While there may be disappointment in the defeat of last week’s School District 166 operating levy referendum, there does not need to be discouragement. We shouldn’t accept that 48 percent of the voters don’t count, or that the 1,039 people who supported the levy can’t make a difference in the quality of education in Cook County. Those of us who were willing to have the county collect our money through taxes and send it to the school can simply send it there ourselves. In fact, making contributions directly provides us the opportunity to send our money to the school—or schools—of our choice.
One parent, whose child attended a charter school before graduating from Cook County High School, told me she was moving forward with her support of education by sending the amount of the previous levy to I.S.D. 166, and dividing the amount of the proposed levy increase between the county’s three charter schools. There is nothing keeping any of the other 1,038 “Yes” voters from doing the same. Of course, those who did not vote or who prefer voluntary contributions over higher taxes can join in, too.
The proposed levy was roughly $1.00 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. So, if the board-approved levy for I.S.D. 166 is going to keep about a quarter of that on your tax bill, you still have about 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to donate as you please. That’s around $100 if your home is worth $133,000 or $225 if your home is worth $300,000.
Imagine what a thousand donations—even modest ones—would mean! Speaking as one who works in a setting where just a few thousand dollars means the difference between being above water or below it, the financial support of our community is essential. Speaking as one who lives in a community where the quality of education means the difference between a future that is improving or declining, the public expression of encouragement is just as essential.
Make your voice heard with a tax-deductible contribution right now.
Peter James
Grand Marais
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