Dist. 211 fails to deliver on 2005 promises
Promises made to the citizens of D211 regarding the 2005 tax levy and what was actually delivered:
The Superintendent's contract goals were directed at two school board goals: Increasing student learning and restoring fiscal strength. "Can you provide the leadership necessary to cause D211 to be one of the very best in the country by 2007?"
The superintendent said, Palatine, Fremd and Schaumburg High were named in the top 99 schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The superintendent said the recommendation is centered upon a very clear goal: Continuing the tradition of educational excellence while, being fair and advantageous to taxpayers. We must communicate to taxpayers clear reasons for our fiscal challenges and a clear plan for how the monies from the referendum will be used.
The superintendent said the debt was structured so that D211 will be debt free in 2008.
1. Fiscal strength: Before the levy of 2005, we were $30,291,000. in debt. After the Tax Increase, we are $41,820, 000 in debt, a $11,529, 000 or 37 percent increase.
2. Regarding, Palatine, Fremd, and Schaumburg High Schools being among the top 99 High Schools in the Country: The January issue of U.S. News and World Report doesn't rank any D211 Schools in the top 100.
3. Being fair and advantageous to taxpayers: Is $11.529, 000 more in debt advantageous to taxpayers? Our homes have decreased in value yet our property taxes have soared, 70 percent of our property tax money goes to D211 and D54.
4. Clear plan for how the monies from a referendum will be used: According to a recent study on transparency by the Illinois Policy Institute District 211 received a score of 27 out of a possible 100. A score of 27 does not put the district in a position of stating anything clearly to anyone.
D211 failed to deliver on the promises it made. I hope in the future, "the 2010 tax levy", we can work together more responsibly.
John Parker
Schaumburg