Bob Stokas: ‘I Want To Grow D218 Schools, Keep Taxes Low’

My name is Bob Stokas and I am running for re-election to the CHSD 218 Board of Education. It has been an honor and privilege to serve my community over the past four years. I am proud of the job that my fellow board members and I have done for the schools and taxpayers along with our dedicated team of administrators, faculty, and staff. The arrow is definitely "pointing up" at CHSD 218. The success of our schools and students are also the result of the hard work of our parents. I hope to continue my volunteer service for another four years and help our schools continue to grow stronger while always being the "voice of the taxpayer.” Our taxes are too high and I will not stop my fight against automatic yearly tax increases.

Great schools equal safer neighborhoods and higher property values but people must not be taxed "out of their homes." CHSD 218 represents the second highest portion of your property tax bill and we must be fiscally responsible and take only what is necessary from you in taxes without jeopardizing student achievement or safety. I would appreciate your vote to remain your representative on this board. Early voting runs through April 1 and election day is on April 2.

In my time on the Dist. 218 board I am proud to say that we have:

• Spearheaded the effort at the Board and with State Representative Kelly Burke, to obtain a property relief tax grant of nearly $6 million. The CHSD 218 portion of your tax bill will be reduced this fall.

• Worked with our Board and administrators to improve our schools. Richards H.S. has been recognized in US and World Report two years in a row as a “silver medal award winner.” Top 100 High Schools in Illinois (all three schools) in 2017 and 2018.

• Acted fairly, competently ethically, have not fallen to "political pressure" from outsiders.

• Witnessed the District earn the State's highest fiscal rating.

• Advocated for stronger residency checks to make sure that students reside within the District boundaries.

• Emphasized that we are a "community" high school and that our services and facilities should be open to all residents (not just current students).

• Fought tirelessly to try to maintain, or even lower, our tax levy. Voted NO on multiple tax increases.

• Fought against the cycle of the automatic increases without compromising services or funding to the classrooms.
• Organized a community forum to discuss the proposed Performing Arts Center before it was voted on.

• Brought to the community a new Performing Arts Center and emphasized that it should be open to ALL. Reduced the proposed expense of the theater by nearly $10 million, and brought it more in line with what our taxpayers could afford.

• Communicated with community members and worked with Oak Lawn Village officials regarding concerns over a proposed liquor store near Richards H.S.

• Worked with the local police departments and villages to improve safety along Central Ave.

• Implemented a program where private and home school students could participate in our college test preparation program.

• Instructed the administration to always remember that private and home school students are from taxpayer families as well. “In District” private school students are now invited to programs offered at the District, including STEM programs in the summer.

• As a member of the Board's Security Committee, improved security at building entry points, and are in the process of installing state-of-the-art security cameras.

• Air conditioning recently approved for the Richards gym.

• District has won awards for Career Tech programs. CTE: Industry Certifications; over 3,000 awarded in the last 2 years; 82% of certifications offered in the region.

• Requested a feasibility study from our finance and facilities community regarding the possibility of installing artificial turf on our athletic fields.

• Supported the Board President's articulation program, where the District works with feeder elementary schools to better align curricula and prepare students for our high schools.

• Insured and insisted that the best candidate was hired for each position. (Please note that the only hire of the Board is supposed to be the Superintendent). Patronage and politics have no place in our schools.

• Acted as a voice for the taxpayer, ALL students, teachers, and staff.

• Witnessed AP enrollment double over the last five years, including exams passed and Nationally Recognized AP scholars.

• Over $1.8 million saved by families last year via AP courses.
• Kept legal costs low, considering we have over 5,000 students and 1,000 employees.

I must point out that the credit of the successes of our District goes to the Superintendent, his staff, the faculty, staff, parents, guardians, and students. Everyone has this District heading in the right direction, and even better things on are on the horizon. There is no need to change the plan. My fellow Board Members and I have a strategic plan in place for the District, as well as a very long list of goals for the Superintendent.

EDITOR: This editorial was submitted by an Oak Lawn resident and candidate for the CHSD 218 Board of Education.