Community Corner
Burr Ridge Board Member Offers To Raise Funds For D86 Football
Mottl will provide the funds if the school board pulls back from the $130 million referendum on the ballot for April.
BURR RIDGE, IL — Burr Ridge Village Board member Zach Mottl has offered to lead an effort to raise funds to bring back both Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South's football programs. According to a release from Mottl, he has pledged $35,000 of his own money to the effort and has secured another $100,000 in pledges. $275,000 is needed for both football programs.
In December, the board voted to eliminate football, among several other sports and clubs, including National Honor Society, marching band, dance, cheerleading and many others.
The district stated that gifts are allowed, but must adhere to certain policies. The policy states gifts must be given without a stated purpose, and should provide equal educational and extracurricular opportunities to all students. Bringing back football could also raise Title IX concerns, according to the district.
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According to his release, Mottl will provide the funds if the school board pulls back from the $130 million referendum on the ballot for April.
"Instead, they need to propose an affordable referendum that funds the $42 million in security, safety and accessibility improvements that the school has identified need to be completed within the next six to seven years," the release states. "Mottl and his allies pledge to support such a responsible referendum in the April elections."
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Mottl spoke out several times against the previous November referendum and was also involved in the filing of a Civil Rights complaint against the district. The complaint, which was dismissed, stated that Hinsdale South students are discriminated against by the district.
“This isn’t the way to work together with your community to educate the next generation. The idea that we need to pass a $130 million referendum to fund $42 million in improvements so the school board will give our children back $1.2 million in athletics and activities is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. We can do better than this,” Mottl said in a release.
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