THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Elmhurst

11

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of ElmhurstVOTERS of Elmhurst

School District 205 Issues School District 205 Issues Expanded Observer Coverage Expanded Observer Coverage

October 22, 2009

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Transparency Transparency in in

GovernmentGovernment

33

Transparency in Transparency in GovernmentGovernment

Citizens must be able to know exactly what goes Citizens must be able to know exactly what goes on when public officials transact public business; on when public officials transact public business; allows public oversight of decision makingallows public oversight of decision making

Open meeting Law: mandates that government Open meeting Law: mandates that government business, with some exceptions, be conducted in business, with some exceptions, be conducted in open meetings to which the public has accessopen meetings to which the public has access

FOIA: public access to government documents FOIA: public access to government documents and recordsand records

*Nadler J and Schulman M. Open meetings, open records, and *Nadler J and Schulman M. Open meetings, open records, and transparency in government. Markula Center for Applied Ethics; Santa transparency in government. Markula Center for Applied Ethics; Santa Clara University, CA. 2008 Clara University, CA. 2008 www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/government_ethics/introduction/www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/government_ethics/introduction/open-meetingsopen-meetings

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/government_ethics/introduction/open-meetings

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/government_ethics/introduction/open-meetings

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Transparency in Transparency in Government School Government School

DistrictsDistricts

Government school districts are public bodies Government school districts are public bodies whose inner workings should be visible to all whose inner workings should be visible to all residents, taxpayers, & education consumersresidents, taxpayers, & education consumers

FOIA and Open Meetings Act are a startFOIA and Open Meetings Act are a start Making government information available in Making government information available in

proactive fashion on an easy-access, proactive fashion on an easy-access, searchable, & intuitive website for citizen to searchable, & intuitive website for citizen to view without having to make a request for view without having to make a request for recordsrecords

*Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. *Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.htmlwww.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html. .

http://www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html

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FOIAFOIA

Downloadable form for requesting documents Downloadable form for requesting documents Directions on how to file the FOIA requestDirections on how to file the FOIA request Documents supplied in response to FOIA requests Documents supplied in response to FOIA requests

within 2 business dayswithin 2 business days Procedure for appeals to FOIA request denialsProcedure for appeals to FOIA request denials Summary reports to Board of Education of recent Summary reports to Board of Education of recent

FOIA requests & their status & on website for FOIA requests & their status & on website for citizenscitizens

Searchable archives of submitted FOIA requests & Searchable archives of submitted FOIA requests & associated response documentsassociated response documents

*Guides from IL Attorney General’s Office regarding citizens’ rights under FOIA & the *Guides from IL Attorney General’s Office regarding citizens’ rights under FOIA & the Open Meetings Act, The District 300 Freedom of Information Act Online Program. 2009. Open Meetings Act, The District 300 Freedom of Information Act Online Program. 2009. http://old.d300.org/web/freedomofinfomationactrequests.htmlhttp://old.d300.org/web/freedomofinfomationactrequests.html , LWV of Elmhurst , LWV of Elmhurst recommendationrecommendation

http://old.d300.org/web/freedomofinfomationactrequests.html

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Transparency Website for Transparency Website for TaxpayersTaxpayers

Opening of the books online in easily searchable database with all Opening of the books online in easily searchable database with all government expenditures & details of every tax dollargovernment expenditures & details of every tax dollar

The amount, date, authorizer, payer, and payee of all expendituresThe amount, date, authorizer, payer, and payee of all expenditures Details and purpose of payments, including check numbersDetails and purpose of payments, including check numbers All contract agreements and grantsAll contract agreements and grants All vendors used and the contracts pertaining to those vendorsAll vendors used and the contracts pertaining to those vendors A listing of expenditures by: A listing of expenditures by:

Object of expense with links to the warrant or check register levelObject of expense with links to the warrant or check register level In a reportable format, class, and item levelsIn a reportable format, class, and item levels

At a minimum, the site must allow users to:At a minimum, the site must allow users to: Search and aggregate funding by any element of the informationSearch and aggregate funding by any element of the information Ascertain through a single search the total amount of funding Ascertain through a single search the total amount of funding

awarded to a person, group, or organizationawarded to a person, group, or organization Download information yielded by a search of the databaseDownload information yielded by a search of the database *Illinois Policy Institute. How to achieve government transparency. 2009 *Illinois Policy Institute. How to achieve government transparency. 2009

www.illinoispolicyinstitute.orgwww.illinoispolicyinstitute.org

http://www.illinoispolicyinstitute.org/

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School District WebsiteSchool District WebsiteChecklist of Public Checklist of Public

InformationInformation OperationsOperations Board Policies: The collected “board policies” of the school Board Policies: The collected “board policies” of the school

district, including administrative procedures, should be readily district, including administrative procedures, should be readily available in print and searchable online. (in plain English)1available in print and searchable online. (in plain English)1

EthicsEthics Statement on prohibition on district business with contributors Statement on prohibition on district business with contributors

to election or referendum campaigns (pay-for-play)1to election or referendum campaigns (pay-for-play)1 Searchable/downloadable campaign finance reports2Searchable/downloadable campaign finance reports2 Report of lobbying activities2Report of lobbying activities2

**1Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009.1Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009.www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.htmlwww.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html . .

