The Doings
February 26, 2009
WILLOW SPRINGS -- A Jan. 22 article in the Doings cited a $190,000 remodeling project slated for Pleasantdale Elementary District 107. What the article failed to mention is this remodeling project is for an 826-square-foot office space. It also failed to include an additional $30,000 which was earmarked for windows (on this same project) bringing total budgeted dollars at $220,000, or more than $260 per square foot.
Superintendent Mark Fredisdorf stated, "The project will address security and space issues." I feel that his security comment is misleading. Currently no one can enter the school without first being visually identified through a glass window and then having a staff member unlock the door to allow entrance into the building.
The article also discussed the construction of a garage at the middle school. The budgeted amount cited in the article was $20,000, when in fact the amount stated at the School Board meeting on Jan. 21 was $50,000.
The only discussion on either of the projects was by board member Mark Mirabile who inquired about the cost of a brick garage that would match the middle school building. The board requested an estimate for a brick garage to review at the February meeting. This garage will be located behind the school beside the garbage dumpsters. Given our country's economic condition I feel that these projects are an extravagant and irresponsible use of the taxpayer's money.
Karen O'Halloran
On Feb. 23, a commenter said:
Since roughly 52% of property taxes in Willow Springs go towards our schools, I would like to know where the money is spent. I am disappointed that we would spend $200K on a new front office for the Elementary for "Security". That's a lot of money for a problem that does not exist. What's wrong with the current system? How about some updated books? Just a thought....
First of all, thank you for your comments!
We believe the money budgeted for this remodeling project is excessive. New construction typically costs $100 per square foot. An 826 square foot area of new construction would cost roughly $80,000; yet, our school district has budgeted $220,000 for this project. You can build a new home for what the district plans to spend on remodeling 826 square feet.
If security is an issue, (which we do not believe it is) we feel additional security measures can be put into place without having to spend so much money.
At the February school board meeting, the budget for the garage was increased to $101,000 for a 30x30 foot garage because of the request by board member Mark Mirabile to have the garage constructed of brick so that it will match the school.
This garage will be located behind the middle school in a wooded area that is barely visible from the street and neighboring homes. We feel constructing this garage of brick is a frivolous waste of taxpayer dollars.
The only school board member to question these projects and their costs was Scot Orsic. We are dismayed and angry that in these difficult economic times, only one school board member out of seven questioned the financial strain this places on the taxpayers of this district.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I am infuriated at the implications of this spending. Granted perhaps the elementary office does need remodeling or space modifications but then call it that. I am so mad that I inquired and there has not been a single incidence of compromised security. If that is truly where our true concern is then install sliding windows and a door from the vestibule into the office. Do electrical modifications to control the doors to the office separately from the doors into the main hallway. Get that project estimate and call it security. Remodel the office only when and if we have nothing better to spend the money on... like technology to get our kids competitive with their peers. At least call it an office remodel and stop lying to the community Mr. Superintendant. Shame on you Board of Ed. for not exposing the mislabeling!!! Do they think our community so blind that no one will question this?
Anonymous' comment seems a little extreme: "I am so mad that I inquired and there has not been a single incidence (incident?) of compromised security?" Are we to allow a breach of security before a modification is permissible? Tell that to the school district in Winnetka, where Laurie Dann had her rampage years ago. Security is an important concern, and I am not prepared to say the remodel/modification at the elemetnary school is unreasonable. Furthermore, while I do not always agree with the School Board (and I do not live in Burr Ridge) I wholeheartedly support Mark Mirabile's observation that the garage should be brick - if the construction can be consistent on our middle school campus, let it be so. It is shortsighted to save a few dollars for a tacky looking garage - one need only look at neighboring districts who have cluttered their properties with development that is inconsistent and unattractive. How much more will brick cost, and it will have little maintenance in the coming years and can age along with our addition.
