I agree 100% with this article. I am a D39 alum and I moved back here as well for the schools. If this doesn't pass, not only will our property suffer but our kids' educational career will suffer for sure and will affect them forever. We owe it to our kids and to our community.

District 39 is "slashing" non-special education expenses.
As a former school board member that served during the time when the District prepared to leave the NSSED buy hiring over 40 employees (2002-2005) for the sole purpose of providing comprehensive special education services without the help of the NSSED--I understand how the District got into this unsustainable budget situation. Board members and then Special Education Head, Ray Lechner argued that the district would save money--the tuition paid to the NSSED--if Wilmette went it alone and provided all of those services within the District. The fact that Wilmette is by far the largest of the New Trier feeder schools and disportionate user of the NSSED services seemed to support that argument at the time. Instead, the budget has increasingly grown to support special education and now music, art, technology and "gifted" curriculum differentiation dollars are being threatened with cuts but not a word about the huge number of staff dedicated to special education. A full audit of all resources dedicated to special education must be done. Also, test scores were higher prior to leaving the NSSED (circa 1997).
Finally, the argument that Wilmette has the lowest per pupil cost of any of the New Trier feeder districts is a direct result of the much larger number of students in Wilmette and the economies of scale--spreading the total costs over a much larger number of students.

Stuart,
What your analysis fails to include, is that in addition to the $500 to $1000 per year increase in property taxes is the "discount" effect on your home value that is unrelated to school performance. As taxes consume a larger share of the monthly payment, home prices will be depressed and equity will accrue at a slower rate. Ask realtors why homes in Evanston have historically been lower priced than homes in Wilmette. The simple fact is, household income is not increasing and there is a ceiling on the prices of homes in Wilmette. Home values have declined from 25 to 30% - unprecedented on the NorthShore. At best, Northshore residents can hope for price stabilization and and slowing of home foreclosures. If every child that attended McKenzie was accepted to Harvard--or even University of Illinois, the price of a McKenzie home simply would not go up. The glory days of the 90s are over. Wilmette residents should be strategizing on how to return to the frugal reputation of Wilmette in the 60's, 70's and early 80's. Wilmette should be looking ahead to the near future when the New Trier districts are consolidated and the cost per pupil differential will evaporate. I recommend that Ray Lechner devise a three year plan to reduce in District special education and return to the more cost effective NSSED consortium--like the other New Trier feeder schools.

Kimbra, my three kids also had wonderful experiences at McKenzie- during the 90’s.
However, unlimited special education expenditures lure families with special needs to the district. The huge expense of special education has inflated the District budget. An FOI request could reveal what percentage other New Trier feeder districts who are NSSED members spend on special education. Possibly, the reason their per pupil expenditures are higher than Wilmette's is partly because they can’t control NSSED's costs. Threatening to withdraw is a negotiating strategy to counter the NEA power and recent new contract. According to the NSSED web site, New Trier is still a member. http://www.nssed.org/Pages/Districts.aspx
There are two major costs to Wilmette’s full inclusion "stand-a-lone" model of special education -- sheer numbers of specialized personnel hired and compensated (all more expensive than a regular classroom teacher) and curriculum modifications that are implemented which do not challenge or benefit regular Ed or academically accelerated students. Add to per pupil costs, the money parents pay or tutors. The McKenzie teachers did a yeoman's job at balancing the needs of all students--but over the years, more and more IEP's resulted in burgeoning costs driven by fewer students per teacher. I believe direct compensation to parents from the Federal Government as vouchers for tuition and elimination of the teachers union is the ultimate solution to this conundrum.

I am a Realtor, and a parent of a Special Education graduate of Wilmette schools as well as New Trier.

First, the 25-30% downturn in home values is due to the economy, not due to one community vs. another or one tax structure vs. another.

Second, Special Education: We moved to Wilmette for the Special Education services. We checked out the surrounding communities, Glenview, Northbrook and made phone calls to Winnetka and Kenilworth. Wilmette was head and shoulders above the others! Without question. If the options were just NSSED, I probably would have not been as happy. Nothing against NSSED/NSSRA. It's an option. As a parent of the "Graduate" Special Olympics Program with a 29 year-old child still participating, thanks to a really great caring, Lew Goldstein, I have seen tremendous strides in my adult child, and all of her fellow Olympians. It's simply amazing to have witnessed this growth. Thanks to Wilmette District 39 and New Trier. I'm sure many people would share this opinion with me. I sell these communities based on "schools"--that's the reason we're all here, usually. Our schools are vital and contribute a lot to what drives our real estate market.

