March 4, 2011
Dear [Representative or Senator]:
My name is [Your Name], and I live in [Your Village]. I am writing you to share my strong opposition to Governor Quinn’s proposal to force school consolidation without local voter approval, and to the companion House Bill (HB) 1216 which creates the framework and means for forced school consolidation to occur. As presented, HB 1216 authorizes the creation of a commission that would study school consolidation and recommend new school districts within a 60 day period with legislative approval of commission recommendations to follow within 14 days.
Under the Governor’s proposal and HB 1216, my local high school and elementary districts would cease to exist and would be absorbed into a larger district determined by legislators 215 miles from our districts without local voter approval. As a resident of local school districts that receive little state aid, are financially sound, and produce some of the highest achieving students in the state and nation, I oppose any action that would change our school districts without local voter approval.
Our local schools are outstanding, and I hope that as our elected official in Springfield, you will oppose the Governor’s forced school consolidation proposal and HB 1216, and support local voter autonomy on the fate of our school districts.
Sincerely,
