CoNcvnNvu C:1:zvNs for Sm:1n1oN Scnoo:

We are steadfastly concerned about our communitys childrens education

now and in the future. However, CoNcvnNvu C:1:zvNs for Sm:1n1oN Scnoo:
strongly urge a No vote to the $12 million bond issue on the April 9th ballot.
OUv Ovvosi1io is B.siu o:
We believe more time and informed community input is needed to evaluate
and identify the best option to meet Smithtons education needs.
We encourage school district voters to educate themselves about
the TRUE FACTS surrounding this issue in order to make
the most informed decision possible on April 9th.
GROWTH ASSUMPTIONS
We believe population,
housing and enrollment trends
do not indicate a need for
a new middle school.
1. School age population within the
school district is NOT on a growth
trajectory.
2. New home construction is down
substantially86% reduction in
new home building permits from
2005 peak.
3. Te peak middle school enrollment
will have graduated before the new
school is built.
FINANCIAL CONCERNS
We believe an immediate
increase in property taxes and
a future increase in operating
costs, during a time of signicant
scal uncertainty at the state
level, is not in the best interest
of the taxpayer and not in the
best interest of the school district.
1. Signifcant increase to current taxes
(+22% vs. 2011).
2. Current Illinois funding levels
are driving numerous Metro-East
schools to:
cut non-essential programs
seek bond fnancing for
current operations
close schools
3. Future Illinois actions may:
cut funding further
transfer pension expenses to
the local district
4. Operating cost increases will make
it harder to maintain and improve
our well-rounded education
programs and funding.
PROCESS TRANSPARENCY
We have concerns about the
validity of the information
presented to the community.
1. Inaccurate information was pre-
sented at the Q4 2012 community
meetings prior to citizens input on
preferred options. Teir input was
used as a key component of the rec-
ommendation to proceed with the
new school option.
2. Multiple examples of school board
and/or administration coordinating
with the vote yes ballot campaign
and urging a specifc vote.
3. Multiple examples of false and mis-
leading information being present-
ed as fact throughout the process.
300
330
10 to 14
Years Old
5 to 9
Years Old
Under 5
Years Old
2010 Census # Children in CCSD #130
Source: 2010 Census Data CCSD #130 District from
National Center for Education Statistics
11.8%
decrease
FACT: 2010 Census data shows the
youngest age group is signifcantly lower
than children already in school!
TRUE FACT: Te referenced study
focuses on a school construction project
in a poor urban district in New Haven, CT
Source: e Eect of School Construction on Test Scores,
School Enrollment, and Home Prices by Christopher Neilson
& Seth Zimmer. http://www.iza.org/en/webcontent/
publications/papers/viewAbstract?dp_id=6106
Presented as FACT
by Prop S (Vote Yes) Campaign:
Studies show new school construction, in
the St. Louis area, directly correlates with
increased enrollment and property values
roughly 4.7% more. Reference the article
e Eect of School Construction on Test
Scores, School Enrollment, and Home Prices
Source: PROP S Campaign Public Meeting Q&A Summary,
Answer to Question #10, February 6, 2013
Paid for by Cociviu Ci1izis for Smi1u1o Scuooi www.facebook.com/cc4ss concernedcitizensforss@gmail.com