August 9, 2009

My name is Lance Mitchell and I am a senior citizen.   

When I moved to Geneva 20 years ago my property taxes were about $3200 and they are now over $8000.  Most of the increase has been from District 304.    

I had 3 children graduate from Geneva High.  My oldest child was an average student and got an average education, my middle child was a good student and got a good education and my youngest child was a poor student and got a poor education.  My point is that the education a student gets in 304 is mostly up to the student, not the school.  When they talk about improving education they are talking about lining someone pocket with tax dollars.  Kids who want to learn will learn and those that don't will not.  The latest and greatest computer system, video conferencing, new band instruments, football field, gym does not equal a good education.  Sure those things are nice but they are not necessary and in our current economic climate we need to watch every cent spent.  Unless 304 gets it's spending under control I will have to move out of Geneva within the next 3 or 4 years. 

I am sorry that I will not be able to make the board meeting but feel free to read any or all of what I have written. 

'Mitch'