CPS woes solvable by tax increase

In a recent editorial Ralph Martire stated that the Chicago Public Schools do not have enough money to pay for its schools. I believe that by raising property taxes in Chicago some of that shortfall can be eliminated.

Chicago has one of the lowest property taxes in Illinois and that some of the other shortfall can come from the state. The pension contribution of the Chicago schools should be investigated since the Chicago system is the only entity in Illinois that pays a pension contribution for its teachers.

Chicago residents are paying twice: once for their own pension system and secondly, through state taxes pay for the pensions of rest of the of teachers in Illinois. The CPS has not completely exhausted its own tax resources to pay for CPS expenses and there needs to be some resolution of double taxing Chicago citizens in regards to teacher pensions in Illinois.

Also, Mr. Martire stated that the Chicago Public Schools gives an inadequate education to its students.

Actually, some of the Chicago schools, especially some high schools, are among the highest performing schools in the state of Illinois on standardized tests.

Stewart E. Brekke

Downers Grove