Dist. 57 an asset for all of Mt. Prospect

District 57 has not passed a referendum since 1988, and has among the lowest-paid staff in the 42 districts of the Northwest Cook region.

The district’s revenue is controlled by the Consumer Price Index. Even without a raise greater than the rate of inflation, the district has built balances while collecting $1,300 less per student than the state average, and $3,200 less than neighboring K-8 districts.

When the board mandated a balanced budget this year, facing a $1.5 million deficit, administration cut $700,000 from the 2011-12 budget; the rest could only be realized by staff cuts and raising fees.

Since 2000, D57 has graduated students that, among all district 214 feeder schools, ranked first, second or third 87 percent of the time in entrance tests covering four categories. Since 2009, the district has ranked first in every category. Similarly, ISAT scores place us in the 96th percentile statewide.

A recent letter published by the Herald criticized Superintendent Aumiller for unspecified reasons, and the board for even contemplating a modest, much-needed tax increase. The district strategic plan that Dr. Aumiller created since being hired addresses student success and well-being above all, but also every facet of district operations, and offers a path forward once the economy recovers. Dr. Aumiller has maintained our tradition of academic excellence and thrift in difficult times, and deserves the community’s support.

District 57 residents have enjoyed an outstanding school system while paying less than the cost of a mediocre one. With another large deficit forecast for FY12, everyone living in District 57 should consider the long term impacts of not passing a referendum, and further district budget cuts — on home values, on the village’s appeal to young families, but above all, on our children’s futures.

Michael Berry, president

Mount Prospect District 57 Board of Education