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Mayor Juracek says yes to District 57 tax hike

After careful consideration, I reluctantly conclude that the only responsible vote on Mount Prospect Elementary District 57's Preservation Referendum is YES.

Reluctant because I open each year's tax bill with trepidation, knowing that I will be signing a hefty check.

As mayor I understand that we leaders need to do our utmost to reduce property tax burdens. However, these are the incontrovertible facts:

• Illinois is at the bottom in education funding. Newly enacted legislation is a step in the right direction but falls far short. This forces an inordinate reliance on property taxes to fund our schools - two-thirds of property taxes go to education.

• District 57 taxpayers have enjoyed a lower tax rate than our neighboring districts for years - its rate is under 3 percent while District 26's is over 4 percent. Even with the proposed increase, District 57's rate will remain among the lowest.

• District 57 is very small, with the lowest equalized assessed valuation (EAV) among our neighbors - the village is strategically focused on improving the EAV with the tools at its disposal, but that alone cannot make up the shortfall.

• District 57 is achieving remarkable results while spending $3,500-$7,000 less per pupil than its neighbors. The requested increase still results in the lowest spend per student. It has been squeezing value out of every dollar.

It's been 29 years since voters approved a funding increase for District 57. There is nothing left to squeeze. Program cuts will harm not only District 57 students, but Prospect High School into which District 57 feeds.

Mount Prospect is experiencing a surge in young families, driven largely by the quality of our schools. A YES vote is an investment in our community that protects our schools and our property values.

Mayor Arlene A. Juracek

Mount Prospect

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