Glen Ellyn schools deserve your support

As a parent and former owner of an early learning center, I am mindful of District 41's needs to provide for responsible building care, ADA accessibility, secure and safe environments, and eliminate portables.

Clearly, efforts to repair leaking roofs, add additional handicap accessible restrooms, and a secure and safe entrance at Churchill are examples of appropriate improvement expenditures for a District that is recognized for its excellence.

I am also keenly aware that much of what supports our tax base is the Village's attractiveness to households raising families. In communities such as ours, municipal budgets are inextricably linked to property values. While I recognize that it is important to keep control of tax increases by guarding against unnecessary expenditures, it's also essential to support those elements that define our character and identity. I feel the schools represent a very large part of whom and what we are in Glen Ellyn.

Starting in 2001, 32 portable classrooms were installed throughout the district. In 2014, 22 portables were eliminated at the elementary schools and replaced with new additions. To date, 10 portables still remain at Hadley Junior High.

Additionally, during a 10-year Life Safety review, which the State of Illinois requires districts to conduct, it was determined that specific facility life safety needs be completed within a five-year time period.

With pass school bonds due to expire and interest rates still at historic lows, this is an ideal time to consider addressing these needs. Additionally, with the new $24.2 million bond being lower than the current expiring bonds, Community members will see a decrease in their portion of the District 41 taxes.

Voting will take place on April 4, 2017. I'm asking that people vote yes for our children and our community.

Wendy Karnick

Glen Ellyn