Crises in Our Schools: A Financial Perspective

Furthermore, as many of us know, the state of Illinois along with at least 80% of the remaining states are in serious financial trouble. The national and global economies were already in decline well before 9-11 and the news of corporate greed and talk of war were the coup de grace for whatever we had saved for a rainy day. It is understandable that most of us are still in disbelief over what has been lost both in dollars and in innocence.

Nevertheless, there are institutions that are suffering far away from Wall Street and Industrial Main Street. One has only to look into our own communities to realize that the lack of state and federal revenues have a profound effect on our quality of life. Fire protection districts, the park districts, health care, municipal government, agriculture and our school districts are confronted with ever rising costs and diminishing revenues.

Our school systems are the foundations for a promising future. American public education is by far one of the most equitable and fair systems of imparting knowledge, opportunities, and democratic ideals regardless of race, creed, religion or economic station. Through education all is possible. The perceived or imagined quality of a school or school system speaks volumes for the communities in which they are located. Show me a school with a poor track record for achievement and educational opportunities and I'll show you a community that will be on the wane.

Also, consumers are fickle individuals. No one wants to buy a pig in a poke. Give people the facts and they will make up their minds. It's like kicking tires at the car lot. If the tires are soft, the deal is off. Cars, like schools, can't be soft. Discipline and academics must be strong. Opportunities must be offered. And schools must reflect the values of the communities in which they serve. When individuals get their money's worth (from taxes and a voice) they are more apt to extol the virtues of a quality public school system.

Fieldcrest Community Unit School District 6 has nothing to hide. Our students consistently score above the state averages in core academic subjects. A vast majority not only meet academic goals, they exceed them too. The 2002 State Report Card (available at any of our schools and at the unit office) underscores the District's track record. It's not perfect, but one heck of a deal dollar for dollar.

Nevertheless, Fieldcrest District 6 is now faced with some very tough decisions. After 10 years of cost effective program planning and keeping a modest educational fund reserve, the time has come to address the future of the District's fiscal health. During the past several months the Board and administrators have been reviewing all programs and costs associated with providing a comprehensive and quality educational program. The bottom line is that to maintain programs and opportunities at the current level the Board must approach the taxpayers for a rate increase in the education fund, the meat and potatoes fund of District 6 and all other public school districts in the nation. For 10 years, state and federal revenues coupled with a modest increase in enrollments have kept Fieldcrest financially sound. With payroll at $600,000 per month, reserves have diminished to the lowest level in 10 years. Interest on investments is also at a record low. Couple this with thousands of dollars of lost revenue in state aid and corporate personal property taxes and declining farmland values (District 6 is 61% farmland) and it is no wonder that school districts have become so vulnerable.

The Fieldcrest District 6 Board of Education and the administration as well as teachers and community members will be sharing all financial facts just after the holidays. Many believe that now is not a good time to ask for moneys. It's never easy to ask for money regardless of the economy. Our Board of Education is sensitive to this. Seldom has the Board approved a levy for more than was needed. Our total District tax rate is still one of the lowest in six central Illinois counties at $4.58 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation. However, the truth of the matter is quite simple. As the schools go so do the communities that house our schools. Academically and financially strong schools are the foundation of a prospering community. Perhaps the state of Illinois will finally put aside partisan bickering and agree upon a fair and equitable funding system for Illinois public education. But until then, the ball is in the hands of the communities who understand that education is the key to our future.