In November, the exact same question failed at the ballot box by a margin of 54 percent to 46 percent. That 8 percent difference equated to exactly 3,600 votes, a margin local school officials believe can be overcome.
If passed, school districts would be limited to using the new revenue for infrastructure projects and to pay off existing school bonds.
But not everyone is convinced schools need the added revenue.
One online group called “Vote NO on La Salle County Sales Tax” on Facebook already has begun to issue statements against the second sales tax initiative.
The page has received hundreds of views and dozens of comments from people pledging to vote against the tax hike. Streator resident William Phelan, who is running for a seat on Streator City Council, created the page.
Phelan recently posted that groups steering the sales tax ballot drive may try to mislead voters by calling it the “One Cent Sales Initiative” to keep the word “tax” out of the title.
“There is a fair amount of support for this tax in Streator in part because the elementary district is in horrendous financial shape,” Phelan wrote. “The district wants to pass this tax, but even if it does, and even if it had passed last fall, the district has been so irresponsible with its money and contracts that it might be forced to cut all extracurriculars, band, art, athletics, and more. This tax cannot stop that. That is not my opinion. That is straight from the mouth of the superintendent who favors this tax.
“Too many schools have been unwilling to make the tough financial decisions that must be made in these economic times,” Phelan continued. “It is irresponsible to ask for more money when they have proven they can't properly allocate what they already have. It would be a drag on our economy and, with history as our indicator, it would lead to further financial mismanagement.”
Kevin Caufield can be reached at (815) 223-3206 Ext. 132 or countyreporter@newstrib.com.
9 comments:
Cue the cackling from the schoolhouses throughout LaSalle County. “Cluck, Cluck, Raise our Taxes!” “Cluck, Cluck, It’s for the Children!” “Cluck, Cluck, It’s only a penny” “Cluck, Cluck, the kids deserve it”
We need to hold the line on this. Just look at LP, $6 Million on a sports facility that nobody, except the Board of Education, Superintendent, Athletic Director, and a few LaSalle Aldermen want. They shot the moon on their “want” and will soon be coming back to us saying they "need" massive improvements to the actual school buildings, or even a completely new school. When they do this they will ask for new taxes because they don’t have any money.
Hold the Line!
Don't agree to the tax. Tell the school 'biggies' to hold bake sales and raffles to bring in a ton of money.
Unfortunately we are not hearing about what good things can be done instead of centering millions on sports.
LaValle proposes new regional high school centered on math/science
By Jennifer Gustavson | 01/22/2013 11:13 AM | Education, Featured Story, News, Top News
ROBERT O’ROURK FILE PHOTO |
ROBERT O’ROURK FILE PHOTO | State Senator Ken LaValle has proposed creating a regional high school that focuses on STEM curriculum.
State Senator Ken LaValle has proposed legislation to create a new regional high school that will focus on the science, technology, engineering and math program known as STEM.
According to a press release issued by Mr. LaValle’s office Tuesday, the Suffolk School of Math, Science & Engineering Regional Technology Institute will provide STEM instruction to students in grades 9th through 12th at both Eastern and Western Suffolk BOCES facilities.
Mr. LaValle said in statement that the goal of the new school is to “expand learning opportunities for students and foster the development and advancement of emerging technologies.”
“I want to encourage students to pursue careers in math and science by introducing them to these subject areas in ways they may not otherwise be exposed to,” Mr. LaValle said. “I believe science, technology, engineering and math are the foundation for future economic growth and job creation.”
The senator first proposed the legislation Jan. 9. The Higher Education Committee, which Mr. LaValle is the chairman, is currently reviewing the bill.
Lois - I would support additional taxes to creat a centralized high school like the one you described above - as long as it REPLACED the existing High School's - LP, Ottawa, Mendota - AND it also had a good Industrial Ed / Trades program.
Brian, I was thinking more of a magnet school where students interested in the maths and sciences could work at an accelerated pace. Maybe in conjunction with the jr college we already have. Yes I know that some students take classes there in their senior year but have this include students from the time they start high school. Yes it would be nice to attract other students even from Bureau county.
But a Sports Complex is not the right way to spend our money. I heard this morning that there are 8 students enrolled in the tennis program at LP and they plan on building 8 new courts. Can someone explain this new math to me?
It's simple math Lois - l kid per court. Remember too "tennis is a dying sport".
I wonder why LP isn't building a Pickleball court instead of all tennis courts. Don't they know how popular Pickleball is? They have a Pickleball program, so why not incorporate it into the new complex. Then all the Pickleball players could go play there instead of spending money in Peru for a dedicated Pickleball court.
It's time to consider serious changes to our college/university systems. The schools are overloaded but many are enrolled so they can party for four, five, six years. And the schools love this because they keep their staffs busy selling all the courses you must take to get a degree. Many are worthless and just downright wasteful.
To change this the schools must change the credit hour systems now in place. Allow students to get a degree sooner with the major they choose and not waste time with courses that only enrich the college.
3:59 I have been saying that for 10 years! Even when I was in school I thought it was a complete waste, and if you ask kids these days, I'm sure over 50% of them will agree with you.
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