Winnetka passed a huge referendum within the last 10 years to update the crumbling infrastructure of all their schools; a bitter pill to swallow vs. what Wilmette is facing now. Wilmette, please wake up and find that balance because it's a fabulous community and an incredible place to live.

Margaret, have you had the opportunity to hear Dr. Lechner speak on the history and current issues that face Wilmette D39 in this referendum vote? If not and you wish to, I can supply you with a location and time for you to attend a short presentation followed by dynamic Q & A and community discussion. It's a great place for Dr. Lechner and others to hear your view.

Denise, you confirmed what drives the costs of Wilmette schools--not the benefit to the majority of students --or higher test scores, but the huge amount of money that goes to educating special needs students such as yours--to the level of quality that you enjoy because you "shopped" Wilmette instead of one of the other New Trier Feeder schools. But do you really expect other parents and people without children in the schools to risk their home values with higher taxes that translate into lower prices and less equity--to finance your child's special education at a premium private school level? One could argue, that a high earning real estate professional could and should pay for a private school or special education services for their child. I suppose, as a real estate professional, you could offer home sellers your pledge to find them a buyer who has a special needs child who will eagerly pay a premium price for their home--expecting to get much more "value" back in school services than they themselves pay in taxes thanks to neighbors who subsidize them through higher taxes and possibly a lower sales price for their own home if the economy continues to decline and they must sell quickly to avoid foreclosure etc. This arrangement does not make a "generous community"--in reality, it fosters resentment and litigation. I commend NSSED for establishing a Foundation where people willingly support special education instead of being extorted and punished with ruinous taxes.

I am sorry to say I will be voting "no" on the referendum. Average teacher's pay in District 39 is $65M per year, with a lot of time off. Their contract gives them 5.5% annual increases, but they will not agree to any concessions at all. I am happy to agree to increase my taxes, but this needs to be a two way street. Their negotiating strategy is all or nothing.

I'm sorry to hear that, Rick. I, on the other hand, will be voting YES. I'm so glad our teachers finally have a good contract that for once is keeping teachers in our district and attracting teachers to it, as well. Being behind 12 other neighboring school districts in average teacher salary (Avoca, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Winnetka, Golf, Niles, Northbrook, Sunset Ridge, Lindolnwood, Glenview, etc. are all ahead of us) I respect their current contract and think it's fair. We are no longer the 'revolving door' district. I also would not have expected teachers to make concessions for our schools - it's up to us to take care of our community. No matter how one feels about the teacher contracts, please be sure you have accurate ininformation on all school programs that will be reduced or cut entirely. Remember, it's our children who will feel this impact.

Margaret, I think I heard you've been living in VA for awhile now? If you are still a Wilmette resident, please do come hear Dr. Lechner speak. I applaud the number of people who have either been undecided or leaning towards 'no' who have showed up, heard him speak, asked their questions and are thrilled to understand the details of the referendum. We all have questions and it's really necessary to go to the source of the facts before we make any decisions on how we'll vote April 5th.

Yes Kimbra, we regularly reconsider where we want to live over the next 5 years and beyond. I am a University of Illinois graduate and it breaks my heart to see my old University going down in scandal and budget cuts. My kids will probably end up going to U VA--out of reach of most New Trier kids--even among the most talented. Wilmette schools are much more comfortably positioned at this time than other Illinois schools in less wealthy districts. But the wealth is evaporating. While you are focused on special education and whether to opt out of NSSED, the bigger picture crisis looming all around you--with the governor exploring how to consolidate school districts. Jeff Schoenberg is involved which makes me think he knows it's going to happen and he wants to be nearby to influence it. Illinois has BIG problems and the teachers are myopically focused on not making any concessions--as Rick Percifield observed. I am in Wilmette frequently and I do explore issues in depth (and from the inside track). What happens with taxes and public sector pensions will make all the difference if and when we move back. I predict, if this referendum goes through, home values will continue to slide, homes will be on the market longer and increasing taxes will accelerate a downward spiral in real estate. Sure, young families with special needs children may move into "bargain" priced homes--but where will this all end? How much real estate decline can the District and Illinois sustain?

