By Ron Ulmer
Illinois’ number of taxing government bodies far outnumbers any other state which is a contributing factor to Illinois citizens bearing one of the highest tax burdens in the United States. These numerous government entities have a voracious appetite for ever increasing revenue. If taxes cannot be increased, the knee jerk reaction is to threaten to cut valued services, only rarely entertaining ways to deliver the services in a more cost effective.
One way to force the numerous local governments to become more efficient is to put them on a financial diet. One of the few benefits to the lack of a state budget is the financial pressure being placed on local governments. For example, Unit 5’s transportation fund deficit forced the school board to change school start times to make more efficient use of the buses. A second beneficial outcome is that studies show the new start times are more conducive to learning. Money Saved, more learning! Recently on WJBC, I heard that each day the Unit 5 buses run costs $49,000. According to the discussion, Unit 5 is going to have more full productive school days and fewer or no partial school days which have little educational value. Wow. More money saved and more learning.
Several years ago I sent an email to Unit 5 school board members suggesting to think outside the box with respect to the school year calendar. I referred to an Indiana school district that schedules use of their buildings 11 months per year instead of 9 months, leading to more cost effective use of the high tech school buildings and higher test scores as students forget less with shorter more frequent breaks than the long summer break. By the way, no school board member responded to my suggestion.
Benefits to year around use of the school buildings in addition to improved learning are:
- Unit 5 could abandon the older, higher maintenance cost, less energy efficient school buildings. Any remaining non-air conditioned buildings would have to be air conditioned with the benefit of no more shortened school days in August and September due to heat.
- Families with students who receive breaks at the shoulder travel times, not the traditional summer months, can take vacations at less expensive, less crowded off-peak times, making vacations more affordable to more families. Vacations are a great learning experience as I recall learning Illinois and US history, experienced national wonders, nature, science and became an American Patriot.
I end with a challenge to all school boards and other taxing entities. Before placing tax referendums on the ballot or cutting programs, throw away all of your current paradigms. Thinking out of the box will lead to reducing the tax burden on the citizens, lead to cost effective outcomes, and improved public services provided at a lower cost.
Ron Ulmer is an economist, have taught economics/finance at 3 central Illinois universities and employed by Illinois Power as a Senior Rate Analyst, supervisor of economic research, Market Program Manager. Now retired, Current member Normal Kiwanis, past 25 year member Optimist International Service Club, Property owner and manager in Normal for 37 years ongoing.
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