|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 12, 2009 14:09:28 GMT -6
Arch...I will tell you that if one of my employees blantently manipulated the facts like these folks, they would be fired in a heartbeat (ie. the attendance numbers and the famous bridge memo that was so erroneous that the park district felt morally required to issue a statement making it clear that contrary to the District's representations, the District never asked if the Park District would maintain the bridge. In fact, in direct conflict with the memo issued by the District in support of its boundry determinations, the Park District confirmed that it in fact would maintain the bridge if asked by the District---ooops ). yep - in my company they're called business conduct guidelines - you sign off on them every year. manipulate data for any reason - adios !
|
|
|
Post by blankcheck on Feb 12, 2009 14:42:30 GMT -6
Hello lurker - welcome!
That is a really good question. From my point of view, we have been throwing this SD a "blankcheck" for years.
If our district is in the same position as Warrenville, given the state of the economy, I would vote no because all along this board has just been throwing more $$$ into a school which probably will not be needed given the current housing market.
Do I realize the schools are crowded - yes I do. Do I realize the lack of opportunity afforded to the students because of this crowded situation - yes I do..because I have one right in the thick of it all.
At some point, we as a district, have to learn to live within our means. We are all doing that right now. We as voters,(although not me) approved a certain dollar amount for our leaders to live within. If they don't do that, it is like the federal government coming in to bailout everyone. So we are suppose to "bailout" of SD? With what?? Have you gone on realtytrac.com to see the forclosures in our area?
I know I sound cold, but I have been taken for a ride one to many times.
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 12, 2009 15:30:17 GMT -6
Hello lurker - welcome! That is a really good question. From my point of view, we have been throwing this SD a "blankcheck" for years. If our district is in the same position as Warrenville, given the state of the economy, I would vote no because all along this board has just been throwing more $$$ into a school which probably will not be needed given the current housing market. Do I realize the schools are crowded - yes I do. Do I realize the lack of opportunity afforded to the students because of this crowded situation - yes I do..because I have one right in the thick of it all. At some point, we as a district, have to learn to live within our means. We are all doing that right now. We as voters,(although not me) approved a certain dollar amount for our leaders to live within. If they don't do that, it is like the federal government coming in to bailout everyone. So we are suppose to "bailout" of SD? With what?? Have you gone on realtytrac.com to see the forclosures in our area? I know I sound cold, but I have been taken for a ride one to many times. And I have to add to my original answer where is all worked out as positive as could be - 4 new members they were open and transparent - and a few more either resigned or were gone in 2 years - I said I would re examine my position. The caveat is as blankcheck states above - it would have to be a need that met the criteria of not living beyond our means any more..something deemed a critical need... I too understand crowding - my oldest was at WVHS when it was at it's peak before and after NV opened & far more crowded than now-- and also at Watts when it had almost twice the students it has now- and before the addition. You know what - we survived unfortunately I bought a bill of goods on 10,400 ( 2000 more than we got) - last time - from some snake oil salesmen if another 10% of the people voted No like BC instead of Yes - we wouldn't be in this mess now-- with an awfully expensive HS that will never be needed and debt refinanced out ad infinitum we might be talking about a new MS - max and redrawing ES school boundaries to utilize the capacity we have
|
|
|
Post by Arch on Feb 12, 2009 16:33:38 GMT -6
They have historically shown that they can spin numbers like they work at Fermi or something... ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
|
|
|
Post by blankcheck on Feb 25, 2009 11:18:56 GMT -6
