Letter: Board has solid record on finances

As a taxpayer who lives within CUSD 200 boundaries, I took issue with Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess' recent statement that the Green Slate running for school board will provide a "renewed emphasis on ... fiscal oversight to the district." His statement implies that fiscal oversight has been lacking. To be fair, Mayor Suess has no oversight on matters that have to do with district policy, procedure or finances. Perhaps Mayor Suess has forgotten or is unaware of the current fiscal stewardship in place:

• 13 consecutive years of balanced budgets;

• Six consecutive years of the highest financial rating possible for Illinois school districts;

• Operating expense per student consistently below State average;

• Standard & Poor's rating of AA+ Stable Outlook - 2nd highest level possible;

• Completed restructuring of debt to achieve $9.8 million future tax avoidance;

• Major contractual expenses annually indexed to CPI;

• Six-year investment of $45 million in facility updates without issuing debt;

• New Early Childhood Center completed without a debt service levy tax increase.

We don't need a "renewed" emphasis on fiscal responsibility. We need a school board that is able to continue the stewardship that is already in place.

This is one of the reasons I am endorsing Dave Long (incumbent), Julie Kulovits (incumbent), Erik Hjerpe and John Rutledge for CUSD 200 school board. They are informed, experienced and knowledgeable. Follow their posts online. Ask about their backgrounds. They are ready to maintain our district's stellar financial stewardship.

The Green Slate on the other hand, have made it clear that they would like "opt in" policies that ultimately will cost the taxpayers of District 200 thousands of dollars, laying a burden on our district and redirecting funds that should be focused on all aspects of educating our students.

Beatriz McGuire

Wheaton