Don't brag about spending less here

I am writing concerning a recent newsletter from the Warren Township High School Board. The letter touted how Warren Township District 121 is spending less money per student than many of the surrounding areas. While I fully understand and appreciate the need to manage public funds efficiently, do we really think that spending less money per student than the surrounding areas is a good thing? In this dire global economy one message that has been consistent has been the need for improved education and yet in Warren Township they are bragging that they are spending less on our children. I would hardly call this a long-term vision for our community.

In addition I suspect that the board has not thought through the impact they are having on property prices. When people with kids are looking to move, one factor they will typically research is dollar spent per student. The towns with the lower amounts are immediately struck off the list. Note that I do realize there are other school performance measures, however, as someone who has moved over the past few years, and after talking to many friends in similar situations, the number one measure when looking to move is dollars spent per pupil. So once again, Warren Township is sacrificing the long-term prosperity of our community in order to win a few short-term pats on the back.

This is not the type of leadership our community needs if we are to succeed in the long term.

Chris Beard

Gurnee