You may recall that District 150, despite having just borrowed $30 million in tax-anticipation warrants at the beginning of the year to make payroll, is already running out of money again and needs to borrow $35 million more. This time they would raise the money through working cash bonds which will be repaid via property taxes over the next several years. Here’s the rub:
If 10 percent of voters petition the district to take the sale of the cash bonds to referendum, the district would run into a wall, having to wait until November, or plead with a judge to hold a special election, [interim controller Norm] Durflinger added.
Hopkins says “some people are now looking at this petition option.” “It could be a bargaining chip to stop future school closings, or could be affirmed on its own,” or it could be a way to get District 150 “management” to “resign in shame,” she says.
My take: When I first heard about this idea (of forcing a referendum on the bonds), I have to say, it didn’t thrill me. First of all, public schooling is an essential service and should be funded. Secondly, I just finished waging an unsuccessful effort to defeat the public facilities tax referendum, and I just don’t have the energy to do that again (so soon, at least). Thirdly, I have a hard time getting over the irony of museum tax supporters like Hopkins suddenly getting all concerned about wasting tax dollars. Apparently throwing $40 million down the drain on a museum is okay, but $35 million to pay teachers is unacceptable.
However, the more I think about it, the more I think forcing a referendum may not be such a bad idea. Why? Consider:
- They have been eluding voter accountability long enough. When District 150 wanted to build new schools, the money for that building program should have been submitted to the public via referendum. But it wasn’t. District 150, with the help of our state legislators (including then-state representative Schock) got legislation passed allowing District 150 to access the Public Building Commission for its building program, bypassing the voters and allowing them to raise our property taxes without a referendum. Practically speaking, this also meant they didn’t have to have public buy-in on the siting and design of the new school buildings.
- They have passed up other potential revenue. District 150 could have supported other school districts in the county and forced a 1/4% sales tax referendum onto the April ballot that, if passed, would have helped all county school districts get money for infrastructure needs, but they didn’t. District 150 officials won’t speak on this topic for attribution, but privately say that the reason they didn’t support this was because (a) they were asked not to by museum supporters such as Caterpillar and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, who you may recall sent letters to all the school districts pressuring them to keep this off the ballot so it wouldn’t jeopardize the museum tax from passing, and (b) they didn’t want a new revenue stream right before they negotiated a new teachers contract because they thought it could lead to demands for higher pay/benefits. Hey, if they’re looking for ways to avoid getting more revenue, maybe they would favor forcing the bond issuance to a referendum.
- More money won’t resolve the root problem: mismanagement. We’ve been through this kind of crisis once already. We’ve already closed schools so that District 150 could allegedly get their fiscal house in order. Why are we going through this again — and so soon?
- It is not just because of revenue shortfalls. This crisis is often explained as merely a revenue problem — that everything would be hunky-dory if it hadn’t been for the recession or reductions in state aid. That would be believable except that no other school district around here is in quite the crisis as District 150. For example, Pekin’s school district actually has a surplus. While their FY08 budget does have a planned deficit built into it, it’s covered not by loans, but reserves that have been saved up over several years — most recently FY07.
- Savings from last round of closures were squandered. In 2007, District 150 closed White and Blaine-Sumner schools. However, they didn’t sell Blaine-Sumner, but remodeled it (including adding air conditioning) and turned it into district offices for about 80 workers. They did eventually sell the White School building for $750,000, but they also acquired the former Social Security Administration building on Knoxville and spent $1.27 million to remodel it to house their “transition to success academy.” Is it really any wonder that the district was unable to put up a surplus and save for a rainy day?
By and large, we still have the same management team in place now as was in place then. If they were unable to properly manage the last crisis, why should we have any confidence that money given them this time will be any better managed?
From what I’ve heard, the worst that could happen if a referendum is forced is that the referendum could fail, the district could become insolvent and be taken over by the state or, possibly, the city. I’m beginning to think that’s not such a bad outcome. Small changes in the makeup of the school board over the past five years doesn’t appear to be working; a complete overhaul of the administration may be necessary.
Still, my mind isn’t totally made up. If anyone can give me reasons to have confidence in the current administration and their stated plans for improvement, I’m all ears.
CJ and Elaine,
Just to set the record straight at the last BOE meeting the working cash bond being requested grew to $38 million, not $35 million originally reported. I know I know what’s another measly $3 million between friends!
Let’s put it to a county wide vote… it will be sure to pass… with about 11% of eligible voters showing up.
C.J. has answered some of the questions that have plagued me recently: How did so much money end up in the building fund? How can the district afford to build buildings but not afford the people to work in them? From where does this money come and why can’t the taxpayers say “no” to this apparent surplus in the building fund?
