'A Plea for Honesty and Ethical Behavior in the Dist. 39 Referendum Debate'

James Reddinger is a seven-year Wilmette resident with children in District 39 schools. The following is Reddinger's letter to the editor:

Public debate is the foundation of the democratic process. It provides transparency into key facts and considerations as they relate to public policy.

Unfortunately some participants on both sides of the District 39 referendum debate are distributing false information and misleading statements that are intended to confuse voters. This tactic is unethical and it can be dangerous for the community if false and misleading information becomes the foundation for public policy decisions. Wilmette deserves an honest debate of the facts of this very important issue.

Examples of false information that has been distributed to District 39 voters include:

False Claim #1: The proposed referendum would increase your taxes by as much as 36%. “Robo Calls” to District 39 voters declare that the proposed tax increase is 36%. This is false information. District 39 has made it clear that the proposed tax increase required to maintain existing educational services is 5.9%. The false claim of a 36% tax increase was designed to capitalize on the confusing (and state-mandated) ballot language that voters will see at the polls. A statement of intent and detailed explanation of the tax ballot language can be found at www.wilmette39.org. See the news article titled “District 39 Reiterates Referendum Ask” and “District Addresses Misinformation, March 24, 2011” for details.

False Claim #2: District 39 has not already made meaningful expense reductions. This is false information. In fact, District 39 has cut approximately $4.3 million from its operating budget over the last three years, including reductions in administrative staff and administrative pay freezes. A detailed explanation of all expense reductions that have been taken can be found at www.wilmette39.org. See the articles titled “Referendum Fact Sheet” and “Referendum FAQ” for details.

False Claim #3: District 39 does not plan to make major cuts to its teacher staffing and educational programs next year if the referendum fails. This is false information. A list of the 24% of teachers who already have received termination notices can be found in the school board meeting minutes. In addition, a detailed list of programs that will be eliminated can be found in the budgeting and planning documents on www.wilmette39.org. See the March 21st board minutes and the article titled “Program Costing Document” for details.
Examples of misleading information that has been distributed to District 39 voters include:

Misleading Statement #1: Since 1998, student enrollment in Wilmette District 39 has increased by 9% while total District 39 operating expenditures have increased by 87% during that same period. While the two facts sited above are correct, this statement is misleading because it ignores several significant cost drivers that are beyond the District’s control. In addition to the 9% increase in enrollment sited above, inflation and other required costs (such as curriculum changes, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, fire and safety code changes) added costs. Inflation accounted for nearly half of the increases in costs sited above – things simply cost more in 2011 than they did in 1998. For instance, a gallon of gasoline cost $1.29 in 1998 and $3.02 in 2010 (both national averages), an increase of 134%. In this context, an increase of 87% in total costs looks much different than when presented on its own. Only when taking all cost factors into account can we have an honest debate about operating expenditures in District 39.

Misleading Statement #2: District 39 is not efficient or cost conscious. While this is a subjective judgment, it needs to be considered in context of the relevant facts. District 39 operating costs per pupil ($13,060) are 24% lower than the average of other new Trier feeder districts (Avoca, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Sunset Ridge, and Winnetka average $17,283) and 11% lower than the average of other comparable North Shore districts (Glenview, Golf, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, and Skokie average $14,620). District 39 operating costs per pupil would remain near the bottom of all comparable districts if the referendum were approved because the referendum is designed to maintain (not expand) current services. While someone could have the opinion that all school districts are not efficient or cost conscious, it is misleading to single out District 39 without the proper context. A detailed review of comparable school operating costs per pupil can be found at www.wilmette39.org or from the State of Illinois Department of Education.

District 39 residents should continue to engage in open and honest debate about this important issue. Verifiable facts provide needed context and are productive to this debate. False information and misleading statements are destructive to this debate and are potentially harmful to the Wilmette community if they drive public policy.

All District 39 voters should do their research on the issues, be wary of false information and those who are providing it to you, and make an informed vote based on the facts.