New Trier High School’s studies have shown that there is only a small difference in the cost of remodeling New Trier East to handle 4,000-plus students, as compared to some slight alterations at New Trier East and reopening New Trier West as a four-year high school. With the probable construction of a parking garage in order to satisfy Winnetka requirements, adding on to New Trier East becomes the most expensive option.
The overwhelming weight of educational authority shows that smaller (i.e., 1,500 to 2,000 students for four-year high schools) is better. The advantages–both in interaction among faculty, administration and students and the obvious expansion of extra-curricular opportunities–are two of the reasons that every educational study for the last 20 years has shown the benefits of smaller size.
Another compelling reason for reopening New Trier West is that the remodeling in Northfield can be done before students get there. The massive construction that would need to be done at New Trier East, with the students attempting to get an education at the same time and in the same location, would not only pose a serious safety problem but would, of necessity, create an even more crowded school operating in reduced space. Lunch at 10 o’clock?
High school would be a mess for all the students who are unlucky enough to be going to New Trier while the remodeling is taking place.
Two New Triers thrived side by side for nearly 20 years. The passion with which former New Trier West students and faculty have argued for two high schools, whatever the boundaries, have shown that there was no inequality. The New Trier West students did not think they were second-class citizens, and neither did college admissions offices.
The single most important factor in establishing and sustaining real estate values in the township is the quality of its schools. Tampering with that quality will inevitably lead to lower real estate values.
