Vote out incumbents in Geneva D304

I read with disdain in the recent newsletter written by Geneva Unit District 304 school board President Mary Stith that District 304 has requested a tax rate increase to fund bilingual education.

Are the people on this board living in the real world? About 80 percent of our real estate taxes go to fund District 304 expenses and now they are asking for more. If they must add this program, they should find the money in the tax revenue that is presently paid by the taxpayers. Everybody is tightening their belts.

I am still offended by this board’s engagement in the salary spiking fiasco for their “about-to-retire administrators and principals” to increase their pensions benefits.

The Daily Herald reported last year that District 304 was fined about $168,000 by the state after an audit. This large, punitive fine was, of course, paid with this community’s tax dollars. Hey, they can always ask for more money and increase our taxes. The board failed miserably in their fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers.

All of the incumbents running for re-election should be replaced by the qualified individuals who are seeking to serve this community and the students of District 304.

Werner Schagunn

Geneva