D228 Board President Urges Support for Incumbents

—from Bremen District 228 Board President John Kirkton

On April 7, four incumbent members of the Bremen High School District 228 Board of Education—David Mensing, Leslie Jones, Bill Browne, John Kirkton—are seeking re-election. We are running on our record, which is a strong one. From FY 2014 to FY 2015, District expenditures increased only 1.4%. The District runs a budget deficit due to cuts in its general state aid and reduced reimbursements for certain mandated expenses, but is repeatedly recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education for good fiscal management. The number of failing grades issued across the District has fallen by more than one-third since the 2011-12 school year due to additional supports provided to struggling students. At the same time, many “advanced placement” classes have been added to the curriculum. We are committed to maintaining vibrant programs in athletics, art and music. To increase accountability for student achievement, teachers and administrators are evaluated using the “best practices” Danielson model. And District 228 is implementing the rigorous Common Core standards to enhance its students’ college and career readiness.

On the other hand, the so-called Parents for Progress candidates have chosen to run on a platform of sensationalized misinformation regarding District 228. This win-at-any-cost approach can only serve to diminish the District’s hard-earned reputation and tarnish its students’ accomplishments.

They assert that, “According to the Illinois School Report Card, 84% of incoming freshmen are on par with where they should be, however, only 29% of the students graduating are college ready.” What the report card actually says is that at the end of their freshman year, 84% of District 228 students are on track to graduate. That percentage is increasing. The 29% figure relates only to the percentage of District students who meet the benchmarks created by the ACT organization in ALL FOUR areas of its college placement testing. The ACT organization’s website states that meeting one of its benchmarks only indicates a statistical probability that a student will achieve a “B” or better in a corresponding college-level course. In fact, nearly two-thirds of District 228 students enroll in college each year. The State is currently transitioning to a student growth model for evaluating academic achievement, in part because the ACT testing snapshot does not accurately measure students’ progress.

They also state, “In 2010, the District’s 4 year graduation rate was 96%. Since that time the District’s 4 year graduation rate has fallen to 84%. Why the decline? When will the decline stop?” Had Parents for Progress asked, they would have learned that this decline is due to changes in how the State of Illinois measures graduation rates. For example, students who move from District 228 before graduation, and students with special needs in the “transition program,” who receive the District’s support until age 22, are counted against the District’s graduation rate.

I am hopeful that, on April 7, the voters will see through the baloney propounded by Parents for Progress and re-elect the incumbent Board Members. Please visit www.greatslatefor228.com for detailed information regarding the candidates’ backgrounds and positions on the issues. Like us on Facebook at Great Slate for 228.

Sincerely,

John Kirkton

District 228 Board President