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School Board News Bulletin
April 1996

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Governor Jim Edgar asked Illinois lawmakers on March 22 to let voters decide in November whether the state constitution should specify a minimum level of state funding for schools. The plan which political observers said was headed for defeat would require shifting some of the tax burden away from property taxes via a combination of increased sales and income taxes. It also would result in basic changes in the state school aid formula.

Recommended by Governor Edgar's Blue Ribbon Commission on School Finance on March 21, the idea was panned by taxpayers' groups as a tax increase plan. It faces stiff opposition from the Governor's own party.

Soon after Edgar pitched the plan to a joint session of the legislature, Senate President James "Pate" Philip said a party caucus showed that it would take "an act of God" to bring it to a vote.

House Speaker Lee Daniels said much the same thing, but later introduced a school funding plan of his own dubbed "Quality First." The Speaker said his plan would give $500 million in new money to schools, mostly by re-allocating the Governor's budget, but without revising the state aid formula. The Speaker vowed to tackle that difficult task in 1997.

Details of the Governor's plan, apparently leaked by disgruntled legislators, call for the state to raise $1.9 billion in additional taxes. That tax increase would be partially offset by $1.5 billion in property tax relief. The resulting $400 million in new money would go to improve public education.

The Governor's referendum proposal would direct lawmakers to set an education funding foundation level and require the state to pay 50 percent of this amount. The resolution to amend Article X of the state constitution needs to win lawmakers' approval by May 5 to get on the November ballot and allow voters to decide.

Governor Edgar apparently hoped to rely on building grass-roots support from voters to pressure lawmakers to place the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. With legislative elections looming, however, lawmakers in both houses were wary of supporting the plan out of concern that voters would see them as backing a tax increase.

"All we're asking from them this year is to put this issue to a vote of the people of Illinois. I don't think that's a tough political vote. In fact, I think it's a good political vote because it indicates they want people involved with this decision," said Mike Lawrence, the Governor's spokesman.

The general thrust of the Edgar commission plan received some early support from the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, a school lobbying organization that includes IASB. The Alliance announced March 22 that it favors parts of the plan, including the proposal to increase funding for financially strapped schools, and to boost the state's portion of school funding. The Alliance also convened a task force to analyze the constitutional language and the recommended school funding changes.

"We know the Commission report will generate a good deal of healthy debate and major changes in school finance. In the process we have to make sure all schools are winners," Alliance executive Walt Warfield said. Warfield is executive director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).

The Illinois Parent Teacher Association (PTA) also moved quickly to support the plan.

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The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has announced its annual Financial Watch List for this year contains 29 fewer districts than last year. A total of 69 school districts are included after the ISBE removed 44 districts and added 15 others. But there is little to celebrate.

The criteria now used to list school districts "do not give a clear picture of the financial health of schools," according to the ISBE. School districts can get off the current list by issuing long-term debt, which is like taking out a mortgage to cover day-to-day expenses, said State Superintendent Joseph A. Spagnolo. The State Board reportedly will close this and other loopholes next year, to offer "better information on the financial dangers facing schools," Spagnolo said.

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Dairy firm admits rigging bids to schools

Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. recently admitted guilt in a federal conspiracy case involving bid rigging of school milk contracts. Specifically, the firm pleaded guilty to fixing bids in order to sell milk at noncompetitive prices to three Illinois public school districts from 1982 to 1989. Federal prosecutors said the conspiracy to avoid competition with other dairy companies on the milk contracts was carried out over many years in central Illinois and eastern Missouri. Prairie Farms could be fined up to $1 million under U.S. antitrust laws. Roughly 70 corporations have been convicted nationwide in similar school milk contract cases, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Source: The State Journal-Register (Springfield), February 22, 1996.

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These elementary school districts entered into a partnership last year to foster an exchange of information regarding classroom instruction based on tackling real-world problems. Their instructional approach enables students to get a sense of real accomplishment by seeking out information about authentic problems, working in teams.

The partnership which joins a relatively large and wealthy suburban district with a smaller and poorer southern Illinois district was ratified by formal board action. It all began when IASB division officer David Brewer, a board member from the downstate DeSoto district, had a chance meeting with Arlington Heights administrators at a statewide conference last year. Arlington Heights administrators were looking for some way to help them inject more problem-based learning in their curriculum.

Brewer, an assistant professor of medical education at Southern Illinois University (SIU) medical school, is well-schooled in problem-based learning. The SIU medical school has used that approach since 1981.

The resulting exchange of ideas, energy and learning between the two districts has been encouraging, but it is just beginning. DeSoto District 86 Superintendent Sharon Hill recently announced that her district has obtained a grant to support an Internet connection, in part to improve the link with Arlington Heights schools. She said this would enable kids at both schools to really connect across the miles.

Source: The Southern Illinoisan, February 13, 1996.