*2Campbell, Joel: A Web Site Review: Ratings on Transparency Best Practices. *2Campbell, Joel: A Web Site Review: Ratings on Transparency Best Practices. Preliminary Report on Salt Lake City’s Greater Transparency for Collaborative Preliminary Report on Salt Lake City’s Greater Transparency for Collaborative Government Initiative. May 26, 2009 Government Initiative. May 26, 2009 [email protected]@gmail.com


mailto:[email protected]

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Checklist of Public Checklist of Public InformationInformation

Budget & SpendingBudget & Spending Detailed budget (not merely the very brief outline required by the Detailed budget (not merely the very brief outline required by the

state)state) The district check register, showing all paymentsThe district check register, showing all payments Narrative detailing how the budget was created*Narrative detailing how the budget was created* Item by item comparisons with projected & actual revenue & Item by item comparisons with projected & actual revenue &

spending figures from the previous year & the percentage of spending figures from the previous year & the percentage of change wherever it occurs.*change wherever it occurs.*

Succinct explanations for every change from the previous year.*Succinct explanations for every change from the previous year.* Full explanations for the substantial administration staffing Full explanations for the substantial administration staffing

increases budgeted for the coming year, including the exact increases budgeted for the coming year, including the exact nature of each position to be added, salaries, & specific reasons nature of each position to be added, salaries, & specific reasons for doing so.*for doing so.*

Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.htmlwww.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html. .

*League of Women Voter of Elmhurst request 2009 *League of Women Voter of Elmhurst request 2009


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Checklist of Public Checklist of Public InformationInformationStaffingStaffing Complete CV for key administrators (superintendent, assistant Complete CV for key administrators (superintendent, assistant

superintendents, curriculum directors, & school principals)superintendents, curriculum directors, & school principals) Contracts with key administrators & their salaries and bonusesContracts with key administrators & their salaries and bonuses Negotiated union contractsNegotiated union contracts Teacher salary scheduleTeacher salary schedule District’s Master ScheduleDistrict’s Master Schedule Breakout of degrees earned by teachers, categorized by degree Breakout of degrees earned by teachers, categorized by degree

subject and awarding departmentssubject and awarding departments Degrees awarded by Ed. Schools should be reported separately Degrees awarded by Ed. Schools should be reported separately

from degrees awarded by other college departmentsfrom degrees awarded by other college departments Ed. School Ed.D. degrees should be reported separately from Ph.D.sEd. School Ed.D. degrees should be reported separately from Ph.D.s

Identification of hired/retained educational consultants, Identification of hired/retained educational consultants, facilitators, workshop presenters & contractors, including facilitators, workshop presenters & contractors, including names, website addresses, salaries & expensesnames, website addresses, salaries & expenses

**Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.htmlwww.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html. .


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School Board & MeetingsSchool Board & Meetings Board member information & contactsBoard member information & contacts Calendar of meetingsCalendar of meetings Notice and agenda of upcoming board meetings Notice and agenda of upcoming board meetings Complete copies of board packets (documents provided to board members at each Complete copies of board packets (documents provided to board members at each

meeting)meeting) Minutes, taken in sufficient detail to understand each issue in question, the nature of Minutes, taken in sufficient detail to understand each issue in question, the nature of

various positions, & resolutionvarious positions, & resolution Searchable archives of minutes by date & subject Searchable archives of minutes by date & subject Posting of minutes of closed sessions as soon as available* Posting of minutes of closed sessions as soon as available* Video/audio records & searchable transcripts of meetings*Video/audio records & searchable transcripts of meetings* Searchable archives of resolutions and votesSearchable archives of resolutions and votes Disabled accessibility (e.g., easy way to increase size of text)Disabled accessibility (e.g., easy way to increase size of text) Multiple languagesMultiple languages Remote access to participate in meetings or other means to submit public commentRemote access to participate in meetings or other means to submit public comment Opportunity for public comments & questions with respectful reciprocity and exchange Opportunity for public comments & questions with respectful reciprocity and exchange

of ideas & concerns and with on-point, meaningful answers supplied to citizens of ideas & concerns and with on-point, meaningful answers supplied to citizens questions and concernsquestions and concerns**

Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.htmlwww.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html. . Campbell, Joel: A Web Site Review: Ratings on Transparency Best Practices. Preliminary Report on Salt Lake City’s Greater Campbell, Joel: A Web Site Review: Ratings on Transparency Best Practices. Preliminary Report on Salt Lake City’s Greater

