Guard your taxes: Monitor elected officials

I am a school board member and I am accountable.

I am a school board member. The elementary district I represent receives around 37 percent of your property taxes; the high school district in my town, around 34 percent. Combined we are the largest beneficiaries of your property taxes.

My children belong to the district which I represent. I want the best education for them, which includes good programs and excellent staff. The struggle I face is the same as yours; I don’t know how much longer I can afford to give my children an education in my beloved community given the increases in my property taxes over the years.

I know many families, senior citizens, single/double/triple income households; we are all feeling the painful pinch of this economy. Can school districts live within the means in which you provide us? Some would say “no” given the substantial increases every year.

The fact is, school district can live within the means you provide, but it’s going to take your help to see that it happens. Do not assume school boards will be responsible with your money. Do not assume school boards have explored every possible way to reduce costs without affecting students, staff, and programs. Do not write school boards a blank check.

Hold us accountable to you, after-all, you are who we represent. Get involved by coming to a board meeting. Require us to be fiscally responsible. You can make a difference. Show up. Write a letter. Make us hear you.

If we don’t represent you in the most responsible, ethical, and reasonable way, come April 2013, vote for those who will.

Shannon Smigielski

Grayslake