District 211 must live within its means

The prior year's levy was $193.6 million. The next year's levy is $194.8 million. That is an increase of $1.2 million. Sorry for being blunt, but that's simply NOT a reduction in the levy.

My point is that we, and the school district, have to live within our means. The unemployment rate in Schaumburg has increased. Meanwhile the value of homes has decreased. We are being hit at both ends. Where is the increased wage needed to pay for the increase?

At times like this, the reasonable thing to do is to do with less and cut costs. I cannot afford the "highest quality" automobile, car, or restaurant. I buy what I can afford.

While we may disagree as to what the "highest quality" in our education system may be, it is irresponsible to aim for your perception of "highest quality" without considering the public's ability to pay for it. The board has to do the best with the money it has. Personally, I don't think a higher levy translates to a higher quality education.

The basic concept that we disagree on, is that the board will increase the levy as it sees fit and pass the buck onto the taxpayers as it sees fit. That's not being responsive to the financial reality of our community.

John Parker

Schaumburg