Transparency for Collaborative Government Initiative. May 26, 2009 Transparency for Collaborative Government Initiative. May 26, 2009 [email protected]@gmail.com*LWV of Elmhurst recommendation*LWV of Elmhurst recommendation


mailto:[email protected]

1111

Checklist of Public Checklist of Public InformationInformationCommitteesCommittees::

committees or task forces created by and responsible to a committees or task forces created by and responsible to a primarily public body, e.g., a school district, is also primarily public body, e.g., a school district, is also considered a public body & subject to the Open Meetings considered a public body & subject to the Open Meetings ActAct

Notice and agenda of upcoming committee meetingsNotice and agenda of upcoming committee meetings Names and email addresses of participants, including board Names and email addresses of participants, including board

members, district employees, & local citizensmembers, district employees, & local citizens Identification of leader or facilitator(s)Identification of leader or facilitator(s) Detailed minutes of meetingsDetailed minutes of meetings All documents distributed at meetingsAll documents distributed at meetings

Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. Illinois Loop.org. Checklist of Public Information. 2009. www.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.htmlwww.illinoisloop.org/candorchart.html


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CommunicationsCommunications

Email addresses for all board membersEmail addresses for all board members Public surveys: If any public surveys are Public surveys: If any public surveys are

conducted or commissioned by the district, conducted or commissioned by the district, the complete results, rather than carefully the complete results, rather than carefully excerpted tidbits, should be available in excerpted tidbits, should be available in print & onlineprint & online



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Teacher workshops and in-Teacher workshops and in-service programsservice programs

Full descriptions of content, facilitators, Full descriptions of content, facilitators, speakersspeakers

Dates and time allottedDates and time allotted All materials distributedAll materials distributed Budget information on related expenditures, Budget information on related expenditures,

outside speakers, & suppliersoutside speakers, & suppliers Video or audio tape should be available for Video or audio tape should be available for

viewing by board members, parents & citizensviewing by board members, parents & citizens



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Checklist of Public Checklist of Public InformationInformationCurriculumCurriculum

Detailed curriculumDetailed curriculum Syllabus for each courseSyllabus for each course Identification of specific textbooks & other major curriculum and Identification of specific textbooks & other major curriculum and

instructional materials, by grade and subjectinstructional materials, by grade and subject A list of textbooks & instructional materials used in the district, A list of textbooks & instructional materials used in the district,

revised annually by administrators under the Superintendent’s revised annually by administrators under the Superintendent’s directiondirection

A list of additional study aids available for textbooks or instructional A list of additional study aids available for textbooks or instructional materials, e.g., online study guides, quizzes, etc.materials, e.g., online study guides, quizzes, etc.

Anyone may inspect any textbook or instructional material in person, Anyone may inspect any textbook or instructional material in person, with reasonable rules established for dates and times of accesswith reasonable rules established for dates and times of access

Statement of commitment to intellectual diversity in hiringStatement of commitment to intellectual diversity in hiring Statement of commitment to balance in treatment of controversial Statement of commitment to balance in treatment of controversial

issuesissues



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Checklist of Public Checklist of Public InformationInformationAssessmentAssessment

Results on state testsResults on state tests All group and summary tabulations of All group and summary tabulations of

any standardized tests taken that go any standardized tests taken that go beyond the required state tests, e, g., beyond the required state tests, e, g., ISAT, PSAEISAT, PSAE

Percent distribution of teacher-assigned Percent distribution of teacher-assigned letter gradesletter grades



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Checklist of Public InformationChecklist of Public InformationStudent-Specific Information for Student-Specific Information for Parents (password protected)Parents (password protected)

A general description of what is A general description of what is happening in each class: current happening in each class: current unit or topicunit or topic

Current long-term assignments, plus Current long-term assignments, plus goal & description of any major goal & description of any major projectproject

Student status: grades, homework Student status: grades, homework completion completion

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Open Meeting Act

Public CommentsFreedom of Speech

1919

The Illinois Open The Illinois Open Meetings ActMeetings Act

The Illinois Open Meetings Act was The Illinois Open Meetings Act was designed to ensure that the actions designed to ensure that the actions of public bodies be taken openly and of public bodies be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted that their deliberations be conducted openly.openly.The Act promotes public participation The Act promotes public participation in local government. It requires:in local government. It requires:

Meetings be open to the publicMeetings be open to the publicMeeting times adequately publicizedMeeting times adequately publicizedKeeping records of public meetings Keeping records of public meetings

2020

The Illinois Open The Illinois Open Meetings ActMeetings Act

The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires the Elmhurst School Board to provide the Elmhurst School Board to provide an opportunity for Public Comment at an opportunity for Public Comment at each of its open meetings. A meeting each of its open meetings. A meeting is defined as any gathering for 3 or is defined as any gathering for 3 or more school board members for the more school board members for the purpose of discussing public business. purpose of discussing public business. This Public Comment has full protection This Public Comment has full protection of the First Amendment’s right to of the First Amendment’s right to speech.speech.

