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Dist. 211 to discuss strategic plan in wake of levy criticism

In the wake of criticism from residents over their latest tax levy, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board members plan to discuss a long-deferred strategic plan at their Jan. 15 meeting.

The vote last week to schedule the discussion came after a half dozen residents spoke out against of the district's $216.1 million levy, which represents a 1.7 percent increase over the amount of property tax dollars collected this year.

Schaumburg resident Mark Puchalski criticized the board for using levies to build up funding in advance for capital improvement projects like rebuilt swimming pools at all five high schools, allowing them to avoid seeking voter approval for major expenses. He referred to the practice as "a referendum avoidance strategy."

Board members and administrators defended the levies, saying they have been carefully considered. Superintendent Dan Cates said that for the past six or seven years, the district's levy increases have been only about half as much as legally allowed.

But to do as some residents suggested and keep the levy flat this year would have created a compound loss of $19 million for the district within five years, he added.

Board Member Anna Klimkowicz, who ultimately cast the lone vote against the new levy, suggested that getting a strategic plan on the books would at least give the board and administration something in writing to point to when explaining budgeting and levy decisions.

"I know this is a very difficult decision," she said of the levy vote.

Others said the district's responsibility is to safeguard the educational needs of students as well as to look after the interests of taxpayers.

Because Senate Bill 16 - a potential financial game changer for Illinois school districts - is still pending in Springfield, board member Robert LeFevre questioned finalizing a strategic plan at this time.

Senate Bill 16 proposes reducing the funding disparity among Illinois school districts by allocating more state money to poorer districts at the expense of wealthier ones. District 211 officials say it would cost the district about $8 million annually.

Dist. 211 proposes tax levy for newly uncertain times

Robert LeFevre, District 211 board member
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