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The resulting series "Mi Escuelita" ("My Little Schoolhouse"), the first educational pre-school series produced in Spanish in the nation, airs Monday through Friday 9:30-10:00 a.m. on Chicago's WSNS-TV, Channel 44/Telemundo. The first episodes aired in March.

The show is a collaborative effort between Chicago District 299, other state educational agencies, and WSNS-TV, Channel 44/Telemundo. Channel 44 directed the production and will air the pilot series at no cost.

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With low fiscal 1995 inflation rates (0.5 percent, according to the report), the third consecutive boom year in revenue collections enabled state government to reduce significantly the backlog of unpaid Medicaid bills. Thus, the state's so-called structural deficit (see January 24, 1994 News Bulletin, page 1) was reduced from $1.595 billion in fiscal 1994 to $1.204 billion in fiscal 1995. This figure is based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Public schools got a meager portion of new money. Despite the 9.1 percent increase in state revenue last year, the Comptroller's report shows the State Board of Education received only a 5 percent increase in total funding.

Much of the growth in state revenue resulted from natural growth in those tax sources linked most closely with economic activity, including the personal income tax (up $386 million). Other large cash cows were the corporate income tax (up $143 million) and the sales tax (up $280 million). Growth in federal revenue (up $408 million) also contributed to the boom, as did a 13 percent boost in gaming revenue (up $89 million), the Comptroller's report said.

Over the past decade the growth rate in elementary and secondary education funding lagged far behind the growth rate in the state's "checkbook" account. From fiscal year 1986 through fiscal year 1995, "General Funds base revenue increased $6.419 billion or 60.7 percent while grant spending by the State Board of Education for elementary and secondary education grew $1.008 billion or 39.1 percent, far less than the revenue growth."

Where did the biggest slice of the fast-growing state revenue pie go in fiscal 1995? Medicaid, administered by the Illinois Department of Public Aid, got far and away the greatest chunk of new money ($748 million) from the state, a 17.8 percent increase, the report shows. "Of the $748 million...$678 million was specifically earmarked by the legislature to pay prior years liabilities," the report said.

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NEWS FROM IASB

A complimentary copy of the Code has been mailed to the superintendent in each IASB member district along with an order form for additional copies.

Also, the Fourth Edition of Illinois School Law Survey is in printing and should be available for distribution in late April. The Survey is the popular layman's guide to school law written by attorney Brian Braun and published by IASB. It uses a question-and-answer format to address issues commonly encountered by school boards and administrators. Answers are based on state and federal statutes, court decisions and government agency regulations and are current as of January 1, 1996.

The special edition of the Code published for IASB carries two dozen legislative Acts applicable to schools besides the School Code. It is current through all of the 1995 legislative session.

New with this year's edition is a set of WESTFLAG indexing labels, and some statutes not previously included.

The 1996 School Code may be obtained from IASB for $18 per copy, $14 for IASB member school districts, plus $4 per order for shipping. Shipping charges are waived on orders of five or more copies and a special discount applies on carton orders (12 copies per carton).

Illinois School Law Survey presents questions and answers in more than two dozen chapters. It covers such topics as student discipline, the educational program, education of the handicapped, teacher employment, collective bargaining, school elections, public meetings, budgeting, property taxes and state aid. The reference work also carries an extensive "quick reference index," designed to help the user quickly locate topics of interest. All information is fully documented as to where the law may be found. An explanation of legal references also tells the reader how to locate statutes and court rulings for more information.

The Survey will soon be available from IASB for $20 a copy, $16 for IASB member districts.

For more information or to place orders, call or write: IASB Publications, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703; 217/528- 9679, extension 108. Or FAX orders to 217/528-2831.

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Completed forms and background information must be received in the IASB Springfield office by 4:30 p.m., August 9, 1996. Interviews will be held Friday afternoon, August 23, Oak Brooks Hills Resort, Oak Brook, Illinois.

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THE NATIONAL SCENE

Anne Bryant named NSBA executive director.

Bryant, a native of the Boston area, was selected after a nationwide search to replace current executive director Thomas A. Shannon, who is retiring.

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The aim of the research report is to help local school board members promote public education in their communities.

Dropout rates have declined steadily since the early 1970s and before. The dramatic decline in dropout rates over time is particularly true for black students. Unfortunately, the dropout rate among Hispanic students remains high (28 percent in 1993, compared to 8 percent for whites and 14 percent for blacks).

For information on purchasing the report, call NSBA Publications, 703/838-6758.

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School finds keys to better test scores.

One hard-charging teacher also played a key role. Cathy Caudill, a fourth-grade teacher, studied past exam scores and found Silver Grove students generally did not have strong writing skills. So she boned up on the latest research-proven techniques for teaching writing, frequented seminars on the subject and shared her findings with peers.

