River Forest Faces Funding Crossroads: Schools Need Investment, But Where Will the Money Come From?
River Forest, IL – As River forest’s District 90 navigates teacher union negotiations and ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes, a critical question looms: how will the village sustainably fund its schools? Resident Jim Lynch argues that a proactive approach to commercial progress is key to bridging a persistent budget gap and ensuring a brighter future for local students.
While acknowledging the positive strides made by District 90 teachers and staff – despite challenges posed by the pandemic and past curriculum concerns – Lynch points to concerning proficiency rates. despite the district being deemed “exemplary” under state standards (standards he notes are often viewed as politically influenced), roughly one in four students aren’t meeting reading benchmarks, and a third fall short in math. The disparity is even more pronounced for students from low-income families, with only 25% achieving proficiency in language arts.
“we can and should do better for our community and our children, and that will take resources,” Lynch writes.
However, District 90 has been operating with an annual deficit of approximately $500,000 for several years. A new teacher contract will inevitably add to this financial strain, forcing the village to consider difficult choices. Lynch identifies three potential funding sources: depleting reserves, raising taxes, or boosting revenue through commercial development.
He firmly opposes relying on borrowing or draining reserves, citing the long-term consequences seen elsewhere in Illinois. While open to a tax increase if the community deems it necessary, Lynch believes a more sustainable solution lies in attracting new businesses.
“The village board, and the
