District 128 candidates talk about economy, school finances
Although it hasn't had to cut staff or programs because of economic pressures like some other area school districts, the Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District board must keep an eye on its finances, candidates for the panel say.
Five candidates are running for four seats in the April 7 election. All seats have 4-year terms.
The candidates are newcomer Stephen B. Arthur, incumbent Patrick Groody, newcomer Karen C. Lundstedt, incumbent Ellen E. Mauer, and first-time school candidate Ann E. Oakley.
Oakley now serves on the Cook Memorial Public Library board and is seeking re-election to that panel, too.
The candidates talked about many issues in questionnaires for the Daily Herald. Here are their answers to a question about the economy. Answers may have been edited for grammar.
Q. The economy is slipping, and property-tax revenue could start decreasing soon if it hasn't already. Where should the board look for additional revenue? Where should it look to make budget cuts?
Arthur: I do not know enough yet about additional revenue streams, but the budget cuts must start now, this year.
Groody: First, it will be important to assess what opportunities exist to reduce district spending without significantly compromising our academic and extracurricular programs. As we have in the past, we should look for additional opportunities to work with neighboring districts to leverage our spending power. We've been extremely successful doing this in the past in the transportation area and we should seek other opportunities to do so. We should continue to look for opportunities to raise money through private sources. Our district has been extremely successful completing significant capital projects in both fine arts and athletics due to the generous donations of local residents and businesses. We are extremely fortunate that this is the case.
Lundstedt: The board should continue to look for opportunities to partner with corporate and private funding when possible. Within the district they should have each department look to cut waste, consolidate spending and take care to make sure each new hire is essential to maintaining excellence in the education of the students.
Mauer: Tax revenue is projected to decrease a great deal next year and we are already preparing for this. The board and administration of District 128 have prepared a wonderful document outlining the costs we need monthly to continue to operate the district, as well as the costs we will have to incur to replace everything in both buildings as it becomes necessary. This gives us a clear picture of where we stand and what the effects are when we either postpone a project or move up a project. (As for) additional revenue, it is highly unlikely we will ever see that from the state, and our local taxpayers already foot most of the bill, so asking them for additional revenue is not the solution. We have a new foundation that will be able to supplement the budget for certain kinds of projects once it gets off the ground. But that, too, is highly unlikely to be able to donate large sums of money for regular operating expenses. Talking about budget cuts is very premature and one board member cannot make that kind of statement alone. It takes all of us together to have a discussion and gather community and staff input before any such decision can be made. Simply picking portions of the budget to slash without really researching where those dollars go and how it will affect students would be irresponsible.
Oakley: With tax revenue growth starting to decrease and costs trending higher, the answer to where to look for additional revenue or make budget cuts is a very complex issue. It would require input from teachers, staff, administration, the board and the community as to what they think they could do without compromising the quality of education.