One thing candidates get to do that helps potential constituents decide whether they should be elected to office is to react to actions by the officials of tax districts they seek to help govern.
Here is District 300 School Board candidate Robert Lee’s comments on Carpentersville School District 300’s announcement that 46 non-tenured teachers would be let go, pending the appearance of unforeseen revenue:
ROBERT LEE STATEMENT ON DISTRICT 300 ACTION TO RELEASE TEACHERS FOR BALANCED BUDGET
EAST DUNDEE – Robert Lee released the following statement following the actions of the District 300 Board of Education to release forty-six non-tenured staff:
“Given our current economic conditions, I understand the rationale taken by the Board of Education to release these staff members.
“However, part of me also sees this as an opportunity to realistically evaluate how we conduct our business in District 300.
“This is an example of where processes influence the education students receive.
“It’s amazing to me that one year after over filling staff positions the District is then forced to cut.
“Eleven and one half positions last year were filled by the District when they were not required.
“If hind sight is truly 20-20, then our view of what is needed in the future should now be crystal clear.
“The processes by which we plan our budgeting and finances must be improved so that economic impacts like the one we are now experiencing are smaller and less damaging.
“I’ve said throughout my campaign that the methods by which our District uses to allocate resources and fund education has a direct impact on the education students receive.
“It’s not merely enough to make the statement that financial responsibility is a priority.
“Board members need to demonstrate it by constantly evaluating ways to improve the methods by which education is provided to all students in District 300, and candidates for the Board must demonstrate they have specific ideas to contribute to the betterment of District 300.
“The district made a promise to students that teachers would be available for their education. I would have voted in a similar fashion to the current board members, especially in regards to the fourteen teachers released for performance related issues.
“However, I would not have done so without a plan to avoid such drastic measures in the future.
“My proposals for Financial Impact Statements and improved quality measures would help in that regard.
“It’s my personal belief that if you’re not trying to improve, you’re on the road to failure.
“If this vote by the board is not a wake up call for improvement, I don’t know what is.
“Now is the time to act, and that is exactly what I hope to do if I am a board member for District 300. Our students deserve no less dedication than just that.”