Finally, I think someone who calls our superintendent a liar should have the guts to put their name on their comment. These sorts of things (along with putting flyers under everyone's windows at the elementary shamrock shake - electioneering at a PTA event) are turning me away from this ticket, and I am a proud Pleasantdale parent who NEVER misses an election. While I had an open mind, I am now certain I will work toward continuing the leadership we have had with Patti Essig, Leandra Sedlack and Mark Mirabile. I don't know what I will do with the fourth vote when I see extreme and irresponsible remarks like this, and since the challengers are running as a ticket, I might just have to hold off on the fourth vote.
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your comments.
Adequate security measures are currently in place at our elementary school whereas in 1988 Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka did not have any security measures in place at all. A remodeling project of this magnitude is unnecessary in light of the current CPI which was reduced from 4.1% to .1%. Rather than spending money, our district should be scrutinizing all future expenditures. If security is truly an issue, additional security measures can be implemented for far less than the approx. $250,000 remodeling price tag that is currently being considered.
While a brick garage would look certainly look pretty, do taxpayers really want to foot a $101,000 bill to construct a garage made of brick to house one vehicle? While a garage may be necessary, a brick garage is going to cost considerably more than just a “few dollars.”
I’d encourage you to sit through a few school board meetings to get an accurate perspective of what is going on with the construction projects.
As for putting flyers under everyone’s window at the Shamrock Shake, we contacted the school district attorney were advised that as long as we did not impede the flow of traffic, distributing flyers at the dance was perfectly legal and would not break any rules.
Again, thank you for your comments and for visiting our blog where Everyone’s Voice can be heard. Maybe next time you comment you’ll be brave enough to post your name too.
"incident"! Thank you for the correction.
Considering the bullying that goes on in our school by supervisory staff, it would not be prudent for anyone that works there or has a child there to leave their name. Unfortunately, the concept of respect seems to be a forgotten priority in our district. Rather there is an overwhelming amount of threatening, intimidation, and scare tactics gracing our school halls. It is no wonder that these same problems are haunting our student population. We need to model respect to teach it!
Furthermore, our office staff has a clear sightline and a security button to allow visitors into the building. If they choose to allow potential unidentified individuals into the building we would have to accurately label that, operator error. Improving the process with a door into the main office or a sliding glass window where identification could be checked are two solutions that certainly would not cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Regading the district vehicle which certainly has value and should be protected... should it be made a priority before providing our students with competitive technology to that of their out of district peers. If children are truly our priority, then prove it and stop hiding behind lies and office remodeling guises.
I am the anonymous Gina Scaletta-Nelson was referring to, who referred to the Laurie Dann murders. Thank you for the invitation to attend board meetings; I have been to many school board meetings over the past fifteen years, through many different boards.
Ms. Scaletta-Nelson, I am glad you feel confident enough that our children's security is not compromised because it has not, as yet, been breached. I think a breach is so costly as to be unacceptable - so that is not an acceptable test, in my view.
Regarding the remark about my lack of "bravery" by remaining anonymous; while I am sure Ms. Scaletta-Nelson would not condone name calling, I was referring to a previous anonymous poster who called a specific administrator a "liar." If and when I ever purport to call an individual a liar on an internet blog- which is highly unlikely- rest assured I will put my name on my comment. I did not cast any aspersions upon individuals; I just made a remark, which this site seems to invite. Certainly there was nothing "illegal" about electioneering at the Shamrock Shake; just probably not politically wise, as it rubbed many people the wrong way - which is how I heard about it. I guess the wisdom of these practices will come to light when the votes are counted.
I also have no problem remaining anonymous because, unlike many of our commentators, I am not running for election to the school board. To all those who are running - incumbents and challengers - thank you for your commitment and desires to serve, but PLEASE remember to KEEP IT POSITIVE and avoid name calling. I don't think any of the folks running have called people names, but maybe it is good to tone down the rhetoric on this board and talk about issues without making personal attacks, even when they are veiled as general comments on an individual's integrity or bravery.
Post a Comment