Our schools are facing a budget crisis, and they need all of us to help.
Unit 5’s education fund has an $11 million annual budget deficit. Costs have gone up quickly, revenue has barely grown at all, and continued borrowing isn’t wise. So we’re asking you to support the referendum on the ballot in the April 4th election. Vote Yes for Unit 5.
The district has already cut teachers and administrators. Come August, all freshman sports teams, band and music for 5th graders, and all extra curricular activities and athletics for junior high schools will be eliminated. Then in August 2024, school days will likely be shortened, Carlock Elementary School is slated to close, class sizes will be significantly expanded, and JV sports will be slashed.
Even all these cuts won’t close the gap. Starting in 2025, it’s likely more schools will close and ALL extra curricular activities will be eliminated. That’s right: no more football Friday. No more high school musicals. No more orchestra concerts. No more marching band. No more field trips.
But we have a say in the future for our community and our kids. If the referendum passes, these cuts can be reversed and future cuts avoided.
Our students deserve better. So do our teachers. If you believe in education, low unemployment, good jobs, and keeping your home value high, do the right thing. Show up to support our students and save our schools by voting YES FOR UNIT 5 on your April 4th ballot.
Myth vs Fact
There’s lots of information out there. Much of it is misleading, confusing, or just plain wrong. We’ve attempted to address some of the myths and provide the facts.