Letter to the editor: Appalling conditions at Helena High
I was a university supervisor for student teachers in the Chicago area for 10 years. Some of the schools I visited were in underserved neighborhoods.
The appalling conditions I witnessed on a tour of Helena High recently are far worse than any I have seen at any of those underserved Chicago schools.
The foundation is crumbling, the boilers work at less than 50% efficiency, the Arts wing floods during heavy rain, the roof leaks, there is asbestos under the linoleum floors.
In addition to infrastructure, there are security and communication concerns, lack of social gathering spaces, and inadequate restrooms and lunch space. Remediating those deficiencies would be throwing good money after bad. That is why an entirely new building is being proposed.
The exceptional rising seniors who led the tour complimented their fellow students and teachers who for years have “made it work”, providing the best academic experience that they possibly can under the circumstances. Helena owes them more.
My husband and I are not thrilled that the proposed bonds would raise our property taxes, but we believe that having an educational environment conducive to learning would benefit future generations.
Please check helenaschoolbond.org for more information.
Sandy Doyle,
Helena