VOL. XXII, NO. 8
MARCH 27, 1981

Editorial
Chance To Save MW Coming Up Apr. 7
On Apr. 7, 1981, you and/or your parents will have the opportunity to assure that the quality of education at Maine West will continue throughout the decade. By voting "yes" on the referendum, Maine Township will not become another Rockford or Joliet.

Maine Township schools face a predicted $8-10 million deficit by the 1984-85 school year unless the district gets more money or will have to cut programs. The Board of Education voted to close Maine North at the end of the year to help save money, but the Board still has to maintain the building and "pay the mortgage" (pay the bonds sold to raise money for the building) until it can be sold. District 207 also will be losing about $500,000 in state aid a year. A referendum clearly is needed to obtain the funds to keep the schools functioning in the manner the local residents expect.

What could happen if the District doesn't get the funds from the referendum? Extra-curricular activities such as athletics,		 music, and drama and educational programs such as vocational education and advanced placement would have to be curtailed or even eliminated. The number of courses opened would be reduced, and students would be prohibited from taking more than four courses. Another of the high schools might have to be closed.

How much would the referendum cost the taxpayer? At first about $40 for a house with a market value of $70,000. As the years go on, and the tax levy for the Bond Fund is eliminated (the Bond Fund being the source of the District's indebtedness), the cost to the taxpayers will be reduced to approximately the same amount of dollars in 1987 as they are paying now.

The tax rate has not increased in 12 years, while the cost of education has gone up 124 per cent. Should the tax rate be increased? To maintain Maine's excellent education program, definitely. Encourage your parents to vote "yes" and, if you're 18, vote "yes" yourself!