Schools hope for best, prepare for the worst By Tara Malone and Jo Napolitano | Tribune reporters February 24, 2009 Despite learning that Illinois public schools could receive as much as $3 billion in federal stimulus aid, many of the region's top educators face the next budget cycle as grimly as children in line at a vaccine clinic. They appreciate the influx of money—which is to start flowing within 40 days—and say it could delay difficult cuts. But they don't know how much they will receive or what strings may be attached, and at any rate, the relief will be short-lived. "It's going to be a tight year next year and I think it will be a tight year several years after that," said John Prince, chief financial officer of Elgin District U-46. "It certainly isn't a one-year turnaround." Schools are facing a confluence of recession-related financial woes, including local property tax bases hindered by foreclosures and unpaid bills and the state unable to deliver some of its promised funds. And the trouble could worsen. The growth of many school tax levies is limited by a cap of 5 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. Next year's CPI is expected to fall below 1 percent—much less than the growth of key costs, including energy, health care and previously ratified labor contracts. Given these financial pressures and uncertainty about how much stimulus money will trickle down, school officials from Elgin to Lake Zurich are preparing pink slips to meet a March deadline to notify union workers. Plainfield School District 202 hopes to cut spending by raising class sizes and delaying school construction, said spokesman Tom Hernandez. The far southwest suburban district even hired an investigator to root out children who live outside its boundaries. "The one consistent idea is, 'Don't go counting your eggs just yet.' ... The information is changing from one minute to the next," Hernandez said. For the first time in six years, Valley View School District 365 in Romeoville will release all first-year teachers and aides in case the economic picture does not improve, said spokesman Larry Randa. West Aurora School District 129 expects to borrow $5 million to compensate for a shortfall in funding. Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman Monique Bond said it was premature to discuss specific cuts in the state's largest district but that budgeting was "going to be a challenge." Under the stimulus plan, the federal government will invest $100 billion in public education by 2011, redefining its role in classrooms nationally and raising its contribution from 9 percent of education funding to about 15 percent, according to the Education Commission of the States. The bulk of Illinois' portion—nearly $2 billion—is targeted to prevent layoffs and cuts, and will be filtered through Gov. Pat Quinn's office over the next two years. It is not yet known how the money will be divvied up. The state has launched a Web site about the stimulus at www.recovery.illinois.gov. Most of the rest is dedicated to specific programs, such as those that serve disadvantaged children and those with disabilities. State Supt. Christopher Koch said the Illinois State Board of Education will track how many jobs are created or saved. Meanwhile, parents and staff members may hear about the $3 billion coming to Illinois and anticipate a wave of new programs. The severity of the economic downturn makes that unlikely, said Mike Griffith, a financial analyst with the Education Commission of the States. "The good news is parents likely won't see cuts. The negative news is they're not going to see huge increases in programs," he said. "If you didn't have a state-of-the-art summer school program before, you're probably not going to have one now." Another reason the money may not make a visible splash is that educators are reticent to use short-term funds for long-term programs. "The additional funding . . . would only delay the projected budget deficits unless it is coupled with some type of school funding reform," said Kris Monn, assistant superintendent for finance at Oswego School District 308. www.chicagotribune.com/business/c....0,7380470.story Thought this was an interesting article. And where is our district on financing? ![???](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/huh.png) ??
|
|
|
Post by casey on Feb 25, 2009 11:59:22 GMT -6
I'm very worried where our district is on money. Take a look at D203. The superintendent called out their financial woes and there's no reason to believe that we aren't in a similar if not worse position. Let's face it our District will be facing the same short-falls (declining interest income, flat state and federal funding, 2008 property tax levy is lower, rising insurance costs, etc.). In fact, I'd think that we may even be worse. Given the current real estate market and the fact that little or no new construction is taking place (impacting property tax revenue) and declining property values, I think we're going to be in a world of hurt.
I'm glad to see D203 come out and present their "state of the district" message. I'd like to hope that 204 would soon do the same but I'd guess that it won't be until after SB elections. Let's hope a new SB team can come in and take a top-down look at all costs and help plan for the future. It is critical that we get a whole new team in there to make the many changes we need.
|
|
|
Post by blankcheck on Feb 25, 2009 12:11:44 GMT -6
I am in total agreement with you casey.
