Residents' Letter Raises Concerns Over District 65's Fiscal Direction

To: Taxpayers

Re:  Concerns over Property Taxes and the Governance of Lake Bluff Schools

Over the last few months, a number of residents have expressed a series of concerns about the governance and financial direction of our elementary school district. They have written letters and spoken at school board meetings, firmly and respectfully making their points and requesting a dialogue with school board members about these issues. But they have received no response from the Board.

It is time for the wider community to become aware of the following matters relating to the leadership and direction of our Lake Bluff school district and their impact on our property taxes, the value of our homes, and the quality and reputation of our schools.

•  The “SAVE” provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement give the union (the “Teachers’ Council”) unilateral control over the expenditure of 60 percent of the Education Fund, the largest portion of the school budget. This abdication of management control over school expenditures appears to be unique to Lake Bluff. The superintendent, who has taken the position that this arrangement is illegal and should not be continued in the new contract, is suddenly leaving Lake Bluff, after just two years, to take a new position. The Board had earlier taken the highly questionable step of excluding him from negotiating sessions with the council.
• In the past 10 years, property taxes paid to District 65 have increased by 120.9 percent, almost twice as fast as taxes paid to all other local taxing bodies, which have risen 65.7 percent. District 65’s share of the total bill is now 41.4 percent.
• In just three years, the ratio of staff to students has mushroomed, going from 1 staff member for every 16 students, to 1 for every 11 students. During that same period, teacher salary expense has increased by 22.4 percent. Even now, the Board is considering staff and program expansions on top of those recently added.
• Taxes and expenses have risen dramatically, while enrollment has declined from 1,120 in 2005 to 950 students today.
• Recent Boards have replaced school management as fast as they have hired them, with more than a dozen superintendents and principals and their assistants passing through the revolving door in just a few years.  The Board is now likely to hire an interim superintendent who, as a retiree from another Illinois district, will be limited to working 100 days, leaving the Board and its president running the day-to-day operation of our schools.
• As the result of top-heavy staff and other unnecessary expenses, District 65 faces deficits within three years in each of its operating funds. Without a sharp change in direction by the new Board, they will no doubt be asking us to approve yet another referendum tax increase.

*Figures were gathered from the School District website and State Report Card. The SAVE Agreement is posted at www.LakeBluffSDFinancial.com.

We ask you to contact the Board members at the following e-mail addresses to express your views and also to let us know of your willingness to add your voice to those concerned about the direction of District 65. Critical negotiations are currently underway with the Teachers’ Council, and the “SAVE” agreement provisions are a centerpiece of the discussions.

The District 65 School Board

Mary Jane Brady (President) – fmbmjb@aol.com

Terry Kearney (Vice President) – terrencekearney@hotmail.com

Al Fifhause (Secretary) – al@greatspirit.com

Mark Barry – markbarrylbd65@gmail.com – new member

Leigh Ann Charlot – ldanacharlot@gmail.com – new member

Susan Rider-Porter – susanriderporter@comcast.net – new member

Eric Waggoner – ewaggoner1@gmail.com

Only concerted action by a large group of residents can bring a change in the direction the Board has recently taken. At least, we need to begin by opening up a dialogue with them. There are three new board members, and we are hopeful that they can be persuaded to help change course.

For more information, visit www.LakeBluffSDFinancial.com.  You may also reach us by e-mail at admin@LakeBluffSDFinancial.com.

Many thanks for your interest, and please let us – and the Board – hear from you.

Sincerely,

Concerned Lake Bluff Taxpayers

Ed Holstein, Dave McElvain, Bill Minor, Neil Dahlmann, Bob Troyer, David Forlow, David Barkhausen, Kathy O’Hara, George Covington, Bill/Pat Price, Bob Bednar, David/Ann Considine,  Dennis/Fran Letham,  Dick/Judy Powell,  Marc/Nancy Wallace,  Michael/Julie Eckert,  Michael/Martha Laughlin,  Mike Clark, Phil/Pat Hannon, Pony Swanton,  Robert Swee, Thomas/Helen Kerf,  Marshal Reavis,  Jeff/Carol Grossman,  Scott/Liz Bermingham,  John Swee, Chris/Rob Letchinger, Carolyn Wright, Joe Swee, William Swee, Tom Pasquesi, Fred Walcott, John/Mary Kinzer