The condition of Hynes Elementary and Golf Middle schools is alarming. Despite having outstanding educators and staff who have earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon for excellence in education, the deteriorating schools hinder their ability to provide a high-quality education. Every child deserves a safe, healthy learning environment, but Golf District 67’s buildings fall short of this expectation. Roofs are old and leaking, with mold found in the insulation and garbage bags suspended from the ceiling to catch rainwater.  HVAC systems frequently break down and disrupt learning, and their costly repairs do little to extend their lifespan.  Asbestos needs to be removed from both schools, and a temporary trailer used as a classroom must be replaced.  Security measures need improvement, and due to space limitations, some of the district’s most vulnerable students are sent to other districts for their education, missing out on valuable opportunities to learn and grow alongside their neighbors and friends. Public schools do not charge tuition and rely on funding from tax dollars.  Golf 67’s tax rate is amongst the lowest in the area, limiting its ability to self-fund an undertaking of this magnitude. Aging and deteriorating infrastructure issues have become impossible to ignore. This plan seeks community support for a $26.3 million referendum bond issue, to be repaid over 20 years. It represents a compromise between the most passionate supporters and opponents of the previous (failed) referendum and is only focused on these critical facility needs. Some opponents of this referendum (who don’t disagree on the need for the repairs) think that fundraising can solve our schools’ challenges. However, relying on sporadic fundraising efforts isn’t a viable way to ensure the future of our schools. As a community member, regardless of whether you are currently the parent of a child attending these schools, you have a vested interest in seeing your schools succeed. Well-maintained schools contribute to the overall strength of our community and generate a positive environment that attracts families and businesses alike.  When our schools thrive, property values often rise, benefiting everyone in the area and making our community a more desirable place to live and invest. By supporting the referendum, and voting YES, you are choosing to strengthen our schools which in turn strengthens the entire community. Melissa and George Manis Morton Grove