I am voting yes. I agree with everything that Stuart says and all of his reasons to vote for it. The programs are necessary for our kids education, and property values will be hurt if the referendum does not pass since our schools will then be inferior to competing districts. If it pases, our taxes will still be lower than many competing districts and equivalent to others. Right now our tax rate is one of the lowest among the New Trier sender districts. No one likes paying more taxes, but the alternative in this case is much worse and there will be an oversized impact on property values. Margaret your facts are wrong on NSSED. I have discussed this extensively with people at the district that know the costs. It is indisputable that pulling out of NSSED saved money and that going back would cost the district more money that it spends on special education right now. Blaming district 39 Special education for the referendum is nonsense. Special edustion costs have been going down. We spend less per pupil than the other districts and it is not economy of scale--it is smart spending, such as, pulling out of NSSED. School spending is always measured per pupil that is the only intelligent way to compare districts. Each child requires teachers, building space, supplies, admin support. It is the only reasonable metric to use and District 39 has spent efficiently in special education, and elsewhere. Do you still live in Dist 39 Margaret?

Margaret, thank you for the concern for Wilmette. We are all concerned about so many issues. While some things may be out of my control I do know I can vote YES on April 5th. Much luck to you and your family as you choose an educational path for your family. Best to you.

John, no, I am no longer a tax payer in Wilmette, but I do in fact have all the numbers, documents and facts related to the Wilmette District's hiring spree during 2002-2005. John, you are a realtor who depends on sustaining the illusion that there is a discernible difference between Winnetka schools and Wilmette schools for example. The problem with being a special education Mecca is people shop the district as Denise Kellar--another Realtor admits in her post above--at least she's honest. I can imagine you sell the value of our in-district special education programs too. I lived in Wilmette longer than you have John and in the early 80s' Wilmette was a more cost conscious town. I understand you're from New York --the most over priced real estate in the world aside from Bahrain. Here in Virginia, when folks move from New York to the warm climate, they offer top dollar (and over pay) regularly because prices just seem so much less than in New York. I'm sure Wilmette seems like a bargain to you. (Weren't you for the failed New Trier Referendum?
As I predict, home values will continue to fall as you continue to crank up the taxes. At least the taxes are still deductible.

Sorry Margaret you are wrong again, except for my years in grad school and the Army--I have lived in Wilmette since 1964. This is my last comment.

John, my apologies. I did have you confused with another realtor who posts on Trulia regularly.
From you resume, I see you are a Veteran and an attorney who has worked in Real Estate in the established business of your dad. You have surely seen the changes on the North Shore. It is rare to meet a military veteran on the North Shore. Again, my apologies. ( I do have many of the documents including the personnel reports from the years just prior to joining the NSSED, as well as the teacher contracts etc.)

Margaret, you seem to need to apologize for a lot more than that. I believe in our schools and as a long time resident I am really sick to my stomach at how you are attacking a school district for trying to help children, special needs or not. We are a community, filled with residents who care about all of our children and want the best for them, even if our own have moved out of the area. I cannot believe that you can sit there and say that the way our schools were in the 80's and 90's is what we should aspire for. It is obvious you have your own personal gripe with either the Wilmette community as a whole, or special education. As far as the money needed to fund the greatest asset to our community,our schools, the fact that you believe that a $600 per year tax increase will be the reason someone is foreclosed on is a scare tactic that I do not appreciate. I really hope you can focus your time and energy in more constructive ways. I may not be as articulate as you but I do know one thing. You seem to have a lot of opinions on our community, what we have done wrong, and what we should be doing, and you don't even live here. Shame on you!!!

Thank you so much Empty Nester, because I could have written exactly the same thing. As a parent of four special needs children I am incensed and offended by Margaret's reckless comments. But, since she doesn't have a say in our April 5th referendum, it doesn't matter much what her opinion is regarding the state of our schools and community. And thank you to Stu, Kimbra and John for taking the high road in trying to educate and raise awareness.

