Price of ‘pork’

Voters were asked to vote on a referendum to increase taxes to fund state-mandated full day kindergarten in 2025. The increase would add $145 per $100,000 of your home's value. The referendum failed for the second time. Why — Poor promotion of the requirement and the addition of “pork” items such as security upgrades, windows, doors and siding for the 4 district schools.

My question is: What would the taxpayer burden be to make Eisenhower school accessible for full day kindergarten and eliminating the extras that were added? I am fairly certain it would pass if the increase was in the $50-$60 range without the grab all extra additions.

Martin Marcella

Prospect Heights