In support of Bill Christian for CHSD 218 School Board

OAK LAWN, IL — Much has been written and discussed about Oak Lawn taxes as we move closer to the April 6 election. Candidates for multiple positions are ringing the “taxes are too high” bell and we, as homeowners, are listening.

The problem is that most of us, although listening, do not understand this complex concept.

Every year, usually in December, taxing bodies vote on a maximum tax levy for the coming fiscal year. Actual growth values and property taxes are not available until late spring (April or May) of the following year. The taxing body (CHSD 218, D123, Oak Lawn Library, etc.) must make an educated guess on the levy percentage without all of the information available. As a general rule, taxing bodies (including CHSD 218) make a higher levy request in order to capture any additional growth. The tax levy will be legally capped at no higher than CPI (Consumer Price Index) from the previous year plus any new growth. If the taxing body votes on a lower tax levy they risk losing the ability to collect on any new growth. In addition, each year’s tax levy is based on the previous year’s levy, so voting on a lower levy could impact financials for the next several years.

Want even more explanation? Check out the amazingly clear information on the Oak Lawn-Hometown D123 website https://d123.org/about/finance

When voting on a tax levy, CHSD 218 board members must balance the interests of taxpayers and the ability to maintain programs and facilities which best serve the students and the community.

So how is this a recommendation for William “Bill” Christian for CHSD 218 School Board?

Bill is a current member of the CHSD 218 School Board and has served his term well. He did, indeed, vote for the tax levy suggested by the CHSD 218 Business Office in December 2020. All but one member of the board voted in favor of that tax levy, knowing that the levy would be legally capped and taxes would not, in fact, increase more than the CPI from the previous year plus new growth. (See the CHSD 218 Board minutes from December 2020 here.) The Board members vote to ensure a fair property tax base (and capture any new growth) while balancing the need to ensure our schools are top-notch.

Bill Christian is a good man. That’s a little trite, but I can honestly say that Bill has integrity and is one of the most genuine people I know.

Bill believes in public education. He not only attended Kolmar and Richards himself, but he also chose to raise his four children in the same community in which he grew up and send them to the same great public schools that he attended. He also has committed to making public education excellent for students by teaching in a public high school. Over the years, Bill has attended numerous CHSD 218 events including sporting events, the 218 Prom for students with special needs, and the 218 Arts Extravaganza. In May 2020, Bill personally showed up for six evenings to recite every name for every diploma at Richards High School. He has the full confidence of the Richards Booster Club because he has been one of them for many years. He has faith in Richards High School and all the schools in CHSD 218.

Simply put, William “Bill” Christian is committed to our schools. He is not seeking school board office to forward his own agenda or that of others. Bill wants to ensure our schools, including Richards High School, offer the best education for the young people who will lead our community moving forward.

Great public schools equal great communities, communities which draw in businesses and hold our house values.

Do your research on all candidates for all of the contested races. Read the questionnaires in the Oak Lawn Patch. Research who is financially supporting the candidates and who they might be beholden to using the Illinois State Board of Elections site (link here). And vote for William “Bill” Christian for CHSD 218 School Board.