Relax. It’s still there.
Back in 2002, the taxpayers of School District 271 approved a levy that would, among other things, remodel Lakes Middle School. All but $4.5 million of that money was spent on other projects. According to Superintendent Hazel Bauman, that remaining money is still there, in the bank, earning interest.
Some folks doubted Ms. Bauman. They said that the money is gone and SD271 is in trouble. Good news: the money is not gone. It’s there, in the bank, earning interest. You can read a financial statement here (PDF file).
So is this news? No. But I thought that I’d post it here to show a couple of things.
First, we make efforts here at OpenCdA to provide honest information. Lots of people pass along tidbits to us. Rather than spread what could be misinformation or something said just to be deliberately nasty, we check it out. When things pan out, we write about them. When they don’t, we don’t.
Second, I believe Ms. Bauman is making good efforts at increasing openness and public involvement at our school district. Those efforts should be lauded. Especially in an environment were arrogance and rude behavior seems to permeate some elected officials, it’s refreshing to find transparency and a willingness to involve the public. You see: Hazel is being honest with us. That deserves a mention, and it’s worth repeating.
Finally, this is non-news. The big bad news would be if the money wasn’t there. If that were true, it would be bad news for everyone involved, especially the students. That’s not the case. Too often such non-news events don’t go reported. In this case, I thought it worth the effort.
Dan, I don’t agree. I think it IS big news. Good for Hazel, good for the district and good for all of us. Big news doesn’t have to be bad, it just has to be something important, and this was. Thank you for requesting the information. I’m thrilled to hear it!
Comment by mary — July 1, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
I too appreciate Hazel’s efforts. I just think it so sad that Mr. Amend didn’t join her in any of her forums but left it all to her to mend fences that he had to be partly responsible for.
Even at meetings hyping up the levy, she had to do it all by herself, while he was nowhere to be found. Maybe he was in Korea then?
Comment by reddy — July 1, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
Methinks Harry caught a bad case of senioritis from one of the local High Schools. 😉
Comment by Dan — July 1, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
The left over 2002 levy money issue was asked of Ms. Bauman at the 2nd. Forum meeting and she stated that the money was in the bank account and earning interest. In fact, the amount was close to 5M now. Glad the money is still there and she stated, when asked, that the money would be used for Lakes!!
Having the open forum meetings around town is a great idea on her part. People that attend get to speak out and are not cut off. However, I have been surprised as to the attendance at these meetings, low turn-out of the public. A few parents, a few grandparents, a few special ed parents and some patrons. The low turn out of people– either people with students in the district or taxpayers wanting their money spent correctly is a little dishearting. The meetings have been informative and cordial. Plus, good ideas have been stated and hopefully adopted by the school district. I hope they continue after the last scheduled one on July 22. This format needs to be available to the taxpayers and to the school district in bringing back trust to their organization. Now we just need a better way to reach each area Trustee in SD271. Their phone numbers and email addresses need to be posted on the school’s website. They need to meet with their area patrons.
So far, Ms. Bauman you are listening and bringing back trust to the district with its patrons. This project is not done yet, there is still more to be done in SD271 but this is a good start.
What is the status on the independent audit that was agreed upon at the first forum meeting?
Comment by ShyAnn — July 2, 2008 @ 11:06 am
I think the low turnout is just typical of government type meetings. Most people, sadly, are too busy to care. Some people are apathetic, or feel that their input just won’t be welcome. Lots more people recognize that when you show up, you’re putting yourself, your family, and your business interests in jeopardy should you disagree with the status quo.
My mother was a teacher for 40 years. She was the treasurer for the union. She played the game, but one day she asked a question. Oops! Apparently they didn’t like her pointing out how money was being wasted and so she was effectively shut out at that point. She retired a year early. I know that the apologists for bad government will express dismay publicly, but they know damn well that stuff happens to people who ask questions. That may explain the low turnout and lower enthusiasm, not just in Government but in any large organization.
Comment by Dan — July 2, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Thanks Dan-
It is sad to see at these school district forum meetings the same people. I guess one has to weigh the consequences of one’s participation. Guess that explains why there are not any school district employees there – only the ones Hazel invites.
These forums have brought alot to the table and I hope things change for the school district and more so for the taxpayer’s money. JUst to be informed on issues makes one think and question the powers that be.
Have a good 4th. Dan!
Comment by ShyAnn — July 2, 2008 @ 11:53 am