Prioritize Students’ Needs in the Allocation of USD 231 Bond Funds

To the USD 231 Board of Education and District Administration,
We, the undersigned students, parents, educators, and community members, are calling for a more responsible and student-centered allocation of bond funds in our district. While we recognize the value of athletic programs and more modern designs, we believe that the fundamental needs of our students—nutrition, safety, accessibility, and quality education—must take precedence.
1. Better Nutrition and Food Access
Far too many students in our district go through the school day without enough food to stay focused, healthy, and energized. Behaviors are a form of communication; You would behave differently if you were hungry too. Teachers should not have to take money out of their own pockets (unless the district is going to start including food for students in their pay) to feed hungry students. Cafeteria portions are inadequate, and access to meals for students from low-income families is not always easy or welcoming. Bond funds should be directed toward:
* Improving meal quality and portion sizes
* Creating more accessible and discreet support systems for students and families facing food insecurity
* Ensuring that no student has to learn on an empty stomach
2. Safer, Healthier Learning Environments
Schools like Madison Elementary are in dire need of repairs, with serious issues such as mold and the roof caving in. No child should have to attend class in a building that poses a risk to their health and safety. We urge the district to prioritize:
* Structural repairs and facility maintenance
* Mold remediation and air quality improvements
* Upgrading learning environments to support student success
3. Prioritizing Academics Over Athletics
While sports have a role in student development, academics must come first. Bond money should not disproportionately fund athletics while classroom resources, teacher support, and educational programs are underfunded. It is not fair for the students of Usd231 to be punished for not having good scores when we are not given the resources that are needed. We advocate for:
* Increased funding for classroom materials, technology, and curriculum development
* More licensed support staff such as counselors, tutors, and interventionists
* Investment in programs that close achievement gaps and enrich student learning
We believe that bond funds should reflect the core mission of public education: to provide every student with a safe, equitable, and high-quality learning experience. It’s time to put students first—not stadiums.
We respectfully urge the Board to reconsider its current priorities and reallocate bond funding toward the needs that matter most to the well-being and education of our students.
Sincerely,
 Kaitlyn Sleeper, a GEHS student and daughter of GEHS counselor.