District 114 deserves tax rate

We are writing in support of the Fox Lake Elementary District 114 referendum on the ballot March 20. We spent 20 years in that district, sending our children to Lotus and Stanton Schools and serving on the PTA and school board. Over the past decade, the schools in that district have accomplished a transformation rarely seen in public education today.

Beginning with a complete revision of staff development and evaluation and continuing with specialized reading and math programs for students in the lower grades, the district has brought state test scores up from the 60 percent range to 89 percent meets or exceeds in reading, math and science.

The staff, community and student body have come together with a focus on enhancing student achievement that would make any district proud. And it is further proof that it’s not all about the money. The district has one of the lowest tax rates in the county and teacher and administrative salaries well below state averages.

We now live in a neighboring district where the board collects $17 million a year in income and spends $20 million every year. Unfortunately that spending hasn’t resulted in any measurable improvement in the education of the children. Irresponsible spending must stop.

District 114 takes in $10 million a year and limits their spending to that amount. Any governmental body in this day and age demonstrating that kind of fiscal responsibility should be rewarded.

The referendum request will not increase tax bills, it is an authorization to reissue bonds that are being paid off. The tax rate will remain the same. Supporting a school district with that kind of track record in economy and achievement makes sense.

Michael and Maxime Lescher

Gurnee