Wow. Never in a million years did I think I'd wind up regretting the fact that my husband and I spent over 6 years paying property taxes in Wilmette before our oldest child started Kindergarten in Wilmette. The unoriginal rhetoric criticizing the teacher's union and demeaning special education isn't germane to the referendum and is nothing short of angry vitriol. When I moved here I was of the understanding that our community possessed a strong obligation to maintain it's schools and to make sure that every student has the same opportunities, amenities and access as the previous generation. I can see I was was mistaken and am so disappointed in my so-called neighbors whether they live out of state or right next door.

Reckless? Vitriol?
The WEA is an affiliate of the NEA and is directed by uniserve representatives in negotiations.
Take a look at what the union is saying about children--how much they care--

Chanin closed his nearly 25-minute speech by explaining the influence of the NEA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-piPkgAUo0w
“Despite what some among us would like to believe it is not because of our creative ideas. It is not because of the merit of our positions. It is not because we care about children and it is not because we have a vision of a great public school for every child. NEA and its affiliates are effective advocates because we have power.
And we have power because there are more than 3.2 million people who are willing to pay us hundreds of millions of dollars in dues each year, because they believe that we are the unions that can most effectively represent them, the unions that can protect their rights and advance their interests as education employees.”

Peg despite your need to have the last word, I stand behind my remarks. I am proud to live in a district that serves kids with special needs kids so well. Furthermore I refuse to lump this district's union in with other teacher's unions from different districts around the country.

Congratulations on your daughter's position in the Governor's Music Program! I wonder if any of Wilmette's students will be lucky enough to be a part of such a program. Not likely if music programs are cut and they never get a chance to pick up an instrument. Margaret, it is truly sad that you believe your children were deserving of all of these programs but when it comes to ours you try and wreak havoc. I believe a large part of your children's successes came because of OUR school system, so instead of spewing hatred and throwing out all these statistics that you spin for your benefit, you should be praising the educators, administrators, and the community who helped your children succeed. It is so ironic to me that your family benefitted from the passing of the 1998 referendum but now here you are writing from over 1000 miles away to criticize us. As for your comment about "life after Wilmette", I think it's about time you start living it!

I have been reading articles and viewing comments on the upcoming D39 referendum to learn the views and opinions of people in MY community. While I understand that others (who do not have a vote - and are apparently SO HAPPY they left Wilmette behind, they cannot let one comment go by without a response) can voice their opinions, I am finding these rantings to be tiresome. In my opinion - the more you write (and I have not doubt you will) the more people can see your level of crazy... Now, if there are people within the community who have something to say either pro or con - I'd love to read that!

Margaret,
I think we're all better off that your family moved to VA or W VA since you speak so highly of all the benefits of living there and how well and impressive your children are doing with their new schools and accomplishments; maybe they are doing so well because they had their start in D39 Wilmette Schools! Glad for all your knowledge and stats on D39; perhaps all that was then and "this" is now.
Re my "shopped"--well, when you find your child is ready for the next step, what parent wouldn't explore options for their child, that's what being a parent is all about right? 30 years ago, special education was entirely different than it is today; thankfully, because intervention at an earlier age is now the norm and tremendous strides have been achieved for all. Perhaps your view, is to place those in need, still in the back of the classroom and stick them inside their home after school ends with only their parents.
Figuring out real estate values over the last 3 years has been extremely hard for all concerned, and that includes me, the professional. Luckily, I didn't have to deliver "bad" news to my clients, because I helped put them in good, solid homes, because I'm brutally honest & a caring professional for 18 yrs. There were less than 50 (approx 30-35 from memory) foreclosures/short sales in Wilmette in 2010, hardly the majority. I have had to help sellers through this storm making "genuine" caring, tough decisions with and for them; not my earning power.

Our best revenge is winning on April 5th , let's put our time and energy into talking to people who are reasonable and thoughtful and not get bogged down with the crazy rants of someone who doesn't even have a vote! Visit the website www.SupportWilmetteSchools.com to volunteer.

