Cursing the Glare

Fox River Grove resident, and McHenry County Board member, Dan Shea wrote a letter to the Board, asking, on behalf of several residents on the South side of the Middle School building, to consider repositioning the outside lighting on the building's South side. His letter said that the lighting illuminates the homes on that side of the building, causing sleep problems for those living in these homes.

The Board noted in this past Monday's meeting that the architect of the Middle School expansion recommended the current lighting as a way to curb vandalism. Police Chief Polston has also told the District that the lighting helps police observe the school grounds at night.

Board member Bob Nunamaker said that he walked the South side of the school grounds before the meeting, and it seemed to him that the street lights look brighter than the school lighting does. He also suggested that the South side residents have been very good neighbors, and that the district should examine if a shield can be provided to curb the brightness of the school lighting. Supt. John Hill noted that new lenses could be bought to curb the light, but wondered if the new lenses would still adequately light the school grounds. The more area that is lit, Supt. Hill said, the more chance there is that police will be able to see someone who might be tresspassing on school property at night.

The Board and Supt. Hill concluded that the the District would inform Dan Shea that they will invesitgate whether or not new lenses for the school lighting would adequately resolve the issue. If Supt. Hill discovers that new lenses would resolve the issue, and the cost is less than $500.00, then Supt. Hill will purchase the lenses; if the cost is over $500.00, the Board will need to approve the purchase.