By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter
November 23, 2011
Valley View school district's at it again - using the government controlled media (Patch, Bugle and Reporter) to spread propaganda and keep the truth from taxpayers.
Just last month, the district announced their commitment to cut cost, in order to make up for the shortfall in transportation funding from the State. One option on the table is the outsourcing of the district's busing service.
Soon thereafter, the government propaganda machine revved up. "Puff" articles began to flood the community.
The Number Crunchers decided to dig deeper into the issue, asking lots of questions, and discussing them with the district. The 10 questions and answers were published on our site.
The additional questions, and answers from the district gives the community all of the information necessary to make an informed decision.
The community is better for it.
PROPAGANDA ALERT
If you rely solely on what's published in the Bugle, Patch or Reporter, it would appear the district is doing all that they can to cut cost, and manage spending.
Unfortunately, reality proves otherwise. The district is in fact doing the complete opposite.
Behind the scenes, they are planning to spend more money, overall, and wants to increase the tax levy by approximately 5%.
According to the district, "Operational expenses have grown $3 million over the last year, and debt service increased from $17.5 million to $21.2 million." - Bolingbrook Bugle, "Valley View predicting tax levy of under 5%"
Predictably, the local media tries to put a "positive spin" on the district's chronic spending.
The Bugle article "Valley View predicting tax levy of under 5%" attempts to downplay the increased tax levy, and offer more excuses for the increase in spending and borrowing.
In efforts to soothe our fears, and concerns, school board president, Steve Quigley is even quoted as saying -
"We are trying hard to be conscious of tax payers' dollars, providing stewardship and being mindful of your tax dollars."
Really? How mindful can you be if spending and borrowing continues to increase, year after year?
Here's an idea: Start setting new goals. Instead of spending an additional $7 million , why not slash $10 million.
How about submitting a reduced tax levy?
It's not complicated. Simply stop the propaganda, and do what's right - reduce spending, and cut, cut, cut.