooms to deal with
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  the lack of space.
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  Our district has worked tirelessly to provide the best possible educational opportunities
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  for our students while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers, the statement
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  continued. We have listened to our community, reduced the scope of our
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  original proposal, explored alternative funding opportunities and worked to identify ways to
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  lessen the financial burden on our residents.
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  Administrators said that the financial implications of maintaining the current situation with
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  the modular classrooms comes at a significant financial cost to our district
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  and ultimately our taxpayers.
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  We need action, collaboration, and a shared commitment from our village leaders,
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  elected officials, community members and other local government partners, the statement read.
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  Our school is an essential part of this community, and addressing its
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  needs cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the Board of Education
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  and school administration.
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  While the referendum did not pass, administrators did not close the door
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  on future projects and welcomed future collaboration with outside parties in working
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  towards a solution.
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  We are calling on our village and elected officials to come to
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  the table, work alongside us, and help identify meaningful, sustainable solutions that
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  support both our children and our taxpayers, the statement read. Strong schools
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  and strong communities go hand in hand. We should all share the
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  responsibility of ensuring both succeed.