|
|
|
Post by JB on Feb 25, 2009 14:10:20 GMT -6
I'm very worried where our district is on money. Take a look at D203. The superintendent called out their financial woes and there's no reason to believe that we aren't in a similar if not worse position. Let's face it our District will be facing the same short-falls (declining interest income, flat state and federal funding, 2008 property tax levy is lower, rising insurance costs, etc.). In fact, I'd think that we may even be worse. Given the current real estate market and the fact that little or no new construction is taking place (impacting property tax revenue) and declining property values, I think we're going to be in a world of hurt. I'm glad to see D203 come out and present their "state of the district" message. I'd like to hope that 204 would soon do the same but I'd guess that it won't be until after SB elections. Let's hope a new SB team can come in and take a top-down look at all costs and help plan for the future. It is critical that we get a whole new team in there to make the many changes we need. I was thinking about this the other day. There have been several articles recently about SD's around the area cutting back, and yet we are full steam ahead with the 3rd hs, spending millions to expedite, and setting ourselves up to incur additional operating expenses when we don't absolutely need it. I'd like our SB / Admin to go through this exercise, identifying where we would need to cut, and really rationalize the 2009 opening of Metea.
|
|
|
Post by Arch on Feb 25, 2009 14:37:08 GMT -6
I wonder how much WV and its land would fetch if they ever needed to true up the finances...
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 25, 2009 15:26:38 GMT -6
I'm very worried where our district is on money. Take a look at D203. The superintendent called out their financial woes and there's no reason to believe that we aren't in a similar if not worse position. Let's face it our District will be facing the same short-falls (declining interest income, flat state and federal funding, 2008 property tax levy is lower, rising insurance costs, etc.). In fact, I'd think that we may even be worse. Given the current real estate market and the fact that little or no new construction is taking place (impacting property tax revenue) and declining property values, I think we're going to be in a world of hurt. I'm glad to see D203 come out and present their "state of the district" message. I'd like to hope that 204 would soon do the same but I'd guess that it won't be until after SB elections. Let's hope a new SB team can come in and take a top-down look at all costs and help plan for the future. It is critical that we get a whole new team in there to make the many changes we need. I was thinking about this the other day. There have been several articles recently about SD's around the area cutting back, and yet we are full steam ahead with the 3rd hs, spending millions to expedite, and setting ourselves up to incur additional operating expenses when we don't absolutely need it. I'd like our SB / Admin to go through this exercise, identifying where we would need to cut, and really rationalize the 2009 opening of Metea. If the $12M cost expenditure has even a shread of truth - it is ridiculous. That would be thru January to open an incomplete school...why ? The disrict is not going to melt between 2009 and 2010 even for those drinking the over crowded kool aid. There are a few pockets of overcrowded yes, but over the last 20 years I have been here- only Sculen ranks with the overcrowding every single area has had at one time or another. What happened to that 'resiliency' I keep hearing preached about with regards to moving schools - less opportunity etc for the class for 2012 ? Stop the madness and open the schol when ready - like EVERY other school in this general area has. Plainfield East was ready 6 months before it iopened - complete. Ditto for everyone else- and they didn't whiz away millions to open a year early. Aldo please include in that calculation the apparent increased transportation costs as they stand today - amazing with what we spent.
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 25, 2009 15:29:17 GMT -6
I wonder how much WV and its land would fetch if they ever needed to true up the finances... I'll bet that number exists somewhere ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
|
|
|
Post by casey on Feb 25, 2009 17:10:33 GMT -6
If the $12M cost expenditure has even a shread of truth - it is ridiculous. That would be thru January to open an incomplete school...why ? The disrict is not going to melt between 2009 and 2010 even for those drinking the over crowded kool aid. There are a few pockets of overcrowded yes, but over the last 20 years I have been here- only Sculen ranks with the overcrowding every single area has had at one time or another. What happened to that 'resiliency' I keep hearing preached about with regards to moving schools - less opportunity etc for the class for 2012 ? Stop the madness and open the schol when ready - like EVERY other school in this general area has. Plainfield East was ready 6 months before it iopened - complete. Ditto for everyone else- and they didn't whiz away millions to open a year early. Aldo please include in that calculation the apparent increased transportation costs as they stand today - amazing with what we spent. Couldn't agree more, doc. The whole economy sucks. People's real estate values are down, unemployment rates are up, stocks are down, taxes are up, 401ks and IRAs have been slashed in half, insurance premiums are sky-rocketing, etc. and we're pissing away $12M for expedited building? I don't get it! Take a look at our neighboring district, Oswego, and you'll discover that they have 2 schools that are sitting vacant this year and won't be opening because they don't have the need due to enrollment declines plus they save millions in operating costs by not opening. That is fiscal responsibility - not throwing good money after bad. I have never understood the crazy rush to open MV in 2009. I have been complaining forever about the fact that we're spending $12M in expedited costs to open an unfinished school that is not even needed. That's just crazy.
