D31 Teacher: Save Our Nationally-Recognized Schools
A Northbrook resident and D31 teacher shares her 'deep concern' regarding the March 20th referendum vote.
Dear Editor,
I am writing today out of deep concern. As you know, District 31 greatly needs to pass a referendum and election day is just a week away! I have been teaching for 15 years and am in my 8th year working at Field School, where I see great things happening every day.
When I arrive every morning, I am greeted by the sound of our incredible school band practice. I also see students in the library before school starts studying and using the valuable resources it provides including computer access. Currently, our students enjoy a nice selection of fine and applied arts courses. However, those were scaled back a few years ago as part of a budget reduction in order to pay back millions of dollars in refunded property taxes to Allstate Insurance.
I work with incredible colleagues who provide a nationally recognized, Blue Ribbon education for our students. All day long our classrooms are buzzing with exciting opportunities for learning. At this time of year after school, I see kids at play practice, eagerly learning their lines for their upcoming performances. Last Friday, I brought my 4-year old son to watch our undefeated 6th grade boys volleyball game.
Why am I concerned? This should be typical and standard of any school yet all of the things I just mentioned stand to be severely impacted by cuts if our referendum fails! This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what else is on the chopping block. How can this be happening?
The facts are out there and are really quite simple. Please visit www.savedistrict31.com for all referendum related factual information. Then, please go to the polls on March 20 and vote 'yes' to maintain academic excellence and a strong community with solid property values.
Sincerely,
Pam Wolney
Northbrook resident
D31 teacher
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Ed60062
8:50 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012
The real problem is not Allstate. The problem is that we have so many school districts in Northbrook. The result is that one large tax contributor has a major effect on a small district. Consolidating districts would spread the risk as well as reducing overhead expense. I would be interested in reasons for continuing the current system.
Rich Parks
10:33 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
I feel that the letter from the teacher is somewhat self-serving. House values are not going to plumet if District 31 merged with 27 or 30. Have the teachers or the administration taken pay cuts to show their support? NO Can resident keep taking tax increases with $4.00+ gasoline and grocery prices increasing. Companies disappear all the time and no one is the worse for wear. Do you miss Pan AM, EASTERN etc...I think it is time to vote NO.
Pam
10:51 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
If the district merges with 27, 28, 30, or 34 ( all of the closest districts) then taxpayers in 31 will automatically assume the rate of whatever district they become. 27 and 30 have the highest limiting tax rate in the township. This rate increase will be automatic. Also, the way current law is set up, all districts involved in a dissolution or consolidation must vote for it by majority. Not very likely to happen.