District 15 should control spending

Today, I received my (District 15) FY2008 Financial Report Card. I appreciate receiving consolidated financial information that impacts my family and my wallet.

Two things jump out at me when reviewing the data.

• Our expenses are planned to exceed revenue each year for the next five years -- approximately a total of $35 million greater. Executing on this plan would consume about 70 percent of our $49 million reserves.

• Our expense per student is planned to increase by about 40 percent over the decade 2001-2011 while our student population is planned to decrease about 10-12 percent during the same period. This is growth in cost per student above and beyond inflation while enrollment declines. This doesn't make sense.

I believe that we should provide an excellent education for our children. I think we are achieving this today. I also believe that we should be fiscally responsible and that we should manage our expenses within the constraints of our available funds.

When you make the case to the community about how you are planning on spending all of our money, you should tell us why you are making decisions that we as individuals would not make. Why do you plan to spend beyond our means each year for the next five years? You mention in the report card buses and technology as driving forces. These are not optional items and must be considered as regular budget items.

It seems to me that our cost per student should stay roughly in line with inflation and that if our enrollment decreases, we should look at keeping the infrastructure appropriately sized for the population we need to educate.

Please consider my opinions when you make these decisions. Responses are certainly welcome.

Rob Coleman

Palatine