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Letter to the editor: Why District 67’s bond issues did not pass
Updated: July 25, 2012 8:57AM
They bring up these issues about leaks and repairs. Did all this happen last week? Did their previous budgets include repairs and replacements? What were they doing when these problems were minor and first occurred? Any homeowner knows these issues only get worse and need to be fixed before they become major expenditures.
The last board meeting I attended was years ago but that was enough to see nothing good was to come of it. The board members would not or were not allowed to answer questions — only the board president talked. When I asked a question she said, “I’ll be back to you by e-mail.” Amazing, since she did not know my name or e-mail address. I’m still waiting but not holding my breath. One of the later incidents was a superintendent that lasted only a few months. Why? They won’t say. Too many secrets kept from us common folks. How about a posting of positions and salaries as a start?
My history with District 67 goes back quite a ways. I was on the committee to select a new superintendent and I voted for Linda Marks. At that time she got extra money because she also held the role of principal at Golf School. Now we have a separate principal at an additional salary. At one time, according to the newspapers, she was one of the highest-paid superintendents in the state of Illinois.
We citizens really have to get stirred up to make changes. The last time this happened was when the board wanted to sell school property along Shermer Road. Pitchforks and torches! We all got together and worked hard to get a new board. Obviously it worked because that property still belongs to the school.
There is only a limited amount of money available. Some items will have to be cut. In my day the basic studies were reading, ’riting, ’rithmetic, history, geometry and civics. If there is extra money, then go for the electives. The district can’t print money like Washington.
If you want community support, get out there and elect a new board. It worked for the library. The BPAC people won, stirred things up, and now good things are happening. Do some thinking about ideas that will actually help the children.
Harold G. Cohon Morton Grove
