I’m passing along an update on the Gifford high school choice issue, as seen from my perspective, at tonight’s RTHS board meeting. Also, I spoke at the public participation section of the meeting and the comments that I made tonight are below in the comments. Please note, that if you see anything printed elsewhere (e.g. Rantoul Press) that differs from my statement below, it is 100% incorrect.

First, Mr. Amerio spoke to some legal issues that still need determined, and that was perfectly understandable at this point of the process.The RTHS board members themselves ended up discussing the issue of school choice. Overall, most of the comments were “we need more information” or “we’d like to hear the legal opinion first”, etc. All very reasonable and expected answers.

However, there were some other comments, from those that chose to speak more directly, that I’d love to highlight because I found the logic flawed or extremely hypocritical. I actually wrote a full page about them and then decided against posting. Writing is really good therapy though, and I’m glad I put those thoughts down digitally.

Basically, it sounds like the superintendents will talk, but I didn’t get the sense the RTHS board would approve such a measure unless it was extremely favorable to their situation. That said, the optimist in me is hopeful things find a way to work, because I really think it can work if all parties put their bias aside.

Also, in other news, I’m stepping down from the choice committee. I have some other endeavors that require my attention and need to prioritize those at this time. I do think the committee going forward will need help and will work to get a more complete picture of all registered voters in the GGS district; thus ensuring the majority opinion is heard one way or the other. Please let me know if you’d like to help and I can put you in touch with the right folks.

My public participation comments:

My name is Jed Willard and I am here today as a resident of Gifford, a registered voter and taxpayer in the RTHS district, and most importantly, as a parent. I would like to urge this board to pursue an intergovernmental agreement with Armstrong Township High School to allow high school choice in Gifford. Compared to other RTHS feeder schools, Gifford is in a unique situation being equidistant to two great high schools. These two schools complement each other in areas of academics, extra-curricular offerings, size, and location. I truly believe an option for school choice would greatly benefit ALL of the involved communities, parents, and primarily, students. 

I’d also like to state that while I am currently advocating for choice, our oldest child is currently enrolled here at RTHS. We have had an enjoyable experience thus far, and had we been given the choice, we would still gladly send our child to RTHS. We knew RTHS was the best fit for this child based on their academic needs and extra-curricular activities. RTHS educators and administrators have been outstanding in providing a quality education.

We also have another child, and as most parents with multiple children can understand, our two children are very different. They have different personalities, academic interests, hobbies, and goals. What fits one child does not always fit another. I hope we’ll be given the opportunity to offer that child an additional high school option in order to best meet their individual academic goals and extra-curricular desires. 

I see very little harm in offering a choice agreement to Gifford families. Such an agreement also has the potential to boost the development of Rantoul and surrounding areas, with minimal disruption to existing operations and minimal financial risk. I hope the board will show their cooperation with Gifford residents and work toward an agreement to allow high school choice. Thank you for your time.