After months of difficult budget discussion on June 2, 2016, the ISD 166 School Board heard a final proposal on how to continue to fund Cook County Schools. A complicated spreadsheet was presented with two scenarios and Superintendent Beth Schwarz—with incoming Superintendent Bill Crandall listening in via teleconference—gave an explanation of both. After considerable discussion, the school board approved the adoption of scenario 1, which means an operating levy increase and the issuance of a general operating (GO) bond, both of which must be approved by Cook County voters in November.
If approved by voters, the six-year operating levy would result in revenue of $800 per pupil. That amount, along with the current local optional revenue (LOR) of $424 and the five-year board approved levy of $300 would mean $783,837 in referendum related revenue for ISD 166, an increase of $365,461 per year.
Vice-President of PMA Financial Network, Inc. Steve Pumper joined the school board conversation by phone. He said asking for $800 per pupil, instead of $1,276 per pupil as the school did in the failed 2015 levy referendum, may be “more palatable” to voters.
The operating levy is paid only by year-round Cook County property owners, however, Board Chair Jeanne Anderson was quick to point out that the levy amount of $800 per pupil did not mean that every taxpayer would pay $800 to support the school. The board thanked Superintendent Schwarz and Pumper for putting together a chart which shows the actual tax impact. See chart at right.
In addition to the operating levy referendum, the board agreed to seek a general obligation (GO) facilities bond of $6.5 million. The GO bond, which would be paid by all taxpayers, year-round and seasonal, would be collected over a 20-year period. Over that 20 years the revenue received would fund a long list of items such as a new math curriculum and surveillance cameras in 2017; a new bus garage in 2018; science room and culinary arts renovations and applied arts curriculum update in 2019; smart boards, software and staff desktops in 2020; social studies curriculum update and flooring replacements in 2021 and so on. The GO bond would also allow scheduled replacement of buses.
Pumper offered two options for the GO bond—for $6.5 million or $7 million. The board weighed both and Board Member Sissy Lunde recalled the failed referendum. “I don’t know if the confidence is there. I think we need to be really careful.”
Board Member Deb White said the money is needed. “We’re cut to the bare bones here.”
White said some people will never be ready for a tax increase. Others will accept it, she said, if the board explains this is needed if the school district is going to maintain its buildings and have a quality educational experience for ISD 166 students. “I believe we need to ask for a levy referendum based on what our needs are,” she asserted.
After a few more questions, a motion was made by Terry Collins, seconded by Chris Goettl, to approve scenario 1 with the operating levy increase and the issuance of a $6.5 million general operating (GO) bond. The motion passed with support of all board members.
“Backward mapping” used to create math curriculum
Math teacher Tim Dennison spoke to the school board on behalf of the mathematics curriculum committee. Dennison gave a break-down of what the committee proposed for adoption which is a combination of the current curriculum “Everyday Math” with a new curriculum the “Singapore curriculum.” Dennison said the proposal was arrived at by “backwards mapping,” which Dennison explained was an attempt to link the math curriculum from kindergarten to 12th grade, so all the teachers know what happened for a student before they come to their class and what will happen after. The proposal combines the current Everyday Math curriculum with the Singapore curriculum.
“It’s nice to be part of such a small school,” said Dennison. “These kind of discussions are easier.”
Board Member Sissy Lunde noted that the curriculum proposal calls for the purchase of 28 classroom Chromebooks for $8,400. She said she thought that the school was using iPads. Dennison explained that although iPads work well for most students, the Chromebooks offer options for “differentiated learning” for students who need extra help or who are working at a higher level. The Chromebooks allow these students to work on a more individual basis.
Superintendent Beth Schwarz asked Dennison if he had consulted with Technology Coordinator John Jacobsen to see if leasing the Chromebooks would be a better option. Dennison said, yes, and the proposal included the “worst-case scenario” price. He said he would work with Jacobsen and it was hoped the cost would be less.
Board Member Terry Collins noted that the curriculum proposal did not include textbooks. He said, “So the ‘sticker shock’ for the technology is offset somewhat.”
There was considerable discussion of the merits and drawbacks to the current Everyday Math curriculum and the Singapore curriculum. The math curriculum committee recommended that the best option was to “fuse” the two curriculums. The board tabled a decision until after the discussion of the budget, bonding and levy referendum which followed.
After the budget discussion, the board unanimously approved the purchase of the new curriculum and related expenses for technology and training as presented for a total of $127,939.92.
. In what has become a school board tradition, a highlight of a school activity was featured at the start of the meeting. Third-grade teacher Lorelei Livingston gave a presentation on the Ojibwe shoulder bag project completed with help from Grand Portage Elder Thelma Grandlouis and Laurie Dorr of Grand Marais. Her class has been making shoulder bags and learning about their use in Ojibwe culture since 2011.
. The school board noted that Math Teacher Tim Dennison was leaving ISD 166 and expressed regret. He is moving to Wisconsin to be nearer family. Dennison said, “It’s been a privilege to serve Cook County. I’ve been here four years. I love Cook County, these kids and families.”
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