Photos courtesy of Megan Hewitt, Anna Kubas and Matt Durbala
Four state and federal legislators addressed proposed District 58 budget cuts, unfunded mandates, potential property tax freezes and more during the annual District 58 Board of Education Legislative Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 29 at O’Neill Middle School.
The Legislative Breakfast annually invites the District 58 Board of Education, staff, middle school student council, PTA representatives, village/community leaders and residents to learn about elected officials’ insights on current education issues affecting District 58. About 80 guests attended this year’s event. Herrick Principal Matt Neustadt, as well as Herrick and O’Neill Student Council members, introduced the legislators.
The four legislators – U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam, Sen. Christine Radogno, Rep. Patti Bellock and Rep. Ron Sandack – participated on a panel, answering seven prepared questions asked by District 58’s Legislative Committee members.
When asked about the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act, Congressman Roskam said that he believes it will benefit District 58, as it will empower local leaders – rather than federal officials – to make local education decisions.
The state legislators shared their perspectives on the recently proposed Illinois State Board of Education FY2017 budget, which would move $305 million from a mandated categorical special education fund to general state aid. If this proposal passes in its current form, District 58 could lose a half million dollars, or $106 per student, the highest amount per student in the entire state.
The legislators all agreed that they would not support the proposed budget, and they believe it is unlikely it will pass in its current form. Rep. Bellock referenced Gov. Bruce Rauner’s recent State of the State speech, stating that she believed that Gov. Rauner intends to increase the state’s K-12 education spending, which could benefit District 58.
The legislators also answered questions related to proposed property tax freezes, Illinois State Board of Education spending and unfunded mandate relief recommendations.
Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli shared closing remarks thanking the legislators for their time and participation. She requested their support of equitable public education and summarized District 58’s current and potential financial strains. She explained that District 58 cannot increase its revenues from local taxes except by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or by referendum. CPI has been less than 1 percent for several years, and District 58 has not successfully passed a referendum in District 58 since 1951.
“We do not have a way to tap into that presumed property wealth to address or make up for these proposed cuts,” Dr. Cremascoli said. “When programs that are good for kids are inadequately funded, and when unfunded mandates draw upon the limited resources that do exist, students are impacted.”
In addition to the four legislators, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster’s outreach coordinator, Brian Robb, attended in Congressman Foster’s place and will share discussion points with him. Congressman Roskam’s deputy district director, Anna Kubas, also attended to gain information regarding District 58’s education policy questions and concerns.
For more information regarding the District 58 Legislative Breakfast, please contact Megan Hewitt, District 58 community relations coordinator and Legislative Committee member, at mhewitt@dg58.org or 630-719-5805.