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What You Can’t Say…What You Can’t Say…Some speech is not protected Some speech is not protected

1. Obscene language1. Obscene language2. Fighting words2. Fighting words3. Defamatory statements3. Defamatory statements4. Causing panic4. Causing panic5. Incitement to crime5. Incitement to crime6. Sedition6. Sedition

RegulationsRegulationsThe school district can impose time, place, and The school district can impose time, place, and manner regulations. This can be done by limiting manner regulations. This can be done by limiting the amount of time given to all speakers, the amount of time given to all speakers, limiting the location public comments can be limiting the location public comments can be made, and the way in which public comments can made, and the way in which public comments can be expressed.be expressed.

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What you Can SayWhat you Can Say Most speech is protected under the First Amendment. This is Most speech is protected under the First Amendment. This is one of the basic constitutional rights guaranteed to Americans in one of the basic constitutional rights guaranteed to Americans in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. The Founding Fathers the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. The Founding Fathers believed that a free society must allow its citizens to freely believed that a free society must allow its citizens to freely express themselves without government interference. express themselves without government interference.

The values associated with free speech include:The values associated with free speech include: ~The Discovery of Truth~The Discovery of Truth

~~ Facilitating Participation by Citizens in Political Facilitating Participation by Citizens in Political DecisionMakingDecisionMaking ~~ Creating a More Adaptable and Stable CommunityCreating a More Adaptable and Stable Community ~~ Checking Abuse of Governmental PowerChecking Abuse of Governmental Power ~~ Creating a More Robust and Interesting CommunityCreating a More Robust and Interesting Community

The school district (or any governmental agency) cannot The school district (or any governmental agency) cannot prohibit a speaker because of the viewpoint that person wishes to prohibit a speaker because of the viewpoint that person wishes to expresses or because they do not want that particular person to expresses or because they do not want that particular person to speak.speak.

2323

205’s Policy205’s Policy

The District’s policy impeded people’s The District’s policy impeded people’s freedom of speech. The policy stated freedom of speech. The policy stated that Public Comment, “should not that Public Comment, “should not include discussion of personnel include discussion of personnel matters,” This Policy was posted on the matters,” This Policy was posted on the District’s website, on an audio visual District’s website, on an audio visual screen during board meetings, printed screen during board meetings, printed in pamphlets and orally recited at in pamphlets and orally recited at meetings. meetings.

2424

District Policy Regarding Public District Policy Regarding Public Comments Prior to August 11, Comments Prior to August 11,

20092009 “ “The Board will receive public The Board will receive public

comments for up to three minutes comments for up to three minutes concerning items on this agenda, as concerning items on this agenda, as well as communication, petitions, well as communication, petitions, reports from citizens or reports from citizens or representatives of other public representatives of other public agencies. Such comments should not agencies. Such comments should not include discussion of personnel include discussion of personnel matters, which should be directed to matters, which should be directed to the Administration.”the Administration.”

2525

District’s Defense of Its District’s Defense of Its PolicyPolicy

1. “Robert Rules of Order”1. “Robert Rules of Order” Only obligatory for the Only obligatory for the school board not the school board not the communitycommunity

2. Board Policy: “governance 2. Board Policy: “governance portion of our policy manual,”portion of our policy manual,”

Only obligatory for the Only obligatory for the school board not the school board not the communitycommunity

3. District Procedures: “agenda 3. District Procedures: “agenda of each meeting under public of each meeting under public comments, the guidelines are comments, the guidelines are stated” stated”

Violation of the Open Violation of the Open Meetings Act.Meetings Act.

When called upon to explain their rational for attempting to limit discussion involving the superintendent’s performance on recent community events the school board president defended its restrictive stance by citing:

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Citizen Advocacy CenterCitizen Advocacy CenterCONCERNSCONCERNS

July 8, 2009July 8, 2009

A letter from the Citizen Advocacy A letter from the Citizen Advocacy Center stated, “Both the Illinois and Center stated, “Both the Illinois and United States Constitutions provide for United States Constitutions provide for broad protections for the freedom of broad protections for the freedom of speech within open forums. Any speech within open forums. Any content-based prohibition is content-based prohibition is impermissible unless it is necessary to impermissible unless it is necessary to serve a compelling state interest and is serve a compelling state interest and is narrowly drawn.”narrowly drawn.”

