To the editor:

I wanted to take a minute to weigh in on the proposed contraction of Kennedy Elementary School.

I lived on the east side of town when my kids started elementary school. They both attended Kennedy and thoroughly loved the school. One thing I’d like to focus on is the opportunities that neighborhood schools give to kids who live in the area. When my kids were old enough to walk to school on their own we gave them the freedom to do that. The resulting benefits were amazing for them. They felt so much more independence, and their self-esteem rose as well. And let’s not forget the health benefits of walking to school for the kids. Study after study has shown that kids who walk to school are healthier and better able to focus when they get to school. If Kennedy is closed, there will be a whole group of kids in this town who will never get the opportunity to walk to school. It’s just not feasible if they have to cross 23rd Street to go to Prairie Park. The school board should reconsider closing this important eastside elementary school. It’s not always about the money.

Jareb Hice,

Lawrence