Dist. 220 should manage money like I have to
My wife and I are part of a significant senior population in CUSD 220. I have been retired for over 18 years and during this period my purchasing power has declined approximately 40 percent.
The current economic environment has affected citizens with hardships. The school board needs to view the current financial situation with circumstances which are difficult to keep in balance.
I'm referring to our income and expenses. We are forced to keep expenses equal or lower than our income. This is very basic. In my 42 years in business and 35 years as a manager, our corporation never approved expense plans exceeding its income.
As an individual I must plan my budget the same way. I understand that the revenue or income from taxes decreased this year and I'm guessing that the district will be faced with several more years of declining assessments and thus reduced income.
Keeping income and expense in balance is very basic and I was pleased to read that Mr. Sauer (recently elected) declined to vote his approval of the teachers contract. I realize I do not have an in-depth understanding of the teacher compensation. I believe that the state of Illinois politicians along with the unions are responsible for the dilemma that we find our selves faced with.
With most major considerations, TIMING is an important factor. This is a no-brainer. There is almost always a right time or wrong time to implement changes of this kind. I view the union to be selfish and rigid, to insist on an increase to the teacher compensation regardless of the pay issue.
This is not the right time to fix inequities if they exist. Furthermore, most of the board of education members have children in the CUSD 220 school and I believe that there is definitely a possibility of being conflicted with making decisions of this kind.
I further feel that leadership on the part of the school board is essential to provide a strong influence with the teachers and their union. This situation will undoubtedly have an influence with future referendums.
Roger Owens
Barrington