|
|
|
Post by twhl on Feb 25, 2009 17:23:31 GMT -6
If the $12M cost expenditure has even a shread of truth - it is ridiculous. That would be thru January to open an incomplete school...why ? The disrict is not going to melt between 2009 and 2010 even for those drinking the over crowded kool aid. There are a few pockets of overcrowded yes, but over the last 20 years I have been here- only Sculen ranks with the overcrowding every single area has had at one time or another. What happened to that 'resiliency' I keep hearing preached about with regards to moving schools - less opportunity etc for the class for 2012 ? Stop the madness and open the schol when ready - like EVERY other school in this general area has. Plainfield East was ready 6 months before it iopened - complete. Ditto for everyone else- and they didn't whiz away millions to open a year early. Aldo please include in that calculation the apparent increased transportation costs as they stand today - amazing with what we spent. Couldn't agree more, doc. The whole economy sucks. People's real estate values are down, unemployment rates are up, stocks are down, taxes are up, 401ks and IRAs have been slashed in half, insurance premiums are sky-rocketing, etc. and we're pissing away $12M for expedited building? I don't get it! Take a look at our neighboring district, Oswego, and you'll discover that they have 2 schools that are sitting vacant this year and won't be opening because they don't have the need due to enrollment declines plus they save millions in operating costs by not opening. That is fiscal responsibility - not throwing good money after bad. I have never understood the crazy rush to open MV in 2009. I have been complaining forever about the fact that we're spending $12M in expedited costs to open an unfinished school that is not even needed. That's just crazy. NCLB ?? Many of us thought it was crazy to buy the BB 25 acres without a ref in place. The rush to build means once it started they were hoping no one could stop it - which admittedly is hard to do.
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 25, 2009 18:05:54 GMT -6
Couldn't agree more, doc. The whole economy sucks. People's real estate values are down, unemployment rates are up, stocks are down, taxes are up, 401ks and IRAs have been slashed in half, insurance premiums are sky-rocketing, etc. and we're pissing away $12M for expedited building? I don't get it! Take a look at our neighboring district, Oswego, and you'll discover that they have 2 schools that are sitting vacant this year and won't be opening because they don't have the need due to enrollment declines plus they save millions in operating costs by not opening. That is fiscal responsibility - not throwing good money after bad. I have never understood the crazy rush to open MV in 2009. I have been complaining forever about the fact that we're spending $12M in expedited costs to open an unfinished school that is not even needed. That's just crazy. NCLB ?? Many of us thought it was crazy to buy the BB 25 acres without a ref in place. The rush to build means once it started they were hoping no one could stop it - which admittedly is hard to do. Exactly the 'plan' - get it started so that it happens no matter what - See SD's like St Charles recovered from their own NIU eestimates that were off the charts in time NOT to spend $150M first. Instead they sent the population estimates back with a crack pipe that likely was in use when the estimates were arrrived at. However things like closing without an appraisal - willingness to put the school on even the MWGEN peice of land etc--only exasperated that - and now pedal to the metal with expedite money. It would be bad enough if every thing was going to be complete upon opening, and all safety due diligence had been done, and there was an unbearable need to open this fall-- but none of that is true. It's very easy to shop with someone else's checkbook or a 'blankcheck' What one has to question is when exactly the plans for a school site and boundaries as they almost are today were really written up. I'll bet there are some traces that go back further than most would like to think.
|
|
|
Post by twhl on Feb 25, 2009 18:56:38 GMT -6
Not that long ago, if you remember the Architect had dates on "Final plans" for the AMES property that were dates 6 months before the property was supposedly even being discussed. Sure. And then miraculously were changed on the District website. Just happened to have both the before and after. Ironic how much of the documentation has disappeared. I was going to say how funny it was, but it is actually very sad.
|
|