http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-915629.mp3
Galesburg, IL – Knox County voters will be asked to approve a one percent sales tax increase in the November election. The county is required to put the question on the ballot because more than one school district is requesting it, and the money would be distributed across the county.
The revenue could only be put toward facility improvements.
Knox County board chairman Greg Bacon says the district's hands are essentially tied in the matter. He says the board unanimously approved the referendum, but he doesn't like it.
"I'm for the schools, but I think their management needs to get cut before they start asking for more money," says Bacon. "I mean, they're top heavy on management. All school districts are. I mean, when you're making over $100k a year... I mean my God."
But Silas Willard Elementary School Principal John Shelly disagrees with Bacon's "cut from the top" solution. Shelly's Galesburg building is more than 100 years old, needs extensive repairs and is "bursting at the seams" with students. He says the school is using all available space for classes, including closets and the basement.
"Galesburg, if you compare it to districts of similar size, is far from top heavy administrative-wise," says Shelly. "So these people, I don't think they've really done their homework. It's easy to make comments like that from a distance."
Shelly says the district will undergo a "Penny for Kids" campaign to educate Knox County voters on what a one percent sales tax increase will pay for.
Bacon says the increase could net $1.2 million per year for schools, but Galesburg District 205 superintendent Gene Denisar says it could yield more than $3 million.
To listen to a conversation with Greg Bacon and John Shelly, click play on the audio link above. The first half of the file is with Bacon, the second with Shelly.