Join 'Drinks & Dialogue' on school district consolidation Aug. 24
Can school district consolidation increase the quality and cost-effectiveness of local schools? Join the next "Drinks & Dialogue" on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at Wolfden Brewing Company in Bloomingdale.
Join the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale in this event around "Issues in School District Consolidation" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the outdoor tent at 112 W. Lake St. in Bloomingdale.
It will feature an informal presentation by Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, a non-partisan government research organization working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in Illinois. Msall will begin his presentation at 6 p.m.
The League will use the event to share information and to gather local input prior to conducting a study of the possible financial and educational outcomes of district consolidation.
The large number of local governments in Illinois are often cited as a driving factor for Illinois' high property tax rate. Local school districts typically make up the largest share of a property owner's tax bill. As of July 1, 2021, there were 852 public school districts in Illinois - the third highest number of school districts in the nation. Only Texas and California have more school districts, however, their populations are more than double the population of Illinois.
The topic is timely given that House Bill 7, the Classrooms First Act, with 18 bipartisan sponsors, unanimously passed the Illinois House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee.
The bill called for community referendums on consolidating local school district administration and redirecting the resulting administrative savings to direct classroom spending. In April 2021, HB7 failed to pass a House vote but the vote record showed sufficient support and local communities are able to address the issue on their own.
Come sample Wolfden Brewing Company's offerings while learning if school district consolidation can increase the quality and cost-effectiveness of our schools. Wolfden offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. The League supports a cooperative and transparent process around any government consolidation initiative and encourages citizen input, understanding, and review.
This event is open to the public and attendees do not need to become League members to attend. They will be following the most current Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 guidance for outdoor events.
There is limited parking in front of Wolfden, a large lot at the northwest corner of Third and Schick, and plenty of street parking nearby.
For more information about other League's events and monthly meetings, contact Roberta Borrino at (630) 283-2894.
Formed in 2012, the League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale provides information on topics that impact our local, state, and federal government. The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience and more than 800 local and state affiliations, the League is one of America's most trusted grassroots organizations. The League does not support, endorse or oppose political candidates. Membership in the League is open to people ages 16 and over.
For more information about the League's events and monthly meetings, or to become a member of the League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale, visit www.lwvrb.org or contact Roberta Borrino at (630) 283-2894. Follow www.facebook.com/lwvrb or www.instagram.com/lwvrosellebloomingdale.
For more information on the League of Women Voters of the United States, visit www.lwv.org, or for the League of Women Voters of Illinois, visit www.lwvil.org.