School bond assessment is criticized





There is no question that the Oak Park Unified School District needs additional funds. A bond issue that will improve the quality of the schools, and therefore property values, should be assessed based on a formula that is fair to all property owners. The structure of the currently proposed B6 and C6 bond assessments is not fair.

Due to the explosion in home prices that we have experienced over the past few years, the assessed value of many recently-purchased homes in our community is considerably higher than the assessed value of homes that have been held for a longer period of time. Newer homeowners already pay a far greater percentage in property taxes that people who were fortunate enough to discover Oak Park several years ago. To further penalize newer member of the Oak Park community by requiring them to pay a greater percentage of the proposed school bonds is unfair.

A rising tide floats all boats. As the district gets stronger and improves its facilities, all property owners in Oak Park will benefit from an increase in property values. Every property owner in Oak Park should contribute to build a stronger school system at the same rate as their neighbor.

Supporting our schools is vital. According to school district officials, the average assessed valuation in Oak Park is about $370,000. Should B6 and C6 be defeated, I pledge to send a check to the OPUSD in the amount of $214.60, which would equal the assessment increase for a property assessed at $370,000. I encourage every other community member to do the same.

A bond assessment based on assessed property value is neither fair nor equitable. I implore the OPUSD to restructure this bond issue in a way that will assess all property owners fairly. As a parent of children in the district, it is with much sadness and displeasure that I urge a no vote on the upcoming B6 and C6 bond issues. Tom Bregman Oak Park


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *