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School Board News Bulletin
May 1997

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Major school funding compromise studied

• Provide approximately $1.2 billion in property tax relief to homeowners and farmers.
• Provide approximately $600 million in new funds for public education.
• Move the state towards providing 50 percent of public school funding.
• Establish a foundation level of $4,225 per pupil.
• Provide hold-harmless funding for school districts.
• Increase the income tax by 3/4 percent.

Along with the proposed funding changes, the panel scrutinized a long list of possible school reforms and accountability measures. No specific recommendations were made, but everything was placed on the table, including:

• Teacher certification and related issues.
• An alternative administrative licensing program.
• Expansion of the waiver process.
• Changes in RIF notification deadlines.
• Allowing school districts to hire non-certificated nurses.
• Changes to the Charter School Law to allow other entities to charter such schools.
• Strike reform.
• School consolidation.
• Private school vouchers.

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House, Senate OK separate bills to eliminate school board election

Proponents argued that the election, because of its chronic low voter turnout, was not a cost-efficient use of taxpayer money.

The Illinois School Management Alliance (the Alliance) argued that school board members should not be chosen in a partisan election and school districts would lose one opportunity to place a referendum on the ballot. Those arguments apparently fell on deaf ears.

The bill, if enacted, would become effective January 1, 1998. That means the 1997 November election still would be held. The terms of board members, however, would be affected. Those school board members elected in November, 1995, could serve until November of 1999. If this bill becomes law in its current form, school board terms would no longer be staggered and all seats could be up in the year 2001.

The bill still needs to be considered by the Senate, which earlier passed similar legislation (S.B. 200) by an overwhelming margin. The Senate sponsor has agreed to amend the House bill to allow current board members to serve their entire terms and keep the terms staggered. If S.B. 200 would pass in its current form, however, there would be no election this November.

For the issue to reach the Governor's desk, the Senate will need to adopt H.B. 652 or the House will need to adopt the Senate bill. Statehouse observers believe the Senate likely will move faster.

HB 652 was approved by the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee on Tuesday, April 29. S.B. 200 was scheduled to be heard by the House State Government Administration Committee.

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School construction bills approved

The second bill, H.B. 487, sponsored by Rep. David D. Phelps (D., Harrisburg), increases the state's bonding authority by $360 million dollars, earmarking the revenues for grants for school construction projects. Both bills passed the House overwhelmingly but await Senate approval to become law.

Although no one knows what might be in the final school funding reform package, it is likely that a major school construction funding provision will be included. The Governor, Senate education leaders, and House education negotiators all have placed a high priority on such a provision.

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Bond issues more popular than tax caps

A majority of voters in Adams County, McLean County and Shelby County rejected tax caps. Tax cap proposals were approved only in McDonough and Stephenson counties. Thus, the success rate for tax caps statewide was a mere 40 percent.

Voters approved 19 of 41 bond issues (46 percent), but only nine of 35 tax increase proposals (26 percent).

Just two working cash fund proposals were successful. Unfortunately, four such proposals went down to defeat (33 percent).

The approval rate for building bond issues was better, with 17 of 35 such questions winning voter approval (49 percent). The largest successful bond issue totaled $40 million, for a building proposal at North Shore District 112, in Lake County.

Perhaps the most disturbing result of the April election was the low success rate for referendums in school districts on the state's Financial Watch List. Only one of four such referendums was adopted. As an April 14 newsletter from the State Board of Education explained: "Those districts who have the greatest need for additional funds will have to continue looking for ways to serve their students with inadequate funding and little or no capacity to borrow."

Winning building bond referendums April 1 were: Park Ridge C.C. District 64; Riverside C.C. District 96; Champaign C.U. District 4; Wesclin C.U. District 3; Sycamore C.U. District 427; Barrington C.U. District 220; Hawthorn C.C. District 73; North Shore District 112; Pontiac Township District 90; Prairie Grove C.U. District 46; Gridley District 10; Columbia C.U. District 4; DuQuoin C.U. District 300; O'Fallon C.C. District 90; Smithton C.C. District 130; Nashville C.C. District 49; and Gurnee District 56.

Winning working cash bond referendums April 1 were: St. Joseph-Ogden High School District 305, and Girard C.U. District 3.

