Truth in Spending

I would like to clarify Dr. Fredisdorf's letter to the editor on March 5th stating that it would be irresponsible not to proceed with the $200,000 construction project slated for D107, due to safety and electrical hazards.

As noted in the letter to the editor on February 20th, the school is secure. The electrical hazards were not discovered until the Regional Office of Education inspection was conducted in late February, and it was found there were too many electrical devices and not enough outlets in the main office. The cost to remedy the electrical problem is under $15,000.

The average bid to remodel the 825 square foot office came in at $278,829, which is substantially higher than the $200,000 Dr. Fredisdorf has budgeted.

Dr. Fredisdorf also stated that "through prudent fiscal management, the funds necessary for the project are currently available without asking taxpayers for additional dollars." This prudent fiscal management consists of putting nearly one million dollars each year of the tax payers money into a "fund balance" so that public approval is not needed for "project" spending. While the public does not need to approve this remodeling project shouldn't the public be honestly informed?

Couldn't this money be better spent?

The Doings

March 5, 2009

BURR RIDGE --In a letter to the editor dated Feb. 26, Karen O'Halloran criticized Pleasantdale District 107 for a planned construction project to improve building safety. She asserted that the district is irresponsible for reconfiguring the main office entrance to achieve better security. The district utilized the services of Senior Risk Management Consultant Brian Lesiak to inspect our facilities who specifically recommended that the elementary school main office configuration be changed to improve security to the entire school. Furthermore, building inspectors from the Regional Office of Education recently reported that electrical wiring in the office is inadequate and a potential fire hazard. The regional officials advised that the office renovation needs to correct the problem.

It would indeed be irresponsible for the district to disregard the recommendations of security consultants. Through prudent fiscal management, the funds necessary for the project are currently available without asking taxpayers for additional dollars. The project will be bid in a very competitive economic environment saving taxpayers in the long run. The entire project should come in under $200,000.

Furthermore, O'Halloran cited inconsistencies in the budgeted amount concerning a proposed Middle School garage construction project.

This project is currently under discussion by the School Board.

Various construction options are being discussed and associated prices investigated, with none having been determined or voted on.

It is not extravagant or irresponsible to spend money either to keep our children safe or to protect the district's assets.

Mark Fredisdorf, superintendent