2727

Citizen Advocacy CenterCitizen Advocacy CenterFINDINGSFINDINGS

July 8, 2009July 8, 2009

““In analyzing the circumstances under which the In analyzing the circumstances under which the District’s policy is being implemented, the Citizen District’s policy is being implemented, the Citizen Advocacy Center found no compelling state interest Advocacy Center found no compelling state interest which would permit the District to direct what issues which would permit the District to direct what issues members of the public may comment on. According members of the public may comment on. According to the Citizen Advocacy Center, the fact that the to the Citizen Advocacy Center, the fact that the Board has a general policy that mandates that Board has a general policy that mandates that personnel issues be communicated to the personnel issues be communicated to the Superintendent rather than the Board, is irrelevant to Superintendent rather than the Board, is irrelevant to the public’s capacity and legal right to comment on the public’s capacity and legal right to comment on personnel issues directly to the Board. Such personnel issues directly to the Board. Such comments are political in nature and lie at the heart comments are political in nature and lie at the heart of protected speech. Accordingly, the District’s policy of protected speech. Accordingly, the District’s policy is a content based restriction that violates the free is a content based restriction that violates the free speech protections afforded by the Illinois and United speech protections afforded by the Illinois and United States Constitutions.”States Constitutions.”

2828

Citizen Advocacy CenterCitizen Advocacy CenterRequestRequest

July 8, 2009July 8, 2009

The Citizen Advocacy Center requested The Citizen Advocacy Center requested that the District immediately remove that the District immediately remove the public comment policy that asks the public comment policy that asks members of the public to refrain from members of the public to refrain from commenting on personnel matters, commenting on personnel matters, cease reading the policy prior to public cease reading the policy prior to public comment opportunities, and no longer comment opportunities, and no longer post the post the

policy before or during public comment.policy before or during public comment.

2929

District Policy Regarding Public District Policy Regarding Public Comments After to August 11, Comments After to August 11,

20092009

“ “The Board will receive public The Board will receive public comments for up to three minutes comments for up to three minutes concerning items on this agenda, concerning items on this agenda, as well as communication, as well as communication, petitions, reports from citizens or petitions, reports from citizens or representatives of other public representatives of other public agencies.”agencies.”

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Communicating ConcernsCommunicating Concernswritten on the 205 websitewritten on the 205 website

October 20, 2009October 20, 2009““At every open meeting or hearing, the Board allows any At every open meeting or hearing, the Board allows any

member of the public to provide comments. Citizens who member of the public to provide comments. Citizens who wish to speak must sign the speaker’s roster prior to the start wish to speak must sign the speaker’s roster prior to the start of the public comments portion of the agenda. Speakers are of the public comments portion of the agenda. Speakers are allowed three minutes to address the Board and must begin allowed three minutes to address the Board and must begin by stating their name and local address. Comments shall be by stating their name and local address. Comments shall be respectful. respectful.

Many issues are often best served by addressing a teacher or Many issues are often best served by addressing a teacher or principal directly. If an issue pertains to a specific student principal directly. If an issue pertains to a specific student and/or class, it is advised that the citizen contact the teacher and/or class, it is advised that the citizen contact the teacher directly. If the issue pertains to a specific school, it is advised directly. If the issue pertains to a specific school, it is advised that the citizen contact the principal of that school directly. If that the citizen contact the principal of that school directly. If the issue pertains to the district as a whole, or is global in the issue pertains to the district as a whole, or is global in nature, the citizen may wish to contact the Superintendent or nature, the citizen may wish to contact the Superintendent or the Board of Education.”the Board of Education.”

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Administration

3232

AdministrationAdministration

Within the last 5 years, the Within the last 5 years, the administration has grown from 5 administration has grown from 5 (2006-2007) central office (2006-2007) central office administrators to 12 (2009-2010)administrators to 12 (2009-2010)

Movement of positions has occurredMovement of positions has occurred Support staff to administratorSupport staff to administrator Additional Staff Additional Staff

3333

Curriculum coordinatorsCurriculum coordinators

For several years previous to the 2007-2008 school year For several years previous to the 2007-2008 school year there had been several curriculum coordinator positions there had been several curriculum coordinator positions that were filled by “Teachers on Special Assignment,” that were filled by “Teachers on Special Assignment,” (TOSA) which were paid from the teachers salary line item.(TOSA) which were paid from the teachers salary line item.

““Curriculum coordinators in the content areas consistently Curriculum coordinators in the content areas consistently work with administration, teams of teachers and work with administration, teams of teachers and committees to review and improve learning experiences for committees to review and improve learning experiences for students and assessment. District 205 provides services not students and assessment. District 205 provides services not only in the content areas but in additional programs for only in the content areas but in additional programs for student support: English Language Learners (ELL), student support: English Language Learners (ELL), Instructional Support (Reading Recovery and Plus), Reach Instructional Support (Reading Recovery and Plus), Reach (Gifted Talented)” (Gifted Talented)”

---District 205 website. ---District 205 website.