Now C.J. has answered all those questions. I agree I wasn’t paying attention to these financial issues–I was concerned with educational issues. Now, thanks to C.J., I have to realize that Aaron Schock, also, helped 150 find a way to bypass voters and/or taxpayers.
C.J.’s response about a state take-over is the same that I often made when Manual teachers were continually threatened with the “if AYP scores don’t improve, the state will take over the school.” OK, let’s see what the state can do, where will they find the qualified teachers to raise scores, etc?
Thanks again, C.J., for providing answers (and insights) to our questions when administrators, board members, and the PJS can’t or won’t do so. I know many of the answers lie in the past–thanks for digging up the history for us.
Thanks for commenting on this issue.
I, too, feel bad about raising this option, but you have documented the mismanagement and lack of accountability well. These are strong arguments for a referendum.
Incidentally, the quotes about the referendum process are from the Peoria Journal Star’s article. The opinion is mine.
MORE MONEY WON’T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. Amen. So how does a referendum help? We need to look at more radical solutions than shovelling more money into the fire.
Both Elaine and Diane have captured well the feelings, opinions, and facts presented by those of us attending last night’s Godfather’s meeting and those of us who will be picketing at the board rooms. For those of you that think we are only picketing because of school closures, that simply is not so. This is our chance to say that the mistakes of the past are not forgotten and should not be–that we simply don’t have faith in the people who made those mistakes and are now headed for what could be even greater errors in judgment that will destroy District 150.
Okay, the City or the State takes over then what?
Will people be down at City Hall protesting? Or maybe they will be taking bus trips to Springfield, because schools are still going to close.
Have we not noticed that the City wants these school closures? The City wants Charter Schools and school choice. The City of Peoria has made it possible for the School District to be in this position, by the constant imposition of TIF Districts. The City of Peoria is just as much to blame for schools being broke as the School District (if not more). The letters to the Superintendents is more than likely just the latest example of their interference in School District business.
Yeah, let the City or the State take over the schools since they are soooo much more capable.
Emerege, we really don’t want the state to take over–but we’re tired of the threat. Has the school district proven to you that a state take-over will be the result of the decisions made (or not made) tonight? There is still time for the district to think through these decisions–they have not yet proven that they know what will happen to the students if their schools are closed. For instance, Tyng 5th graders will be placed at Trewyn, I think. Yet, Trewyn is presently sending some of its students to the old Blaine-Sumner for PE classes (I hope I have all that straight from reports last night). So where will the 5th graders from Tyng have P.E? Too many loose ends–just like the ones that resulted from putting 7th and 8th grades at Manual–good on paper but not in reality.
Trusting Ken Hinton to lead this district into solvency and credibility would be like going back to the same surgeon to fix a botched face lift.
Diane . . . or entrusting your life savings to Bernie Madoff to invest!
Diane . . . or entrusting your life savings to Bernie Madoff to invest!
Until Hinton is willing to put Edison on the list of possible closings–and willing to plug all those numbers and projections into the new budget program, I don’t think anyone (including the PJS–probably Mike Bailey) needs to take his cost-cutting proposals seriously. There is no excuse for not putting Edison on the table as a possible cut. There are satisfied customers at Northmoor, but there are, also, satisfied customers elsewhere whose satisfaction is being totally ignored.
Also, there is now a unified union ready to negotiate. Shouldn’t the district, at least, wait to see how the bargaining goes before making all the changes. Let the teachers have some say. Please don’t start writing about teachers wanting more money, etc. As Terry pointed out last night, there have been plenty of times when teachers have sacrificed to help the district and its students. Don’t underestimate them yet. Also, for those who continually point to the 1999 or 2000 contract–remember that the board of education voted for that contract. In the end, the union has no vote. The final decisions (first, last, and always) lie with only seven people.
Why is it the teachers are the bad guys for questioning how the district keeps spending (wasting) money? They blow it on air conditioning, programs with no documented benefit, and administrative salaries and then say buildings must close and labor costs must be lowered. Isn’t this the same song they were singing a few years ago when it was Blaine-Sumner and White on the agenda? Show us how the savings (?) they received was put to good use and helped the district’s budget crisis. Show us the data which will prove that all the worry people had about moving the Blaine and White students was in vain and these students are excelling where they are now. Why does it make us the bad guys to ask for some proof? The BOE can’t even say they have the proof and won’t give it up. They just act like it’s none of our business or that we are completely stupid for even asking. I don’t know anyone who’s saying the BOE is stupid. We know you have the information we have. We just don’t understand how it is so easy for you to discard it and hop on the Hinton train to closure—all the while waving the flag, “It’s for the children”. (Just not these children—it’s for the ones a few years down the road.) We’re a few years down the road from Blaine and White…….