Gentle readers, revenge, rage, and jealousy are not very attractive motivations, especially for cultivated and sophisticated Wilmette mothers. You are attacking the messenger here. Your real enemy is the NEA controlled WEA. The union doesn’t care about your kids. See their true motivations and values in the video below from their 2010 convention (a Wilmette teacher, possibly on paid leave was there.) The reason my kids are better off in Virginia is because Virginia is a non-union state—where there are actually JOBS AND high performing schools! It gets better-- we have choice among magnate schools differentiated by curriculum—a pre-medical & engineering, an international baccalaureate, or music and the performing arts. Instead of two “middle schools”, we have magnates within neighborhood gr. 6-8 junior high schools which award high school credit (to the accelerated students) for foreign language, math and science. Classes of accelerated students are larger than classes including special ed students. Any child can get tutoring after school from one of the department teachers who rotate tutoring duty. How do we afford this? Virginia isn’t controlled by the NEA.

I once clung to the idea that more money for the schools and higher pay for teachers translated into higher achievement –but I was proven wrong when we moved to Virginia. Virginia ranks 13 in achievement, Illinois is down the list at 32.
http://www.edreform.com/_upload/cer_state_scorecard.pdf

The ISAT curriculum grade fell from 2005 to 2010: English standards from B to D.
Compared to Virginia’s B to B+. Math standards in IL fell from a C to D. Only Massachusetts had A’s in all categories and approved Singapore Math state-wide.
http://edexcellencemedia.net/publications/2010/201007_state_education_standards_common_standards/SOSSandCC2010_FullReportFINAL.pdf

The TeacherPortal.com survey shows Illinois is No. 1 in the site's salary comfort index rankings. Illinois also offers a special education tuition waiver program--a teacher pursuing a career in special education can qualify for full tuition exemptions at eligible institutions for up to four years.
http://www.forbes.com/2010/05/21/best-states-for-teachers-personal-finance-teachers.html
You will see in 2010 Wilmette has teachers earning over $100,000. A PE teacher at $102, 719. Curriculum Differentiation teacher: $111,609. McKenzie teacher: $109,059. Central School librarian: $112,177.
http://www.familytaxpayers.org/salary.php

Wilmette Citizen has a good point. We are a community that cares about facts, civil discourse, research and moderation. Unfortunately, none of those community members seem to be posting to this thread.

No one wants to give Ms Virginia the time of day and other community members are busy discussing this very real challenge together face to face with their neighbors and families

We should give "Ms. Virginia" the time of day. While everyone else cries "get informed!" she is providing backup for her statements, rather than just threatening "revenge," or calling someone with an opposing viewpoint "crazy." I am on the fence, and I am reviewing a thread between a former school board member who has moved out of the district and folks that are very, yet perhaps blindly, proud of D39. I''ve had a generally good experience with our schools, but before I cast my vote I want information. Let's get informed.

Denise, you have a special education child, and you clearly researched communities before you settled on Wilmette and D39. How did D39's special education services differ from the other communities you investigated? Do families with special education students pay any additional fees? Are those fees based on the additional services that the child might require, such as a parapro? Did other districts charge fees for additional special ed services? I'm not being confrontational; I simply don't know.

I'll admit that I don't attend every school board meeting. Before I vote on the referendum, I want to know where the information is coming from - please, guys, let me know your sources.

Parents of children with special ed services in public schools do not pay extra for those services. Likewise, children who get reading intervention, differentiation, gifted or accelerated services don't pay extra. This is the same in every public school in IL -- schools cannot legally charge students for services they receive during the school day & as part of instruction. Student fees can be charged for materials and for programs offered before or after school day. District 39 can and does charge parents fees for materials and for programs offered before and after school. As for special ed services, public schools are required by law to provide students with disabilities an education in the least restrictive environment, and those students' educational plan must be individualized to meet their needs, and developed with parental involvement. This supports and encourages better educational outcomes, preparation of students for employment and/or higher education, as well as independent living, all of which serves the community and country as a whole. Congress has found that integrated education produces better outcomes if placements in regular classrooms include needed supports and accommodations.

Get informed. There is a community presentation on Tue, March 22 at 7:00 at the Rec Center. There are also open houses and coffees around you if you ask or call around. At these meetings, can ask questions and get answers. Lots of information also at www.supportwilmetteschools.com.