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Teachers on Special Teachers on Special Assignment, Assignment,

2007- 2008 some of the TOSA 2007- 2008 some of the TOSA coordinators were moved from the coordinators were moved from the teacher’s salary line item to teacher’s salary line item to administrationadministration

Some TOSA coordinators went from Some TOSA coordinators went from part time to full time positionspart time to full time positions

2008 -2009 remainder of TOSA 2008 -2009 remainder of TOSA positions became administratorspositions became administrators

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Actual new positions addedActual new positions added

Director of Technology (2007-2008)Director of Technology (2007-2008) Instructional Technology Coordinator Instructional Technology Coordinator

(2007–2008)(2007–2008) Director of Research, Assessment Director of Research, Assessment

and Quality Assurance (2009 -2010 and Quality Assurance (2009 -2010 and as yet unfilled)and as yet unfilled)

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Specific job titles and Specific job titles and individual salaries for each?individual salaries for each? The actual counts that were supplied in The actual counts that were supplied in

an answer to a question from the LWV of an answer to a question from the LWV of Elmhurst to D205 Administration is Elmhurst to D205 Administration is different than amount of positions listed.different than amount of positions listed.

We asked for specific job titles and We asked for specific job titles and individual salaries for each.individual salaries for each.

The District’s response was that “ We will The District’s response was that “ We will need to do some significant additional need to do some significant additional work to give the financial trends over the work to give the financial trends over the past 5 years in this area”past 5 years in this area”

3737

Comparison of positions for Comparison of positions for the Years 2006-2007 /2009-the Years 2006-2007 /2009-

20102010D205 Count = 5D205 Count = 5 D205 Count = 12 D205 Count = 122006-20072006-2007 2009-2010 2009-2010~Superintendent~Superintendent ~ Superintendent ~ Superintendent~ Asst. Supt.. For Personnel~ Asst. Supt.. For Personnel ~ Asst. Supt. For Personnel ~ Asst. Supt. For Personnel~ Asst. Supt. For Curr. and Instr.~ Asst. Supt. For Curr. and Instr. ~ Asst. Supt. For Curr. and Instr. ~ Asst. Supt. For Curr. and Instr. ~ Asst. Supt. For Finance~ Asst. Supt. For Finance ~ Asst. Supt. For Finance ~ Asst. Supt. For Finance~ Asst. Supt. For Student Services~ Asst. Supt. For Student Services ~ Asst. Supt For Student Services ~ Asst. Supt For Student Services

~ Dir. For Comm. Relations~ Dir. For Comm. Relations ~ Dir. Of Technology~ Dir. Of Technology

Coded as Support staffCoded as Support staff ~ 1.0 Literacy/Reach Coordinator ~ 1.0 Literacy/Reach Coordinator~ Dir. For Comm. Relations~ Dir. For Comm. Relations ~ 1.0 Math/Science Coordinator ~ 1.0 Math/Science Coordinator

~ Instructional Tech. Coordinator~ Instructional Tech. CoordinatorPaid out of Teacher’s Salaries- TOSAPaid out of Teacher’s Salaries- TOSA ~ ELL/Social Studies Coordinator ~ ELL/Social Studies Coordinator~.5 Literacy/Reach; .5 Math~.5 Literacy/Reach; .5 Math ~ Dir. of Research, Assess Quality Assurance ~ Dir. of Research, Assess Quality Assurance~.5 Social Studies; .5 ELL~.5 Social Studies; .5 ELL~~ 1.0 Tech and Science 1.0 Tech and Science

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Total SalariesTotal Salaries 2006 –2007 Central Office administrators and directors - 2006 –2007 Central Office administrators and directors -

$667,800$667,800 2009-2010 Central Office administrators and directors - $981,9922009-2010 Central Office administrators and directors - $981,992

This is less than a 50% increase and yet This is less than a 50% increase and yet actual positions have increased from 5 actual positions have increased from 5 to 12to 12

and coordinators are no longer being and coordinators are no longer being paid from the teacher’s salary line item.paid from the teacher’s salary line item.

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TIMELINETIMELINEPURCHASE PURCHASE OF 162 S. OF 162 S.

YORKYORK

6464

December 15, 2008 Board December 15, 2008 Board of Education Meetingof Education Meeting

6565

Spending and Projects Spending and Projects Approved Approved In One DayIn One Day

Classroom additions at EmersonClassroom additions at Emerson $4,331,532$4,331,532 York Stadium projectYork Stadium project $2,330,000$2,330,000 York fencing for track and baseball field $ York fencing for track and baseball field $

661,802661,802 Bryan parking lot repavingBryan parking lot repaving $ 664,388$ 664,388 Purchase of 162 N. York Rd.Purchase of 162 N. York Rd. $4,500,000$4,500,000 Total Dollars spent on the evening of December 15th Total Dollars spent on the evening of December 15th

$12,437,722$12,437,722

6666

Available resources for Available resources for EmersonEmerson

Dr. Krizic identified existing sources of Dr. Krizic identified existing sources of potential funding were identified and potential funding were identified and include:include:

Earned interest from the 2006 referendum Earned interest from the 2006 referendum ($3.7 million)($3.7 million) Capital Project funds from the working cash bond sale in 2007 Capital Project funds from the working cash bond sale in 2007 ($1.4 million)($1.4 million) Life Safety Funds Life Safety Funds ($900,000) ($900,000) Total resources currently availableTotal resources currently available ($6,000,000)($6,000,000)

The board approved costs not to exceed The board approved costs not to exceed $4,331,532, from the funding source listed $4,331,532, from the funding source listed above.above.

