At the ISD 166 school board meeting on August 18, board members reiterated the financial consequences of another failed school referendum. We teachers of ISD 166 understand the full import of this potential reality: the loss of nearly half a million dollars in revenue will result in immediate cuts to eight teachers, support staff, elective courses, academic and athletic activities, and increases in class size.
Why didn’t these kinds of cuts occur this school year? Often after a failed levy referendum, boards punish students and families with similar kinds of reductions. Instead, our board took advantage of timely opportunities to save dollars through staff and administrative resignations, deferred maintenance, and creative scheduling. Together, these efforts minimized the impact on students. I’m proud of our board’s thoughtful decisions and its commitment to all of our children, but these are not effective ways to create strong schools and cannot be sustained in the long term.
So while the future of our schools is still uncertain, let it be known presently that there is a growing optimism and trust on our beautiful campus. Teachers are thrilled with the board’s approval for a new administration model. Not only does this save the district money, but it also provides teachers and students with more direct support. Our new hirees are smart go-getters, and we all can’t wait to get back to work with these great kids—helping them succeed in the classroom, on the court, and in life.
On behalf of all our Cook County Education Association teachers, I want to thank the ISD 166 school board for its dedication and service. We know we’re all in this together. Strong communities have strong schools, and we’re committed to doing our part.
Community members, we need your help too. Please vote yes for both the bonding measure and the levy referendum. Without both, our board will be forced to cut direct instruction and activities. We are the coolest small town in America—let’s not forget that strong schools attract new families, new businesses, and improve property values.
We all are in this together.
Michael McHugh
CCEA President
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