District 113 Referendum Opponents 'Disappointed'

Editor's note: This letter is in response to the passage of the District 113 referendum. For more background on the referendum, click here.

Of course we are disappointed with the outcome, but there are no regrets.

Nevertheless, when Education First decided to campaign against the referendum, its members did so knowing the risks involved with taking the position we did. We all knew our position would be unpopular and come under severe criticism at times, but we took our position because we believed then, as we do now, that it was the right thing to do for the community.

If nothing else, the existence of an opposition group sparked a healthy debate on the issues facing D113 residents when it comes to how to finance not only improvements to our high schools, but their ongoing maintenance. Education First has always recognized and advocated for the need to address the structural shortcomings of both high schools as part of the quest for better educated students, within reason.

We sincerely believe the community is better off as a result of our work and hope that in the future more residents take a greater interest in not just the overall management of D113, but how it uses its financial resources, as the community as a whole will be better off for it. 

Frank Pirri
Chairman, Education First in 113

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