From a helpful website at http://cnx.org/content/m18339/latest/
“Another important fact is that Working Cash Bonds are subject to a “backdoor referendum.” The term makes the sale sound “sneaky” but it is not. School districts which meet legal requirements to sell these bonds must pass a motion at an open school board meeting and publish a notice of intent to sell bonds in a local newspaper 30 days before any action. The school board then must hold a public hearing before the actual bond sale. During this time period, residents may force the school board to take the bond sale to a referendum if they can obtain the signatures of 10% of the registered voters on a petition which is submitted to the school board. The school board at this point may either hold a referendum or drop the sale. Absent the petition, the Board may proceed with the sale.”
So where is the notice of intent, and when is the public hearing?
close the school, close central
if the school management like their and not unemployment, do something financially right. Cannot afford close the schools.
I mean who ever made big in the real world from educated in district 150, so does it really matter if there are closed
Though this be madness, there is method in it…
hmmmm…I’m thinking a tailgating party back to Mapleton….I think I heard that there was a sign there that read “MISSING- ONE JACKASS”
To teaching rocks- the reason the teachers are becoming the “bad guys” is b/c the BOE and admin know that they have become the laughing stock of Central Il and they are trying to shift the blame….MOST of them need to step down already!
I always have been a little slow to recommend drastic action, and when it comes to financial issues, I am always reluctant to put in my two cents’ worth because that is quite often all my opinion is worth where money is concerned. The idea of a referendum and its repercussions made me nervous–I guess that with C.J., I would say “My mind isn’t totally made up.” However, Elaine, Diane, and this morning’s PJS have presented food for thought. Also, C.J.’s earlier blog explained how the administration and board sidestepped the usual referendum requirement to get the money to build new schools (and buy up more houses than necessary for the schools themselves to be used for all that green space–a luxury for this district). This 150 group of decision-makers really need to be made aware in some way that the taxpayers are going to hold them accountable for the money and their choices related to the education of 150 students. They do need to know something about taxation without representation–a little historical perspective that hopefully Manual students will still learn while they are exploring career pathways when they should be receiving a general education.
And the clock is ticking if the school district/board posted something in the Journal Star on April 7th – there may be only 2 weeks left to get the required signatures.
teach: Boy, is that the truth! I don’t get how Stowell can utter something about research and small classes and high school. That was about 3 minutes after he closed two schools to increase the size for the little students. It was also 5 minutes before he voted for the increase of three students. Things that make ya go hmmmm……
It’s about the difficult process of getting us to where we can afford to operate smaller learning communities. I also favor longer school days and an extended school year. Hope we can offer them to our very deserving students. I note you don’t take exception to the $10,300,000 we voted on for early retirement incentives. hmmmmm. I also stated that a 5% across the board wage concession gets us to the black also, but then, its all about the children………….
“the reason the teachers are becoming the “bad guys””
= AYP.
ed – teachers are most certainly not the “bad guys” – those are the people who enabled or allow to permeate the culture of apathy towards education. I forwarded CJ a copy of a study on “Out-of-School” factors. They are significant and create a challenging teaching and learning environment – especially in urban districts such as ours.
Jim,
did you ever ask a HARD question about how closing those Title 1 schools are going to save Education Fund dollars that the hinton administration and their present hired guns have claimed? You board members were spoon fed some dope-on-a-rope-crap from hinton. Go ahead and try to slam me, Jim – I know what I’m talking about – it’s a shame you don’t and were easily hoodwinked by hinton and his cronies who will regret selling out the way they have.
I should trust your expertise because you are an anonymous blogger? If you really wanted to help, you would come forward. What I was told from several sources is that Title I does not pay all teachers salaries in Title I schools. With a District @ 70% poverty, shouldn’t we be applying for more Title schools? Is that some kind of stigma we shouldn’t pursue? Or is it a challenge we can someday take pride in overcoming?Granted, we have had problems in our Title I dept. – but maybe that’s why you’re hiding. Call me if you have specific facts to back up your assertion. As a volunteer, there is certainly much I don’t know. I need the input from credible sources. Please demonstrate that you are one.
Jim, Specific questions: Martha asked a related question Monday night; Ken said he would have the answer right away. (Or do I have to FOIA to get an answer?)
Are any Kingman teachers paid with Title I funds? How many? How much?
Are any Kingman teachers’ salaries partially paid with Title I funds? How many? How much?
Are any Kingman aides or any other personnel (secretaries, etc.) paid with Title I money? How many? How much?
