The local media has chosen to highlight focused key points they want residents to know. But there are issues not being brought to light that will have strong implications for Evanston property owners if the referendum is passed.
These are some hard facts that the District 65 board would prefer voters not to know.
- D65 deficits to increase over $2 million annually
- Not all students are residents costing taxpayers millions
- Untruthful property tax increase estimates
- Increase in segregation
In 2012, D65 is currently operating at a $4,500,000 annual deficit. A new school will add another $1,500,000 to the deficit. D65 projects that by 2015 the operating deficit will be $10.2 million. This is a huge deficit that D65 will pass on to Evanston homeowners in their property taxes.
Not All Students are Evanston Residents
The U.S. Census indicates that Evanston's population has dropped from 78,876 in 2000 to 74,486 in 2010. That's a 4.5% drop. Yet D65 claims it's 18 schools are at capacity. The state has 6346 K-8 students registered in Evanston. http://www2.illinoisbiz.biz/communityprofiles/profiles/EVANSTON.htm
D65 claims there are over 6590 elementary students on the budget. That's a deficit of 244 K-8 students or 4% of the total study body, though D65 insiders estimate it's closer to 5%.
Each student costs tax payers $14,500 per year. 244 x $14,500 = $3,538,000. That is over $3.5 million in annual funds being spent on students who shouldn't be there.
Where are these 244 students coming from? The parents of these students use false residency with a relative or guardian. An illegal practice that D65 has being turning a blind eye at for decades in order keep student enrollment numbers high for future budget increases.
Untruthful Property Tax Increase Estimates
D65 estimates that property taxes will increase by $60.67 per $200k of property value if the referendum is passed. What D65 is not estimating is the Cook County Tax Multiplier which will multiply the $60.67 by 3.37. In other words that's $204.45 per $200k. Currently Evanston property owners pay 68.14% of their property taxes to D65. If passed, the referendum will increase that by 13%.
North shore school District 39 and Oak Park District 97 are currently in court fighting lawsuits for the same untruthful property tax estimates on ballots in 2011.
http://evanston.suntimes.com/news/9135733-418/off-base-tax-estimates-may-cloud-spring-referenda.html
Increase in Segregation
The new school is projected to be 63% African American and 30% Hispanic with a 90% high poverty rate. The new school would be a highly segregated minority school, but as per the U.S. Supreme Court rulings, it would be by parental choice to move their children to the new school.
The new school would essentially, unravel Evanston's 45 year old hard working commitment to desegregation.
A side effect of the new school would be a decrease in class size and diversity at Lincolnwood, Nichols, Kingsley and Willard. Ironically, the very schools receiving funding for facility expansion if the referendum is passed. Hence the respective community support for the referendum.
Unfortunately, those who will being paying the most if the referendum is passed, will be those be benefiting the least from it.
In conclusion, these are but a few counter points to the big push by the local medias and select groups with ventured interests for the D65 referendum to pass. In a world of tough choices where the city budget is already running at a record deficit and sinking deeper each month, is it prudent that D65 now add more hardship on home owners who already carry a crippling financial burden?
Please consider both sides before you vote on March 20th, but by all means...vote.
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