District 15's new tax levy is out of line

A deteriorating economy, job losses, Cook County tax increases, an exploding federal deficit; all foster a gloomy economic picture. One would hope District 15 school board members would not pile on. They did.

In December, our District 15 Board of Education passed a tax levy of 15 percent. This tax levy is the only double digit tax levy passed in the last four years. Tax levies over the past four years, during less threatening economic times, were only 3.9 percent to 7.91 percent.

While state law caps the tax levy to the lower of either 5 percent or the rate of inflation, the excessive tax levy projects a school board mindset that the taxpayer has endless funds. This 15 percent tax levy is hardly a "harmless number," as one of the board members claimed nonchalantly. Neighboring boards have demonstrated an understanding of the taxpayer finances and have held their levy to reasonable amounts.

Many thanks to District 15 board members Kelly Keenan and Tim Millar who tried their best to hold the 2009 tax levy at an appropriate percentage, one which will promote and protect the education of our children as well as respect the plight of the taxpayer. Why our school board would pass a double digit levy in this economy defies rational explanation.

Taxpayers understand the burden of these governing bodies and the difficult decisions they must make. Elected officials must change their perception of a taxpayer with the funds to rescue (aka bailout) every budget. Elected officials should make tough economic decisions during tough economic times.

Lisa Cadwallader Neal

Rolling Meadows