Source: Education Commission of the States' Daily Report Card.

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Veteran school leader cited for service.

Plath, of suburban Northbrook, spent 18 years as superintendent in the Highland Park district. He earlier served as a superintendent and principal in the Sterling High School District. He is a former president of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).

To receive the Distinguish Service Award, an individual must have been an AASA member for at least 10 years and be retired from a full-time position in educational administration.

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FEDERAL UPDATE

Source: Education Commission of the States' Daily Report Card, February 28, 1996.

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The amendment won strong, bipartisan support in the Senate. The House had recently passed its own version of the same bill, which would slash federal education funding by $3.3 billion from FY 1995 levels. The next step in the federal education budget process is a conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate amendments to the bill. NSBA is urging the House to adopt the funding levels in the Senate bill.

Education has been one of the key matters of contention between Congress and the President for the past few months as they failed to agree on a federal budget. If Congress is able to wrap up a 1996 funding bill, it will have to turn its attention quickly to an appropriations measure for fiscal 1997.

The Clinton Administration's proposed budget for 1997, released March 19, calls for $19.7 billion for discretionary education programs (excluding Pell Grants), a 7.2 percent increase over 1995. Included is a 6.9 percent increase in Title I grants to school districts, for a total of $7.165 billion for 1997. Also included is a 12 percent increase in special education grants to the states, or $2.6 billion in grants for 1997.

Source: NSBA News Service, March 26, 1996.

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Presidential candidates differ on education.

Following is a summary of their stands on education:

Robert Dole, the Senate majority leader, would abolish the U.S. Education Department and pass its funds to state and local governments.

Dole opposed President Clinton's key education initiatives: Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the AmeriCorps national service program. During his announcement speech, Dole advocated teaching "Western tradition and American greatness" and called for making English the official U.S. language.

He says he will propose a voucher plan to include private schools and has supported a voucher demonstration program. Dole says the American education system will be reinvigorated with school choice and returning education decisions to local communities.

Dole supports voluntary, student-led prayers in public schools.

Patrick J. Buchanan, the conservative columnist and television commentator, also would abolish the Education Department, as well as outcomes-based education and "make parental rights paramount again."

He believes the federal government should have no role in K-12 education and that, while states should set fundamental education standards, education primarily should be a local function.

Buchanan, who speaks often of his Catholic-school upbringing, supports "voluntary prayer, voluntary Bible reading, and even voluntary religious instruction in public schools."

He also supports vouchers for parental choice, but only if there are no government strings. One of Buchanan's key issues is halting legal and illegal immigration and he wants to make English the official language of the United States.

President Clinton, while he ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination in most state primaries, has spent the primary season on the road shoring up support.

He speaks with pride about the education initiatives he proposed and saw enacted during his administration, including Goals 2000, School-to-Work Opportunities Act, AmeriCorps, and direct student loans. Now the President plans to ask Congress for $2 billion over five years to help make all children technology literate by 2000.

Clinton opposes school vouchers that use public funds for private schools, but supports increased options through charter schools and public school choice.

He advocates parenting education and resource centers that can encourage greater parental involvement in children's education and thus strengthen both schools and families.

He favors student uniforms where they might help reduce violence in public schools.

Source: NSBA News Service, March 26, 1996.

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The Frist IDEA amendment emphasizes providing the services necessary to educate most children with disabilities "in the general education curriculum" and "reducing the regulatory burden on educators and school boards."

But the bill does not contain a section on the most controversial issue discipline. Instead, sponsors say such a section will be worked out before the bill goes to committee to "untie school officials' hands."

The bill contains amendments to ease paperwork and cut in half the data collection required of states and school districts. Other provisions would give public schools more flexibility in how they use IDEA funds, simplify the student evaluation process, reduce related litigation, and ease the financial burdens on schools.

Source: NSBA News Service, March 12, 1996.

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LEGISLATIVE ACTION

State Solons vote to abolish odd-year elections.

The proposed law would reduce from 5 to 4 the number of referendum opportunities for a school district over a two-year period. It also would have school board members being elected at the same time the slate of partisan candidates is being elected.

The bill has been staunchly opposed by IASB lobbyists and the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance.

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If approved by lawmakers, the proposed amendment would be placed on the November ballot. A 60 percent vote in favor of the amendment would be required to add it to the state constitution.

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Support for property tax caps downstate has not been strong in the Illinois House of Representatives in recent years. It is rumored that a compromise is being worked out, however, to advance a property tax cap bill in the House.

The Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance is urging school supporters to contact their state representatives and urge them to vote against any such measure.

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RESEARCH REPORTS
FACTS AND FIGURES FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

Teachers are upbeat about schools.

The finding, reported in Given the Circumstances: Teachers Talk About Public Education Today, contrasts markedly with a study conducted earlier by the same organization. The earlier study indicated the public had a less favorable opinion of public schools.