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Impact fee legislation considered

The bill would allow each local community to develop its own ordinance meeting community needs, and would allow those agreements already in place in a community to remain in effect. It would provide a methodology and a process for developing fees and provide safeguards, including a public hearing process.

The Alliance supports the bill.

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Other bills of interest deliberated

SB 570 (Sen. Doris C. Karpiel, R., Roselle) would change how EAV is established for calculation in the state aid formula for school districts to eliminate the "double whammy" in tax-capped counties. The House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will consider the bill.

HB 314 (Rep. Michael J. Boland, D., East Moline) would increase the income eligibility amount for the circuit breaker program from $14,000 to $35,000 and lower the eligibility age from 65 to 62. The Department of Revenue estimates that the bill could cost the state $270 million. The bill is considered dead but its contents could be revived as an amendment to a related bill.

HB 468 (Rep. Verna L. Clayton, R., Buffalo Grove) would allow municipalities to exempt school districts from the telecommunications tax. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

HB 525 (Rep. David Leitch, R., Peoria) is the TIF Association's bill to "reform" the TIF law. School management lobbyists say the bill will actually expand the use of TIFs under certain circumstances. Approved in the House, the bill was assigned to the Senate Revenue Committee.

H.B. 654 (Rep. David D. Phelps, D., Harrisburg) would increase from $2,000 to $2,500 the per capita tuition charge reimbursement for special education services and facilities. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

H.B. 689 (Rep. David D. Phelps, D., Harrisburg) would require school districts to notify area legislators and affected collective bargaining agents of the public hearing scheduled on a mandate waiver request. Also it would provide that a waiver may be changed within the five-year period by the local board by following the procedure of the initial waiver request. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

H.B. 742 (Rep. Frank J. Mautino, D., Spring Valley) would prohibit school districts from requesting a waiver to move from one regional office of education to another. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

H.B. 819 (Rep. David D. Phelps, D., Harrisburg) would replace the Teacher Certification Board (under the auspices of the State Board of Education) with the autonomous Professional Teacher Standards Board. Members would be appointed by the Governor. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

HB 999 (Rep. Kevin A. McCarthy, D., Chicago) would allow an income tax credit of up to $500 to taxpayers for tuition and fees paid to private or public elementary and secondary schools. The cost of this bill is estimated at $80 to $100 million per year. Held too long in the Rules Committee, the bill is considered dead. It could, however, be brought back as an amendment to any related bill.

HB 1643 (Rep. Mary K. O'Brien, D., Coal City) would allow county sheriffs, if so equipped, to perform fingerprint-based criminal background checks on school bus drivers. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

H.B. 1700 (Rep. Michael J. Madigan, D., Chicago) would require school districts to have policies on school uniforms or a dress code. The bill was not called for a second vote in the House and is considered dead.

H.B. 1701 (Rep. Michael J. Madigan, D., Chicago) would require school boards to adopt a policy on homework that includes a provision mandating that homework be regularly assigned. The bill was not called for a second vote in the House and is considered dead.

H.B. 2132 (Rep. Renee Kosel, R., New Lenox) would require school administrators to report to the police, by whatever means the school district deems appropriate, the delivery of cannabis and controlled substances in or near schools. No penalties are spelled out for non-compliance. The bill was approved by the House and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

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RESEARCH REPORTS: Facts and Figures for school leaders

Public wants increased state spending for schools

The so-called Illinois Policy Survey for 1996 showed education is seen as the most important problem in the state, just ahead of crime and well ahead of taxes and unemployment.

The policy survey of Illinois adults found a majority of both Republicans (65 percent) and Democrats (87 percent) favor increased state spending for public schools. The level of support for increased state spending on public schools grew from 71 percent of respondents in 1994 to 77 percent of respondents in 1996.

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Increased spending linked to academic success

"We are all tempted to think that money doesn't matter. We probably all know of a school that can get by reasonably well on short funds. We may also know of a school with disappointing results despite generous spending. However, a few examples does not establish a trend.

"In truth, national research supports the opposite conclusion. Students at higher spending schools generally earn higher test scores. For example, a recent study reported in the Harvard Education Review found that nationally when a state invests an additional $1,000 in each pupil's education, it can expect a 14.8 point increase in state SAT scores. Other studies reach similar conclusions," the newsletter says.

