Say no again to school referendum

The Board of Education for District 200 has put a Jefferson School referendum on the ballot again. This is the third time in the last few years. In both previous votes, the community said no. The board has continued to look for a way to spend our tax dollars anyway. Their latest plan was to build a new school without a referendum. Maybe they hoped we weren't paying attention.

Just like they hope we aren't paying attention to the referendum, which reads in part "build and equip a new early childhood center without levying a separate, special property tax." With the new teachers' contract, the five-year budget projects a $21 million-dollar deficit. Where are they going to get the money to pay for this new school? With a tax increase in the future that they just won't call a "separate, special property tax."

According to district documents, they will use a 20-year $14 million lease and $1.5 million in cash. Payments will include up to $1.2 million in interest each year. Over the 20-year lease for this new building, that could mean it will cost us tax payers up to $39.5 million.

We don't have $39.5 million in extra money sitting around. They will raise our taxes. The board needs to be more fiscally responsible with our money. Vote on Nov. 6 and vote no to the Jefferson referendum.

James King

Wheaton