Having served in public office for almost thirty years, I have never seen a more deliberate attempt to confuse the voters and distort the facts as the referendum question put forth by Downers Grove Grade School District 58 to be voted on at the February 27th Primary Election.

The disingenuous wording included in the proposition states that the "additional tax" on a single family residence having a fair market value of $100,000 at the time of the referendum (2006), is estimated to be $103.33.  The proposition further states that the additional tax for 2007 is estimated to be $147.97;  for 2008 the additional tax is estimated to be $195.66;  and for 2009 the additional tax is estimated to be $246.62.

Having personally asked a number of local realtors how many single family residences were sold at a price close to $100,000 in Downers Grove during the past year, they were unanimous in saying they were not aware of any single family residence sold near that price.  A more typical home in our community has a fair market value closer to $300,000, not $100,000.

Therefore, a family whose home has a "fair market value" of $300,000 will see their 2006 District 58 taxes increase $310, not $103.33.  In 2007 the increase will amount to $444, not $147.97.  In 2008 the additional tax will amount to $587, not $195.66.  In 2009 the additional tax will amount to $740, not $246.62.  Remember, this is in addition to what the homeowner is currently paying District 58 in each of these years.

The wording on the referendum proposition is an abuse of the public trust, as is the use of public funds to prepare and mail a newsletter in support of the referendum, that we as taxpayers do not expect from our elected officials.  The voters should send a strong and resounding message to the District 58 administration and board and vote NO on February 27th.

Although this is a "Primary Election," a voter DOES NOT have to declare their party affiliation in order to be able to vote.

William T. Jacklin

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Reply from the School District 58 Board President

In his letter of February 1, 2007 related to the District 58 referendum, William Jacklin states that he has "never seen a more deliberate attempt to confuse the voters and distort the facts as the referendum question put forth by Downers Grove Grade School District 58 to be voted on at the February 27th Primary Election." He refers to the wording of the ballot question as "disingenuous" and points out that few residents of District 58 have homes with a market value of $100,000, the amount used as an example on the ballot question.

Please be advised that the language of the ballot question is mandated by Public Act 94-0976, adopted by the Illinois General Assembly in the spring of 2006.  District 58 did not choose the language, nor did District 58 choose to use a $100,000 fair market value home as the example for the ballot.  That example is required by state law.  Mr.  Jacklin is correct that the amount of the proposed increase is $103 per $100,000 of fair market value, and that the owner of a home with a fair market value of $300,000 would pay $310 in additional tax for 2006.

Contrary to Mr.  Jacklin's accusation that District 58 has "abused the public trust" by using this language on the ballot, District 58 has no choice in the wording of the ballot.  That wording, and the $100,000 fair market value example, are required by state law.

Mr.  Jacklin is also correct that the median home value in District 58 is approximately $300,000, up from approximately $200,000 in 2002.  Moreover, academic achievement in District 58 has increased over that time period from approximately 84% of students meeting or exceeding state standards to over 91% of students meeting or exceeding state standards, far above average.  Despite above average performance, District 58 spends less per pupil than the state average.  District 58's tax rate has dropped over the past 10 years but the school district has nevertheless been able to consistently improve performance and maintain high quality education.  Out of 29 DuPage County Elementary School Districts, District 58's tax rate ranks 24th.  If the referendum is successful, District 58 will still move up only 2 spots and District 58's tax rate will remain one of the lowest in DuPage County. 

Quality schools are the foundation of our community.  All voters should make an informed decision on February 27 before casting their ballot.  Are good schools worth another $310 per year for those who own $300,000 homes? Or should we put our childrens' education and our homes' values at risk? For those interested in learning about District 58's needs and why the district has been forced to join all of the surrounding school districts in seeking an increase in its tax rate, please visit the District 58 website at www.dg58.org and review the Powerpoint presentation related to the Board of Education's decision to put this referendum to the voters.  If you would like even more information, all of the minutes of the meetings of the citizens advisory committee that recommended the referendum are also available at the website, along with additional information considered by the committee.  If you still have unanswered questions, please feel free to direct them to me at tcunningham@lordbissell.com.

Thomas J. Cunningham

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