As a board member, I advocated that every child have an individual plan, similar to how Montessori schools use "contracts of learning". During the early 90's
"gifted" or accelerated programs were eliminated and the focus of resources were shifted to special education. In accordance with the research on special education children, regular education children became a useful part of the special education child's therapy. In contrast, it was assumed that if parents wanted the needs of their accelerated child met beyond what was offered in the regular included classroom, parents would take responsibility and find it outside the classroom and pay for it themselves--thus the rise of KUMON math, Huntington Learning Systems (which also helps special needs children), Northwestern Program for Gifted, and Johns Hopkins (on-line) accelerated programs. The concept of differentiated education was offered to satisfy parents who sought curriculum that was more challenging. In theory, the curriculum differentiation approach spans the range of abilities, learning styles, special talents and interests. In reality, well behaved go along regular and gifted kids were often paired or grouped with children considered special needs which contradicted much of the research which suggests that gifted children learn best when they are grouped with similar peers. http://www.nagc.org/commonmyths.aspx

D39 is fiscally & educationally responsible. Facts don't support attacks on special ed, or claims that outsourcing would be better. Consider:
(1) REVENUE: D39 gets Fed & State funds for special ed. If outsourced, that's lost revenue.
(2) IEPs: Early & effective intervention has led to fewer IEPs. In fact, D39 just cut $1M in special ed due to declining caseloads. Claim that D39's programs attract undesirable kids are factually inaccurate & morally repugnant. Test scores are high; IEPs are down.
(3) PRESENT DAY CHARGES: NSSED's salary schedule outpaces that of D39. Also, NSSED just had a $16M+ building expense paid by member districts. D39's share would be large. Imagine high NSSED fees in 2011, plus lost special ed revenue. Note: Lake Forest/Lake Bluff just filed notice to pull out of NSSED based on efficiencies.
(4) OVERALL: Across U.S., expenses have gone up for regular & special ed commensurate with rising labor costs. Looking at special ed in a vacuum does not make sense.
(5) BENEFIT: The value of having nearly all D39 kids in Wilmette schools is immeasurable. Kids in functional academics go to school w/neighbors & sibs (not miles away) & all students enjoy inclusive education. This strengthens community. Services like speech are integrated into school day. For services provided in-class, the presence of an extra teacher benefits ALL kids.

Alarmist claims lack merit. All kids deserve excellent & effective education. D39 provides that with major efficiencies to boot.

Kimbra, this is genuinely good news that curriculum differentiation is working for your kids--especially in math (as well as reading?). It was also our experience that the teachers at McKenzie did an amazing job. I have unqualified praise for the McKenzie teachers my children had. They invented many work-a-rounds for the various fuzzy math curriculums. I did spend quite a bit of money on KUMON and Huntington for math however because by oldest was part of the Trailblazers experiment (pilot years) and my youngest child was part of the University of Chicago Experiment (first three years). I also supplemented with Singpore math because we found the Highcrest math program wholly inadequate for all ability levels; we were rewarded when so much of Singapore math appeared on the SAT math --and the kids did very well. Sounds like after 12 years, the district has perfected the math curriculum.

I am a parent of a special needs child who is heavily involved with our district. I have a typical functioning child too. We were in the state funded Early Intervention program and our daughter is currently in the Connecting Kids (district 39) preschool program. Early intervention is KEY to not ONLY the success of the child's overall development and also the overall costs in terms of services. It is true that these interventions are working and we as a district are indeed doing reductions because of these interventions - this IS good news. I am a room parent who has a paraprofessional in my other child’s 1st grade classroom. I have observed first hand how this individual helps ALL the children while helping the teacher too. Full inclusion works. Children learn from one another and more importantly RESPECT one another in this environment. Children with special needs historically were hidden away, thrown in institutions until 1970’s - thankfully this doesn't happen anymore. I cannot even imagine doing this to my child – no parent could. My daughter has done so much better in a loving environment with people who CARE and a district that CARES. My daughter isn't a number or a diagnosis she's a human being a person with feelings and a heart. Wilmette Civility you're right on with this discussion - thank you!

