Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Donors Choose Berwyn Projects Expire Soon!

There are only 3 unfunded projects left on our 2011 Berwyn Challenge.  With only hours left before one expires (and days for the other 2), might you be able to help save the day by making a small (or large!) donation?  Click here to read about these wonderful proposals.  (Books for Boys, Resources for Reluctant Readers and Let's Cooperate)  Together we can make a difference!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Lessons from Hoffman Estates

Loved this video made by the Hoffman Estates CUSD 300 fighting for their fair share of tax dollars in light of a 23 year committment to tax relief for Sears.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8zXm2eal_o

Looking at District 201 and the huge amount of tax dollars that are generated by TIF districts, there are lessons to be learned from the folks in Hoffman Estates.  District 201 is severely underfunded, yet most of the  businesses in the area are in tax increment financing districts, reinvesting tax increments into the businesses and away from public education.  While our students go without textbooks, technology and opportunities, businesses get renovated.  According to the cook county clerk website, Berwyn's TIF districts generated $4.6 million dollars in 2010.  Cicero's generated $12.4 million and Lyons brought in almost $1 million.  A portion of those dollars would have gone to Morton.  Perhaps some relief from the municipalities could have prevented the massive teacher lay-offs and the cuts to academic courses (School Board voted to reduce credit hours required for graduation last year in order to deal with a budget crisis).

Of course, there is the theory that TIF districts will create revenue and attract businesses by reviving those districts.  Hopefully, that will result in a windfall for the schools SOMEDAY.  Question is:  Will it be too late?