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Community Corner

Voter Turnout Key in School Board Elections

District 15 and District 211 school board candidate forums planned for April 5 elections.

What is the typical voter turnout for local school board elections?  Answer: 25 percent.

What percentage of your property tax bill goes to local schools?  Answer: More than 60 percent.

According to The Center for Public Education, local school boards make decisions that determine how a community’s children are educated and how its tax dollars are spent. Voting for school board members is a simple but powerful way to support student success and strengthen a community. 

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They advocate that every child enrolled in the district is a reason to vote. The overall quality of the schools, both now and in the future, rests with decisions made by the Board of Education. The best and brightest should be in charge. 

Why should the minority of residents that vote make decisions for the entire community?   

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In today's economy, now more than ever strong effective leaders are needed on our school boards. There are plenty of choices for voters in 2011. Six candidates are on the ballot for three 4-year positions in Community Consolidated School District 15 and seven are on the ballot for four seats in Township High School District 211.

This is not the time to be complacent and allow a few to make the choice for our community and its children. 

Several local organizations are conducting candidate forums that are open to the public. Take the time to become an informed voter and find out more about your choices. 

Saturday, Feb. 19 - Palatine Township Republicans (TOPPER) will be hosting a forum at Vittorio de Roma restaurant, Northwest Highway and Smith Street in Palatine. Doors open at 8 a.m. and a buffet breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.m. Cost for members is $11; non-members $15. The forum is expected to begin at approximately 8:45 a.m. and will include District 15 and District 211 candidates as well as contested seats for the Village of Palatine and the Library district.  Reservations accepted at 847-359-5212; walk-ins also welcome at the door. 

Saturday, March 5 - Palatine Township Republican Organization’s (PTRO) monthly meeting will feature a question and answer session with the six District 15 candidates vying for three 4-year seats on the school board. It will be held at the PTRO offices located at 839 N. Quentin. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the forum is expected to begin at 9 a.m. Admission is free. Seating is limited.  

Thursday, March 17 - The Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA is sponsoring a District 15 Board of Education candidate forum Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at Sundling Junior High, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine. The format will consist of two minute introductory statements by the candidates followed by a question and answer session. Questions will be submitted by the audience and are limited to issues facing District 15. The forum will conclude with one minute closing statements. Admission is free.  

Please don’t forget to put Election Day on your calendars – Tuesday, April 5!

Voter turnout is everything when it comes to school board elections. 

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