I encourage all of us to rent the movie Race To Nowhere and be reminded the importance of a good education and more importantly an educator. If you don't like what you see the write your state official. It can take a village and we all obviously care about our children's and grand children's future.

Concerned Parent, Giving school more and more money simply does not translate into better education. The school district wasted a lot of money to pay for non-teaching administrators. There are THREE assistant superintendents in the district on top of the five principals. Everyone of them makes $200,000. Cut one of the them you will have enough money to support both the music and foreign language class. You can check out the school's salary at http://www.familytaxpayers.org. Maybe we should out source our administrating jobs to Massachusette, where there are better schools and superintendents make far less than IL.

Vote No to this Tax Increase Referendum.

D39 needs to live within the means, EVERYBODY ELSE DOES !

VOTE NO.

Margaret,

Look, enough about the teachers' unions already. It's a red herring.

I happen to agree with some of the opponents' views in that area (though I think it's important to distinguish between the teachers' unions and the teachers themselves). The teachers' unions nationwide have been insufficiently flexible in a number of areas. But the teachers' contract is not on the ballot, period. That will have to be dealt with separately, whether that is persuading them to renegotiate now or we negotiate a better contract when it's up. If you think that rejecting the referendum and manufacturing some kind of fiscal crisis is a good strategy to force new contract talks, that's insane. As even your fellow opponents have noted, a complete salary freeze would still only address one third of the current deficit. That kind of brinksmanship makes no sense, and the idea that we should do that at risk to our children's education is horrible. You are entitled to your opinions, even though you don't live here anymore, but I do find it hard to swallow that you are suggesting we take risks that your children wouldn't be subject to.

I will offer a solution.

For all of you that are in favor of this referendum, do the math and figure out how much your taxes will go up. Next grab your checkbook and make a tax-deductible contribution to the District 39 foundation in that amount.
http://216.45.200.1/d39foundation/make-a-secure-online-donation.html
Make it for more if you wish.
Remember to do this every year.
All of these funds will then be put toward keeping many of the programs funded that you don't want cut. It will also keep us in a favorable position to negotiate the next teachers contract.

I think everyone is in favor of great schools. I know that my family has worked hard and in may ways for the school, and continues to do so. We have to many personnel and with 6 figure librarian salaries, we need to make changes to the employment contract. The way to do that is through strength.

Margaret Mcintyre wrote on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 :
Source : http://wilmette.patch.com/articles/wilmette-parent-vote-yes-for-district-39-referendum
.
"Top-paid New Trier Township educators in retirement Former Superintendent Henry Bangser was rewarded by the New Trier District 203 School Board with a series of 20 percent pay raises in the years preceding his 2006 retirement at age 57. Those pay boosts pushed his final salary up to $364,500.
.
As a result, Bangser now draws an annual pension of more than $230,000, which makes him the sixth best-paid pensioner in the Teachers' Retirement System."
.
Who do we know gets an annual pension of more than $230,000 ? ANNUAL PENSION, NOT PAY !
Who do we know that can retire at age 57 ? AGE 57, NOT 65 or 66!

http://216.45.200.1/d39foundation/make-a-secure-online-donation.html

Ken, every taxpayer is entitled to propose solutions to the public sector budget
Crisis upon us at every level-- national, state and local. Somehow, an attitude of “insulation” has developed there in Wilmette as if Wilmette schools have had no hand in the cause of the crisis or are above making changes to ameliorate the fiscal crisis abetted by such outlandish contracts as the WEA 2008. I still have friends and family in Wilmette and IL who cannot afford to finance lavish pay and benefits for an expanding public workforce. I don’t agree that solutions should or must be born by the children. My children flourished in D39 on 2000 budgets which could reasonably be increased by CPI. I paid for “gifted” education at KUMON, Huntington and Northwestern Center for Talent Development. Today’s parents can do the same.
Worse, today’s “all inclusion” classroom model necessitates more teachers per classroom instead of grouping the top 25% of students into larger class sizes and grouping the other 75% in smaller classes. With ability/motivational/behavioral grouping, fewer teachers are needed and all student needs are met.
Solutions are possible if only there was motivation to cooperate and innovate with a smaller budget, rather than employ brinksmanship tactics that prey on the emotions of parents. Shameful. That some realtors seek special ed families as buyers to pay a premium for Wilmette homes that entitles them to services of greater value— is immoral.

