COVID-19 tax break

With District 214 having only online remote learning beginning the 2020-2021 school year, there should be an immediate reduction in allocated property taxes.

With decreased use of facilities, utilities, supplies, food stuffs, staff and some teacher costs (Physical Education teachers, aides), this should result in reductions in taxation requirements. Just as automobile insurance companies have reduced monthly premiums due to reduced miles driven due to COVID-19, school districts should react the same way with a reduction in budget and taxation requirements.

Education should be considered essential and teachers should be front-line workers with safe in-person teaching just like other countries have successfully implemented, even with higher death rates.

Student and teacher deaths under age 65 with COVID-19 are less than that of the flu. Teacher union and parent complaints of unsafe conditions in school do not appear in Europe or many other countries. COVID-19 is dangerous but quality education is more important and in-person teaching is far more effective and costs more than remote learning.

Richard T. Bernardi

Prospect Heights