By Frank Napolitano -
When is the last time you looked at your property tax bill? Like many people you probably pay it through an escrow and don’t look at it often because it would probably disgust you how much property tax you are paying.
I ask you to go get your most recent tax bill, you probably received it in October. The first thing that you will probably notice is the large amount in total property taxes you are paying. Next, you may notice the lengthy list of taxing bodies that get a piece of the action. Mine, for example has over 20 line items of tax bodies and or pension funds that are collecting money from me by way of my property taxes.
Next, please look at that list of taxing bodies close and look if any dollar amounts stand out. Where does the largest portion of your property taxes go? I am pretty sure that between 60% - 70% of your tax bill goes to your school district.
You should now ask yourself a few questions.
Do you believe your money is being spent wisely?
Is your school district being transparent in how it spends your money?
Do you know what is being taught in the class room?
Many residents don’t pay much attention to their school district, unless they have a student in the school district, but that should not be the case. Even if you don’t have a student in the school district, you have a right and should know what is being taught, what curriculum is being covered in the class and what books from which they are teaching.
I would encourage you to ask the school district questions. Find your school board members' contact info and ask them some tough questions. If they are not easily found or don’t answer your questions, vote them out of office. Attend a school board meeting and ask questions. Get involved in the education process, whether you have children in the district or not. It is your right to know what they are doing with your money.
Frank Napolitano is the Chairman of the Illinois Center Right Coalition, Founder of the DuPage Conservatives, Village Trustee in Bartlett, IL and Candidate for U-46 School Board
