Why Dist. 203 board causes consternation

I attended a recent Naperville Township Republican Committee school board forum and I found myself wondering, “What is it about the District 203 school board that causes me consternation, despite the high test scores?” I really would like to feel better about them since they receive about 80 percent of my property taxes.

Three things came to mind: First, the board's internal dynamics are dysfunctional. It appears that the board has a distorted need to create unanimous viewpoints, and those that stray are severely ostracized. Those with political views that vary from the board majority are oft-treated with minimal respect. This lack of diversity and acceptance is alarmingly given the fact that the School Board races are meant to be nonpartisan.

Second, the board has a habit of distorting its own guidelines/advice to fit its agendas. The latest example? Surpluses (which by definition are over-collections of taxes). The board has a policy/guideline setting surpluses at 10 percent of spending, yet currently the surplus is approaching 18 percent of spending and will grow to almost 30 percent of spending by 2017. Now, I have heard of “rainy day” savings, but this feels more like a monsoon.

Third, the issue of transparency. The board claims transparency, but the proof does not match the rhetoric. Examples? Has anyone been able to gain website access to the last union agreement? How about the meeting schedule, notes and minutes pertaining to the Citizens Financial Advisory committee? When you get down to it, being told by a board member “... if you have any questions just call me” does not constitute transparency, just favorable political access.

I believe thoughtful dissent and transparency are good things to have on a representative board. I also have a right to feel good about my vote, and luckily I will have a chance to do just that this April.

Bob Swininoga

Naperville