School funding bill rough on suburbs

Pending in Springfield is a bill which seeks to alter the way our schools are funded. Under this bill the majority of the state funding received by suburban communities, such as nearly all schools in DuPage County, is going to be taken away and given to other school districts primarily located in Chicago, Cook County and a few other downstate communities.

In DuPage County, approximately 90 pecent of a school funding comes from local property taxes.

SB 231 seeks, in part, to create new funding formulas redistributing state funds away from areas that pay higher property taxes to schools located in faraway communities.

In Bensenville and Wood Dale, our high school, Fenton, will lose approximately $1.35 million annually while our grade school will lose an additional $2 million annually.

School administrators, whose schools are losing millions in state funding, believe SB 231 will force them to either significantly raise property taxes or significantly reduce staff and programs. A true solution is possible but not without a truly comprehensive approach and reviewing unfunded mandates upon the schools should be reviewed prior to change the school funding formals.

An alternative plan was proposed by the governor that fully funds the schools for one year allowing lawmakers the ability to create a comprehensive solution that addresses other possible cost savings measures, such as re-evaluating unfunded mandates and pension reform, before changing the funding formulas.

To close, I am reminded of a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in."

Contact state elected officials and let them know how you feel about SB 231.

Frank J. Soto, President

Village of Bensenville