Teachers, unlike the general public, believe that their local public schools outperform private schools in key areas such as higher academic standards and preparing students for college.

Yet overwhelming majorities of teachers also say their schools do not get enough money to do a good job. They say their classrooms are too crowded and disruptive students demand most of their attention.

Eighty percent of teachers said their community's public schools are not getting enough money to do a good job. The survey of the general public's opinions found only 58 percent think local schools are underfunded.

For a copy, contact Public Agenda in New York City at 212/ 686-6610.

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According to a study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), school principals and the public have different priorities. Principals think the most important topic is motivating students (97 percent), followed closely by involving parents in their children's schoolwork (94 percent). Their other concerns are accommodating and paying for increasing numbers of special education children (93 percent) and keeping up with education technology (93 percent).

By contrast, the principals worried least about competing with private, for-profit firms (32 percent), sharing decision-making authority with parents and community (50 percent). Other surprisingly minor concerns included: halting local pressures for school choice, vouchers, and charter schools (49 percent).

For more information on the survey, The Principal's View of Education Issues, contact the NAESP at 703/684-3345.

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Referendum results

The success rate for bond issues was far better than for tax referenda, with an impressive 63 percent success quotient on bond proposals. A grand total of 21 of 33 bond issues on the March 19 ballot were approved.

Among the 12 bond issues that failed, several lost by narrow margins. One proposal lost by two votes, 857-859, namely Grant C.C. District 110 (Fairview Heights), located in St. Clair County near East St. Louis.

Five school boards won both a bond issue and an education fund tax referendum: Warrensburg-Latham District 11, Oak Park & River Forest District 200, Milburn District 24, Round Lake Area District 116, and Freeburg C.U. District 77.

School districts that won education fund tax rate increases alone were: Niantic-Harristown District 6, Kirby District 140, Sauk Village District 168, Lindrop District 92, LaGrange District 102, Irvington District 11, Kaneland District 302, Johnsburg District 12, Lake Villa C.C. District 41, and Kildeer Countryside C.C. District 96.

Winning building bond issues only were: Porta C.U. District 202, Geneseo C.U. District 228, Pekin Community High School District 303, General George Patton District 133 (Riverdale), Dolton District 148, Lemont Township High School District 210, Woodridge District 68, Salem Community District 600, Oak Grove District 68, Bannockburn District 106, New Athens District 60, Belleville District 118, LaSalle District 122, Seneca Community District 170, Yorkville District 115, and Marshall District 2C.

Besides tax and bond questions, voters on March 19 approved an annexation proposal in DuPage County involving Puffer-Hefty District 69 and Downers Grove District 58. Voters approved the establishment of a unit district in Fulton County involving St. David District 87, Lewistown District 141, Lewistown Community District 341, and Prichard Clark District 340.

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TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS

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Recommendations of the report cover the full scope of programs and activities for high school students. Highlights deal with socialization, basic skills, links to higher education, school leadership, the classroom and business-school partnerships. Recommendations include:

• providing each student with a Personal Progress Plan (PPP) for individualized learning goals;

• dividing large schools into units of no more than 600 students to help students and teachers get to know each other better;

• teaching and modeling ethics and values considered essential in a democratic and civil society;

• providing each student with a Personal Adult Advocate (PAA) to help him or her personalize the educational experience;

• permitting employers to return to high school those graduates who fail to reach performance standards in entry-level jobs;

• changing the Carnegie unit so schools can no longer equate seat time with learning;

• scheduling school year-round, focusing on teacher development; and

• allowing zero tolerance for drugs and weapons.

"These recommendations are appropriate and applicable whether you are a private school, a public school, a voucher, charter or any other type of school organization the local community chooses." So said Timothy Dyer, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

For a copy of the report, Breaking Ranks: Changing An American Institution, call the NASSP sales office at 800/253-7746. Request item number 2109601; price is $19.50 plus $3 shipping and handling.

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Teaching tolerance is the goal.

Source: EDCAL, March 18, 1996, p. 4.

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More than $527 million was invested in the Fixed Rate program (including Certificates of Deposit), at rates of 5.10 percent for a 30-day certificate to 5.48 percent for a one-year certificate. For more information about ISDLAF+, call, toll-free, 1-800/221-4524.

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March 21: Copy and order form for updated School Code, mailed to school board presidents and superintendents.

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FOR SALE: 1986 6000 Chevrolet 59-passenger school bus in very good condition, 84,000 miles, good tires. Make offer. Contact: David McAfee, Superintendent, Neponset School District, Neponset, IL 61345. Phone 309/ 594-2306.

FOR SALE: 1983 International school bus, 65-passenger, 138,000 miles. BEST OFFER. Please call John Kelly, Superintendent, Steward Grade School #220 at 815/396-2413.