There is an amazingly rich spectrum of pre-school, music, art, drama and technology offered by the Wilmette Park District, provided by non-union staff (many with same degrees as D39 teachers)-and yes, there are fees and there is choice. Still, Wilmette property owners pay to maintain the Park District, therefore subsidize these offerings. Back when my kids first started to enjoy the park district, the booklet of offerings was 25 pages--today, it is 96 pages long--not a criticism, just an observation. I have said this more than once, I feel our family benefited as much from the Park District as the Schools, with the added benefit of up front legitimate choices which amounted to a customized curriculum of enrichment. Whether is was soccer, gymnastics, gym and art, day camp, pre-school, ceramics, sailing, water sports, sports camp, ballet /tap /dance lessons, ice skating, the Wallace Bowl or Centennial Water Park ( paid for with referendum), with swim lessons, diving lessons, --the enrichments are unmatched on the North Shore. Even Winnetka residents use Wilmette's facilities for a small additional user fee. No child in Wilmette will be deprived if Art, Music or PE is reduced during the school day!

Daphne wrote : (seems like Dapne's post may have been deleted.) Below is a partial quote :
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""Living within our means" as Max suggests would result in a notably inferior school system...."
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Feel free to donate to the District 39 Educational Foundation as much as you desire.
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http://216.45.200.1/d39foundation/make-a-secure-online-donation.html
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I have lived in Wilmette for over a quarter of a century now. I was happy with the schools my kids attended. I am also happy to pay for that same level of programs and services that my kids enjoyed. Just don't ask me to support additional programs or services.
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If going back to the services we can afford means going back to an "inferior school system", so be it. My kids did just fine with that "inferior school system", I am sure your kids will do just fine with that too. However, should you feel unsure, feel free to get those programs and services privately, at your own expense.
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I would like to maintain the quality of life and standard of living I enjoy in Wilmette and will continue to support your kids in school as long as I can afford to.
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To ensure that,
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Vote NO because you care.

By golly Max I think you hit the nail squarely on the head. Congratulations!

Max, Daphne's comment resonates with what most of the parents thought of the Wilmette schools when I was serving on the Board.
We certainly didn't think we had inferior schools then, or substandard schools, or schools that such a huge infusion of money! amen.

Margaret Mcintyre,
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Your opinion, sense of history, insight, knowledege and experience, knowing that you had lived in Wilmette longer than I have to date, is an inspiration and invaluable to me and hope, to many residents here.
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I wish I had the time and the energy to have been more involved in local Village and School District matters when my kids were in school, but hope I have the chance to interact more in future, hopefully, more objectively, since I don't have kids in school.
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So, please ignore the people who go attacking your character or personality. Don't let them stop you from expressing your opinion and offering us your insight about your former place of residence.
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Thank you, sincerely,

Max

I will offer a different solution.
For all of you that are in favor of this referendum, do the math and figure out how much your taxes will go up. Next make a tax-deductible contribution to the District 39 foundation in that amount.
http://216.45.200.1/d39foundation/make-a-secure-online-donation.html
Make it for more if you like.
Remember to do it this year and every year.
All of these funds will then be put toward keeping many of the programs funded that you don't want cut.
I think everyone is in favor of great schools. I know that my family has worked in may ways for the school district, and continues to do so.
For the record the District 39 Educational Foundation is an independent volunteer group. It is not related to the school board. It operates independently. It does spend all of its funds for project related to District 39 school students, staff and community.

I've researched the available information and was tending toward voting in favor of the referendum until I read posts like the caps-lock "IDEOLOGICAL ZEALOT" tirade and conspiracy theories about Margaret's one-woman campaign to drive down real estate values in the village. Ad hominem attacks don't help the pro-referendum cause, and in my view undercut the credibility of all referendum supporters. Thanks for making the decision easier.

Margaret - Those of us who actually live in Wilmette NOW have voted, and voted FOR our schools. Please feel free to go back to your life in VIRGINIA and give us all a rest from your opinions. Thank you.