6767

Available Resources for Available Resources for ProjectProject

ProjectProject Funding SourceFunding Source Dollars AllottedDollars Allotted

Bryan parking lot Bryan parking lot Fire Life Safety Fund Fire Life Safety Fund $664,388 $664,388

York track/ Baseball York track/ Baseball field fencing field fencing

Capital Projects Fund Capital Projects Fund $661,802 $661,802

Stadium ProjectStadium Project

Debt Certificates Debt Certificates $2.25 million $2.25 million

162 York Property 162 York Property Acquisition & Acquisition & renovation of renovation of property property

Debt Certificates Debt Certificates $4.5 million $4.5 million

Renovation of Renovation of Madison Madison

Debt Certificates Debt Certificates *We are unsure of the *We are unsure of the source of these source of these moniesmonies

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Subsequent MeetingSubsequent Meeting The “remodeling” of Madison will be done in-house, The “remodeling” of Madison will be done in-house,

with costs estimated to be a total of $111,800 which with costs estimated to be a total of $111,800 which includes: includes:

Floor Tile Abatement ($47,000)Floor Tile Abatement ($47,000) New PA System (entire building) (26,800)New PA System (entire building) (26,800) In-House Building Materials ($25,000)In-House Building Materials ($25,000) Fire Alarms/Low Voltage ($10,000)Fire Alarms/Low Voltage ($10,000) Whiteboards/Corkboards ($3,000). Whiteboards/Corkboards ($3,000). It appears that 6 classrooms would be reclaimed and the office It appears that 6 classrooms would be reclaimed and the office

would be relocated.would be relocated.

Both Mrs. Ostojic and Mrs. Conroy asked about phase 2 Both Mrs. Ostojic and Mrs. Conroy asked about phase 2 of the Early Childhood remodel and were answered of the Early Childhood remodel and were answered that it would be dependent on funding that was as yet that it would be dependent on funding that was as yet undetermined. Mrs. Ostojic stated that she would have undetermined. Mrs. Ostojic stated that she would have preferred to remodel Madison for early childhood preferred to remodel Madison for early childhood student learning rather than do the York Stadium if student learning rather than do the York Stadium if she had known this.she had known this.

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Discussion in Open Discussion in Open MeetingsMeetings

York Stadium discussions continued York Stadium discussions continued for 1 years timefor 1 years time

Emerson Projected discussed openly Emerson Projected discussed openly and with many community and with many community participantsparticipants

Early Childhood project convened a Early Childhood project convened a task force prior to remodeling task force prior to remodeling

162 York building purchase showed 162 York building purchase showed little discussion in open meetingslittle discussion in open meetings

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Debt Debt CertificatesCertificates

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Debt CertificatesDebt Certificates

In Illinois, debt certificates In Illinois, debt certificates may be issued by a may be issued by a governmental unit to evidence governmental unit to evidence the payment obligations of the the payment obligations of the governmental unit under a governmental unit under a lease or installment contract.lease or installment contract.

- Chapman and Cutler, LLP website - Chapman and Cutler, LLP website

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Debt CertificatesDebt Certificates

Debt Certificates, according Debt Certificates, according to District 205, cannot to District 205, cannot

increase tax rate and must be increase tax rate and must be from alternate revenue from alternate revenue

sources. sources.

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Alternate Revenue Sources Alternate Revenue Sources Were Identified As:Were Identified As:

TIF II release of funds TIF II release of funds

Interest earned from other funds and Interest earned from other funds and

Private Donations. (The private Private Donations. (The private pledges/donations amount of pledges/donations amount of $800,000 is to be paid over a three-$800,000 is to be paid over a three-year time period.)year time period.)

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The Resolution the D205 The Resolution the D205 School Board Approved Was …School Board Approved Was …

TThat the Board of Education approve the hat the Board of Education approve the Parameters Resolution as presented for Parameters Resolution as presented for the purpose of issuing both 20 year and the purpose of issuing both 20 year and 5 year debt certificates in an aggregate 5 year debt certificates in an aggregate amount not to exceed $6,750,000amount not to exceed $6,750,000. The . The motion was amended to “motion was amended to “not to exceed not to exceed $7,000,000$7,000,000” due to issuance costs. ” due to issuance costs.

