Did you know the Sequester, which forced spending cuts on the Federal government earlier this year is taking money out of schools in Highland Park, Glenview and Deerfield?
Schools in these communities receive approximately $140,000 a year to cover the cost of educating children of military parents. That stopped when the Sequester went into effect, according to school officials.
Earlier: Kirk, Durbin Schneider Tour New School as Sequester Removes Shine
Congress restored money for air traffic controllers cut by the Sequester to ease flight delays. Patch wants to know if you think local schools should get the same treatment as the airline industry and has prepared an unscientific poll to gauge your opinion.
Township High School District 113, which oversees Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools, is $60,000 short, according to Communications Director Natalie Kaplan. She made it clear neither the institutions nor the students would suffer.
“Of course these cuts in funding are difficult for the District to manage,” Kaplan said. “We have worked collaboratively with surrounding districts to strongly advocate for these funds. However, regardless of what the federal or state (governments) do in regards to impact aid, we will continue to educate and support all of our military families and students.”
In Glenview District 34, there is also a $60,000 drop in revenue because of the Sequester’s effect on impact aid, according to a spokesperson for the District. In North Shore School District 112 serving Highland Park and Highwood, the shortfall is $20,000, according to Communications Director Andi Rosen.
When asked by Patch during a press conference Friday, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Springfield) and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) did not directly say they would seek special legislation though they recognize action is necessary.
“We all have to work together as a team and find a way to do so,” Schneider said. “We need an answer to close excesses but we can’t use a meat clever. We have to come together and nail it down where we need it.”
Please take the poll and offer your ideas. We will publish the results next week.