When considering the opportunity to rebuild the physical education spaces at Oak Park and River Forest High School (Project 2), let’s consider the legacy we want to leave. Do we want to continue kicking the can down the road so the next generation must experience the same suboptimal learning spaces that today’s students face? I don’t.
Let’s center the children of this community and trust what they are telling us about the condition of facilities built in 1928 and 1957. Their environment matters. Their physical and mental well-being matters. Let’s also listen to the OPRF physical education faculty, who have continued to deliver under the most trying of circumstances.
This is not a “pool project.” This is about rebuilding physical education classrooms and related spaces to align curricular approaches with today’s students. If we rebuild the southeast wing of OPRF, gender non-conforming students will find inclusive options for changing rooms. Students with disabilities will finally access all levels. We will break free from the architectural divisions that reflect the pre-Title IX societal divisions that defined physical education for girls as less important. This project is a must-do because of the building conditions, and by rebuilding we will demonstrate we value our children’s physical and emotional well-being as much as we value their academic intellect.
There are creative funding options to consider, and the school is well-positioned financially with respect to our operating budget and reserves. Investment in capital projects will not take money from the operating budget, which covers the delivery of academic programming and the implementation of equity efforts across the school.
Just think of how differently this undertaking will feel if, instead of fighting it, we come together to resolve it with open minds on methods to fund it. We won’t get there if we dig in our heels or listen to naysayers with arguments not based on facts or the truth.
Let’s leave a legacy that represents our willingness to collaboratively fix a complex, longstanding problem so the youth of this community can benefit now and for generations to come.
Let’s be role models, not saboteurs.
Alison Welch
Oak Park