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Minority gains marked

From 1984 to 1995, degree-seeking minority students entering college increased from 14 percent to 20 percent at four-year institutions and from 16 percent to 18 percent at two-year institutions, says the College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges. (Minorities make up 25 percent of the U.S. population.)

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Math, science consortium schools excel

For example, eighth graders participating in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) placed fifth in math when compared with students of the 41 nations participating. Only Singapore, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong students did better in mathematics.

The consortium students scored even better in science testing, finishing second behind Singapore. In sharp contrast, U.S. students as a whole finished 28th and 17th respectively, in math and science.

Several key factors contributed to this remarkable success, according to the study:

• high-quality curricula, with teachers playing a vital role in setting standards, guided by the state goals for learning;

• more students taking geometry and/or algebra (50 percent of Consortium eighth graders enrolled) compared to the national average (19 percent);

• excellent teacher preparation and instructional quality;

• high expectations for students-hard work was expected in order to succeed.

The report is also available on the Internet at: http://www. ncrel.org.

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FEDERAL UPDATE

New bus drivers must sign background check form

The latter form gives the employer written authorization to ask the driver's previous employers to provide information about any positive drug or alcohol tests or refusals to take such tests. Employers also must get information about the previous employers' drug and alcohol program to verify that the driver was in a qualified program. If the new driver was not enrolled in a qualified program within 30 days before a new hiring, the driver must be tested for drugs and alcohol before being hired to drive a school bus.

Federal penalties are severe for hiring a bus driver without following these guidelines. School districts can be fined up to $10,000 per driver per day, according to Mid-West Truckers Association. What is more, failure to check with previous employers about drug or alcohol test results opens the new employer to major legal and financial problems if the driver is involved in an accident.

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FCC finalizes technology discounts to schools

An essential component of President Clinton's goals for education, the e-rate discount will be available to 110,000 schools, and roughly 50 million teachers and students.

The discounts will cover the costs of hooking up to telecommunications networks to use the Internet and the expenses of wiring classrooms. Internet service itself also would be offered at a discount.

The funds would come from increasing the monthly charge for businesses and homes that have more than one phone line. Funds also would be raised by requiring cell phone companies to contribute to a program that subsidizes universal telephone access.

The National Exchange Carriers Association will collect and distribute funds beginning in early 1998. Schools and libraries can apply for discounts beginning July 1.

Most schools will get discounts ranging from 40 percent to 90 percent. Wealthy schools will get discounts as low as 20 percent, depending on the percentage of students in poverty and whether the school is in a remote rural area where costs are high.

The plan defines wealth by the number of students eligible for federally subsidized school lunches. Schools with less than 1 percent participation in the subsidized lunch program would get a 20 percent discount.

State regulators still need to adopt the FCC's discounting criteria before schools can obtain the discounts, FCC attorneys say. State regulators also must certify schools' technology plans.

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Superfund liability relief may be on horizon

Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Smith (R., Oregon) has introduced S.B. 8, which grants generous liability relief to school districts for future costs.

In the administrative arena, a letter from the Clinton Administration to NSBA reportedly stated that EPA will grant additional administrative relief for school districts and local governments involved in Superfund lawsuits. NSBA and a coalition of other municipal groups have been meeting with EPA officials since January to formulate the policy notice.

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THE NATIONAL SCENE

More Hispanic teachers mean fewer dropouts

"The educational system has got to change to meet the needs of [Hispanic] kids," says Ernest Andrade, a UNC alumni and program director. "We have to have teachers who are knowledgeable about language differences, cultural differences, and economic differences and use that knowledge as a tool to help students achieve success."

The Colorado Department of Education notes that nearly eight percent of the state's Hispanic students in grades 7-12 dropped out last year. The dropout rate of non-Hispanic whites is three percent.

Andrade believes the reason so many Hispanics drop out is because they have poor English-language skills and feel alienated in school because of social and cultural differences.

Every student admitted to the program will receive a mentor, and students will work and study in groups of 25 to ensure their success. So far, 40 students have been enrolled for next year, and Andrade expects more will sign up.

Contact: Ernest Andrade, 970/ 356-7754.

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Ohio funding system ruled unequal

About half the funding for public education in Ohio comes from the state and half comes from local tax revenues. Per pupil spending ranges from $4,000 to $12,000.

The new ruling "sends us back to the drawing board to first define what our problem is, determine how to fix it, and then figure out how to pay for it," says Ohio School Superintendent John Goff.

