Residents should act to cut D211 budget

Residents within Township High School District 211 are and should be concerned on why their property tax bills keep going up. Many are angry and may not be sure who is responsible.

The school district is a major contributor to the property tax levy. Approximately 70 percent of your property tax bill goes to pay local school districts. Eighty percent of Township High School District 211's budget of $220 million goes toward salary and benefits. The average teacher's salary is $93,000 per year and is the 3rd highest in the state - yet academically the schools rank 69th.

(Since) 2005, (when) District 211 convinced taxpayers to approve an increase to the levy our schools have fallen academically compared to the rest of the state. (Illinois State Report Card). More money does not equal a better education.

If all teachers and "administrators" were willing to take across the board reductions in salaries and benefits, layoffs could be avoided. As professionals they should all be willing to chip in their fair share. Education is about the children, "right"?

Property taxpayers in this school district can no longer afford these sky-high labor costs. The D211 administration and school board have found some areas to trim the budget, but no mention of concessions of salary and benefits or even a pay freeze.

If individual citizens don't call, our 2009 and 2010 property tax levy will certainly increase. The most recent tax levy went up $1.2 million despite the recession/depression and it will happen again if we don't get involved.

If you want to get involved and are mad about your property taxes call or write Superintendant Nancy Robb, nrobb@d211.org or (847) 755-6610.

The $220 million budget needs to be CUT!

Given the current business climate, record foreclosures and 13 percent unemployment in Illinois, budget cuts are needed, fiscally responsible and reflect economic reality.

John Parker

Schaumburg