A debt of dignity: Why our most vulnerable students can’t wait

Imagine a school where the hallways are so narrow that two students in wheelchairs cannot pass each other without one having to back away. Imagine a classroom where a student’s medical needs must be handled in a cramped, repurposed corner because the building wasn’t designed for modern care. For Beekman Center and Heartwood School students, this is no hypothetical. It is their daily reality.

As chairs of this advocacy campaign, we have walked these halls. We have seen the incredible spirit of these students and the tireless devotion of their teachers. The Beekman Center was a miracle when it opened in 1968, but today, it stands as a barrier to the very independence we want our children to achieve. This special education facilities bond would provide funds to replace the Beekman Center and renovate Heartwood School. For the average home (median taxable value home in Ingham County), the cost would be about $42 a year or $3.50 per month.

The special education bond proposal isn’t just about construction; it’s about creating a safe, accessible and engaging educational space. A school where students can safely practice life skills, have sensory rooms that provide calm in a chaotic world, and a school setting that says welcome, let’s learn. All children should be educated in a space that helps them thrive and reach their highest potential.

Because we believe every child deserves a learning environment that empowers them, we encourage you to vote “Yes” on May 5. This bond is our chance to tell these families: Your child matters. Your child’s education, safety, and dignity are worth our investment. Together, we can change the trajectory of these children’s lives. Let’s build a future where every student in our community has a place. Find out details about the proposal at www.inghamisd.org.

Kellie Dean, Lyn Beekman and Rocco Rucinski are co-chairs of the Ingham ISD Special Education Bond advocacy campaign.