Also, are you sure that the district has not purchased any homes to make way for the school that was supposed to house Irving and Kingman–but is no longer slated for construction? You said my source was wrong–when I said that I heard at least two had been purchased.
I have a list that states the district owns 6 properties on Mary Street, Evans Street, and Morgan Street. When were they purchased and why?
And we should trust you because your dad was a basketball coach? (I’m not a Bradley fan, so that wins you nothing from me)
“I was told from several sources”
Is that the limit of your expertise? Use strategies to win the game of getting more money for the district. Get rid of the middle and upper class students so that the percentage of poor students rises?
budgets, budgets, budgets… who gives a rats ass about education?
kcdad, the comment regarding Jim’s father is completely uncalled for. The Stowells are very well liked in this community and Jim comes on here using his real name, which I give him credit for.
MiddleAged.. Agreed!
Jim: Re, the Evans and Mary Street properties–it looks like the district has owned them for quite a while. I do wonder if it was purchased or acquired.
Run to his defense… his earlier: “I should trust your expertise because you are an anonymous blogger? If you really wanted to help, you would come forward.” was uncalled for.
I don’t care what your or his last name his… I do know that he wouldn’t be where he is today if he wasn’t Junior. Daddy opened lots of doors for him. And now he is stock broker… well… what about that inspires trust? We don’t need to make this personal… but we can.
You want to see what happens when someone comes forward… come to ICC Tuesday evening between 4-6pm and watch me get fired for openly criticizing the administration.
“You want to see what happens when someone comes forward… come to ICC Tuesday evening between 4-6pm and watch me get fired for openly criticizing the administration.”
where at ICC, exactly?
Do we need to make reservations? 😉
kcdad: I have changed my opinion of you; you are a sad piece of crap who complains, complains, offers nothing in a positive light and then takes off on the first 150 Board member who shows some intelligence in a long time. Stowell owes nothing to his father (who by the way is a hell of a nice guy)-and he lets Hinton have it when it is appropriate.
Anyone know why District’s 150’s website has been done since last yesterday afternoon?
I am, wacko, you are correct, a sad piece of crap who complains… I do, however, offer plenty of positives, and do not “take off” on just anyone. Stowell, like so many other “financial geniuses” do really well with other people’s money. “Invest in gold so the price will go up and the stuff I bought before you I can sell at an even greater profit… “. “Invest in this stock or fund so that I can take a commission off your purchase and sale no matter what happens to the investment… ” “invest your money in my business and I will pay a share of the profits, AFTER I take out huge amounts for myself, and leave the company so far in debt there are no profits…”
Money is a valueless “nothing” that only means someone owes you something… unfortunately, since money represents nothing, what is it that is owed?
Now that that the ponzi schemes are being exposed for what they really are, these same people want to fix the rest of our economy… “give us your money and we will spend it wisely…”
Look for the Adjunct Faculty (sic) Job Fair…
Frustrated: Not sure, but maybe because of the latest turmoil–go to Peoria Pundit for the latest news!
Sharon, do you go down to Bergners and tell all the customers to go to Macy’s for the latest fashions, too? 😉
Sorry, C.J.–I haven’t yet learned all the rules for blogs. I see so many links from your blog to the others that I visit, so I didn’t think about it being a problem. I’m already in trouble with Anti-Pundit from saying your site was saner than his–so I’ll try to stay out of trouble with you. I’m going to have to learn how to add those smiley faces–they do help!
Actually, I’m often tempted to do the reverse–tell Macy’s customers to go to Bergner’s for the best deals–smiley face!
Sharon — You didn’t break any rules. I was just teasing you. Billy does have a good scoop on a breaking scandal at District 150. Here’s the link.
When will things change at 150?
Well, I just started spreading rumors based on Dr. Thompson’s latest comment–I thought his comment fit on the thread and thought this recent District 150 case had been dismissed. But he was writing about BVA.
Speaking of blogs and their credibility, etc., I’m not quite sure why the PJS reported that the PFT was filing only a grievance against 150 for increasing class size–which caused them to have to file a retraction to state it is a suit accusing 150 of violating fair labor practices.
Finally spelled unethical correctly.
Oh, my–is this a “new” frustrated or the old one with clarification?
Same person….Just using spell check 🙂
Sharon-
“Oh, my–is this a “new” frustrated or the old one with clarification?”
Sorry, misunderstood your question. I am a “new” frustrated.
Frustrated with unethical behavior is not me. Thanks for asking Sharon.
Anyone have more information on the firing of the administrator?
On the PSD150 website being down: Mary Ward from technology said now is the time they start purging e:mails from the system. I don’t know if that has anything to do with the entire site being down.