Jacobs students learn about government from local representatives

More than 40 Jacobs High School students enrolled in Steven Stukenberg's AP and Honors government courses demonstrated their commitment to education by attending a legislative forum hosted by state Rep. Mike Tryon and state Sen. Karen McConnaughay on Oct. 30 at the Jacobs High School auditorium.

Students watched Rep. Tryon's and Sen. McConnaughay's presentation demonstrating the potential impact of recently proposed legislation. Upon the conclusion of the presentation, students had an opportunity to ask area legislators and a panel of local superintendents and chief financial officers, including District 300 Superintendent Fred Heid and Chief Financial Officer Susan Harkin, a series of questions moderated by Rep. Tryon.

The legislative forum provided Stukenberg's students with the opportunity to experience their curriculum in a real world environment.

"In AP and Honors government, we have been discussing the legislative process and the upcoming election," Stukenberg said.

"As a teacher, I feel it is important to create opportunities for students to apply our government curriculum to the real world. The SB 16 forum was that great opportunity for the students to evaluate the realities of the bill writing process, the complexities of this process and, ultimately how it would affect their education.

"The students expressed that they enjoyed hearing from the various speakers and gained an overall appreciation of the various factors in financing the schools of Illinois."

After the forum, Stukenberg and his students posed for a picture with Rep. Tryon, Sen. McConnaughay, Superintendent Heid and members of the District 300 Board of Education, including Joseph Stephens and Steve Fiorentino.