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WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS

Teleconference to tell how to use "e-rate"

The basic downlink fee is $375. Participants in several organizations, including NSBA's Technology Leadership Network and National Affiliate programs, will receive a $100 discount on that fee. For more information, contact PBS at 800/257-2578.

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Rural and small schools meeting set

One presenter at the conference, which will address the theme "Building Partnerships for Rural/Small Schools," will be Phil Schlechty, president of the Center for Creative Leadership. Others scheduled include: Gerald Bracey, author and executive director of the Center for Curriculum Reform; Jesse Rodriguez, director of information technologies, Tuscon public schools; Paul Nachtigal, director, Rural Challenge Project; and Kari Arfstrom, AASA legislative specialist.

The presenters will offer insights on inventing better schools, countering negative education myths with facts, and technology concerns of small and rural schools.

More information is available by calling 703/875-0771 or visiting AASA on the Web at http://www. aasa.org.

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Suburban administrators to meet

Among the presenters will be Paul Hill, research professor of public affairs at the University of Washington and director of the center for Reinventing Public Education. Also on hand will be Gerald Bracey, executive director of the Center for Curriculum Reform, and AASA Executive Director Paul Houston.

For additional information, call 703/875-0771 or click on "Conferences" on AASA's Web site at http://www.aasa.org.

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School reform is focus of federal conference

The Dallas conference will draw school leaders from 18 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin in the midwest. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Reunion, 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas, Texas. For more information, phone 214/651-4498 or 1-800/203-5494.

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TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS

SAT bias information kit offered

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Guide to operating grants issued

Operating grants can be used to support ongoing operating expenses that sustain a school district or other educational organization's usual activities. The respected guidebook's organization allows grant seekers to select only those awarding grants for salaries, rent, utilities, office supplies, and additional overhead expenses. In all, 650 foundations are profiled. The directory reportedly is an essential research tool for all nonprofit organizations, one of various grant directories issued by the publisher.

The cost of the Third Edition is $59.50 per copy plus $6 for shipping and handling. It can be ordered from the publisher: Research Grant Guides, Inc., Dept. 3A, P.O. Box 1214, Loxahatchee, Florida 33470; phone 561/795-6129; fax 561/795-7794.

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Technology planning made easy

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Internet grants available

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Resource on school-to-work programs available

For more information contact: Kathleen Barnhart, Illinois State Curriculum Center, phone 800/ 252-4822, ext. 67720.

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NEWS FROM IASB

Prepare board nominating forms

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Election packets sent out

The packet mailing is a reminder that time is running out for school boards to pursue capable replacements for retiring members.

In addition to the first packet mailed last month, member districts can obtain additional packets at no charge from IASB Publications. Special kits for distribution to board candidates are available as well at a small fee.

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IASB requests nominations

The following criteria are used by the committee in considering nominees: 1) leadership experience and general participation in IASB activities, 2) leadership experience on the local school board, 3) involvement with other education-related associations or organizations, 4) other leadership experiences, and 5) special talent or interests of benefit to IASB as currently constituted.

Interviews for candidates will be conducted in August. A slate of candidates will be presented to the Delegate Assembly meeting in Chicago at the 1997 Joint Annual Conference.

Interested candidates should write IASB, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703; or call 217/528-9688, ext. 1102 to request the necessary forms.

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Resolutions invited

The submission deadline is June 25, 1997. Earlier submissions are invited to allow staff to better serve districts in preparing background material for the Resolutions Committee. A letter inviting resolutions was mailed to board presidents and superintendents of all member districts April 1, along with forms for submitting resolutions. For more information, please contact your Division representative to the Resolutions Committee or the Governmental Relations staff in Springfield.

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Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus

More than $535 million was invested in the Fixed Rate program, at rates of 5.55 percent for a 30-day certificate to 5.95 percent for a one-year certificate. For more information about ISDLAF+, call, toll-free, 1-800/221-4524.

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Classified ads

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Recent mailings from IASB

April 9: Illinois Council of School Attorneys Membership Directory and cover letter, to district superintendents.

April 22: Elections packet, to board presidents and superintendents.

May 5: Announcement of educational environments exhibits program at 1997 annual conference, mailed to superintendents.

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IASB School Board News Bulletin
Illinois Association of School Boards