Lack of leadership led to U-46 mess

As a graduate of U-46 schools and the son of a district school nurse, I have seen first hand the repercussions of budget gaps in the district. I was a freshman at Bartlett High on the eve of Marv Edwards' debt abandonment, when my band instructor was getting nervous about our program getting cut. Shortly after my brother's graduation, I watched as Connie Neale held the school board hostage on the taxpayers' dime.

Five years removed from my last days in U-46 classrooms, I see a district still suffering from a leadership deficit. Superintendent Jose Torres seems to think he can cut his way out of the deficit problem, laying out cuts that need to be made but not being willing to push for a responsible solution that includes new state revenue.

Torres has spoken publicly about the intent to make deep budget cuts but hasn't publicly supported any efforts to raise new state revenue with an increased income tax. It is my understanding that the state of Illinois has been passing the buck for decades, leaving students across the state with a less-than-stellar public education system and massive debt. Having our district superintendent hide behind half-truths while not fully educating taxpayers on this issue seems to epitomize his lack of leadership.

While message boards across the district truthfully proclaim Illinois owes U-46 $13 million, Dr. Torres seems content with the current situation. If he will not publicly lead his school board, the unions, parents and every taxpayer to come together to force Springfield to raise new revenue now, our district will only continue to underserve our community. Ultimately, the foundation of our state's future is only as strong as its public education, and its state and local leadership.

Ian Neitzke

Bartlett