- According to Board Docs from the 12/15/2008 - According to Board Docs from the 12/15/2008 School Board meetingSchool Board meeting

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This Is For:This Is For:

$2.25 million for the stadium $2.25 million for the stadium project, which will be paid back project, which will be paid back in 5 years in 5 years

$4.5 million for the 162 property $4.5 million for the 162 property acquisition and renovation of this acquisition and renovation of this property which will be paid back property which will be paid back in 20 years. in 20 years.

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At the 8/11/09 School Board At the 8/11/09 School Board meeting:meeting:

$350,000 was removed from the $350,000 was removed from the “revenue” part of the budget because “revenue” part of the budget because D205 was told by the City of Elmhurst D205 was told by the City of Elmhurst there would probably not be any TIF II there would probably not be any TIF II revenue received by D205 this year revenue received by D205 this year Interest rates have fallen significantlyInterest rates have fallen significantlyThe $800,000 in donations is over a The $800,000 in donations is over a three-year periodthree-year period

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PaybackPayback

Payback of these debt certificates will Payback of these debt certificates will be coming from cuts to the be coming from cuts to the Operations and Maintenance fund, at Operations and Maintenance fund, at least for this budget year ('09-'10).least for this budget year ('09-'10).

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Elmhurst School District Elmhurst School District 205205

The BudgetThe Budget

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When Does It Need To Be When Does It Need To Be Posted?Posted?

A school budget needs to A school budget needs to be posted for community be posted for community input in its official form input in its official form for 30 days prior to for 30 days prior to approval of the budget approval of the budget by the local school board.by the local school board.

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When Does It Need To Be When Does It Need To Be Approved?Approved?

The budget must be The budget must be approved by September approved by September 30th of the year of the 30th of the year of the budgetbudget. .

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Timeline PerspectiveTimeline Perspective

For in excess of ten years, the District 205 For in excess of ten years, the District 205 administration has presented the D205 school administration has presented the D205 school board with a comparison budget document in June board with a comparison budget document in June that was used for discussion over the summer that was used for discussion over the summer before the budget was to be approved.before the budget was to be approved.

For the 2009-2010 budget, the administration first For the 2009-2010 budget, the administration first posted the legal budget document for the July 14, posted the legal budget document for the July 14, 2009 school board meeting. 2009 school board meeting.

For the August 11, 2009 school board meeting, For the August 11, 2009 school board meeting, some additional budget information was available, some additional budget information was available, but not the comparison to the previous year. but not the comparison to the previous year.

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On August 20, 2009, LWV On August 20, 2009, LWV Elmhurst President, Laura Elmhurst President, Laura

Kratz, sent a letter to D205 Kratz, sent a letter to D205 Superintendent Superintendent

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of ElmhurstTHE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Elmhurst

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THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Elmhurst…Elmhurst…

strongly urges School District 205 to produce an annotated strongly urges School District 205 to produce an annotated version of its 2009 2010 tentative budget for immediate version of its 2009 2010 tentative budget for immediate public review. It is imperative that the public public review. It is imperative that the public has complete budget information with sufficient time to has complete budget information with sufficient time to thoroughly analyze and understand the details before the thoroughly analyze and understand the details before the Board of Education final budget vote on September 22, Board of Education final budget vote on September 22, 2009.2009. Specifically, we urge the District to supply:Specifically, we urge the District to supply:

An introductory narrative detailing how the budget was An introductory narrative detailing how the budget was created including all the priorities that were set, created including all the priorities that were set, assumptions that were made. The District needs to explain assumptions that were made. The District needs to explain where revenue shortfalls and spending increases are where revenue shortfalls and spending increases are anticipated, and what, if any, other factors were anticipated, and what, if any, other factors were considered. considered. Item by item comparisons with projected and actual revenue Item by item comparisons with projected and actual revenue and spending figures from the previous year and the and spending figures from the previous year and the percentage of change wherever it occurs. percentage of change wherever it occurs. Succinct explanations for every change from the previous Succinct explanations for every change from the previous year.year.Full explanations for the substantial administration staffing Full explanations for the substantial administration staffing increases budgeted for the coming year, including the exact increases budgeted for the coming year, including the exact nature of each position to be added, salaries, and the nature of each position to be added, salaries, and the specific reasons for doing so.specific reasons for doing so.

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District’s Response to LWVDistrict’s Response to LWV

Some of this requested information became Some of this requested information became available on the D205 website (Finance available on the D205 website (Finance Department section) around September 4, Department section) around September 4, 20092009

Over 20 questions were directed at the Over 20 questions were directed at the

administration from the LWV Elmhurst and all administration from the LWV Elmhurst and all were "answered." were "answered."

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APPROVALAPPROVAL

The D205 School Board The D205 School Board voted to approve the voted to approve the budget as it was posted on budget as it was posted on September 22, 2009. September 22, 2009.

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www.lwvelmhurst.orwww.lwvelmhurst.orgg

http://www.lwvelmhurst.org/

http://www.lwvelmhurst.org/

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of Elmhurst

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