Make the right call on Big Hollow
The leadership of the Big Hollow School District, with community support, has managed to build on time and on budget a campus to house the exploding student enrollment that has tripled from 500 to 1,500 in just a few years.
With enrollment growth outpacing revenue growth, the district has judiciously managed its per-pupil operational expenses consistent with two facts: (1) Big Hollow draws 75 percent of its total operating revenues from local funding, and 2) Big Hollow has the lowest operational tax rate in the area. Per-pupil expenditures are now the lowest in all of Lake County and more than $2,300 below the state average. The paltry district expenditures per pupil reflect the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility, but they are not good for our children.
It is under these circumstances that the district leadership has been forced to cut school services, cut programs, and increase fees in an incremental manner over the last several years.
Preserving educational essentials while seeking more appropriate funding levels has been the balancing act facing district leadership. With mounting debt, continuing enrollment growth, and an inadequate local revenue stream, this year the district was forced to issue a hiring freeze and slash music, art, and computer programs.
Even in this challenging real estate market, the district has procured a $5 million pending offer on its old-campus property, which helps but does not solve the operational revenue shortfall. Clearly, this district has managed its resources to the best of its ability while making some tough decisions in demonstrating fiscal responsibility and leadership to the community's benefit.
On a shoestring budget, one is not afforded the luxury of hiring PR firms, Web site designers, or purchasing informational advertisements to educate the public on the current crisis. Thus, outside of the sparsely attended public school board meetings, the multiple referendum requests become the default communication vehicle and face of the district.
Rather than blame district leadership for financial mismanagement and a lack of planning, residents should take some time to learn the facts at either www.bighollow.us or www.supportbighollow.org.
One may disagree with the district's actions, dislike the leadership style, not have a single child in the district, and still appreciate the immediate unmet financial and educational needs of Big Hollow. We cannot ignore current realities, rely on our past perceptions, and make it someone else's problem. Leadership is not about making the convenient choices, but it is about making informed decisions. True community supporters are helping restore the tradition of a quality education by voting YES for the Big Hollow Referendum.
Phil Carter
Co-Chair,
Big Hollow Referendum Committee
Round Lake