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Posts tagged "dupage county"

Balancing academic rigor against academic enrichment

Is it possible to train a generation of students who can order a meal in three languages, recognize the difference between Baroque and Rococo, and at the same time consistently fail to meet basic standards of educational attainment?  Elmhurst seems determined to find out. York High School’s multi-year failure to pass minimum standards for student... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
March 19, 2011 at 9:00 am
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Statement from Bob Robertson, Candidate for Elmhurst BoE

I’m running for the School Board because I’m concerned about the direction our school district is going – both academically and financially, and I want to use my vision for the district’s future and passion for the community to restore our school district to top tier status for our children and community. •    I believe... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
March 16, 2011 at 5:44 pm
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A few children still 'left behind' in Elmhurst

Here’s a little exercise.  Close your eyes and picture a school that’s failing the academic standards in the No Child Left Behind law.  What does it look like?  Do you see metal detectors?  Graffiti?  Gangs?  Hallways crammed with hungry, underprivileged young people ‘left behind’ by a heartless system? Elmhurst’s York High School doesn’t exactly fit... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
March 14, 2011 at 8:56 pm
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Issues in the Elmhurst Board of Education race

Elmhurst voters will get to choose four candidates in this election (from a field of to serve on their Board of Education.  In addition to the general challenges of funding and consolidation facing districts all over DuPage, here are some of the main issues voters in Elmhurst District 205 will have to consider when weighing... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
March 12, 2011 at 5:02 pm
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Two issues common to every BoE election this year

There are two issues that will be consistent in every BoE campaign this year – money and consolidation. BoE is above all else, a money-management job.  The best schools are built on stable finances and it takes skill to know how to build an effective budget, take advantage of all the district’s funding options, and... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
March 11, 2011 at 6:51 pm
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DuPage County Local Election Guide

It’s that time again.  April 5, 2011, is election day for towns, school districts, library boards, and other extremely critical and largely ignored local positions.  This year’s election will be more important than most.  In an average year the main issues are basic administration.  But the financial collapse is beginning to hit local governments hard... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
March 5, 2011 at 11:50 am
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What courage looks like in Springfield

Every political candidate in Illinois talks about cleaning up corruption, but rarely do we see any action.  Real progress would require someone to lead, to step forward and sacrifice a chunk of their own clout in the hope that it could spark a change.  It doesn’t happen very often, but two State Reps from right... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
January 25, 2011 at 4:50 pm
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Understanding the Mortgage Collapse

Can you see the entire cycle of the mortgage boom and bust in the story of a single home? Marketplace, the leading business show on public radio has assembled a fantastic review of the crisis by tracing what happened to lot #354 in Southern California.  The graphic below summarizes the story, but you can watch... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
January 15, 2011 at 3:41 pm
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Cronin Takes Refreshing Tack on Redistricting

Incoming County Board Chairman Dan Cronin has promised to shake up DuPage County politics and he is delivering right out of the gate. One of the Board’s first and most contentious tasks will be to draw local electoral district lines.  Redistricting is almost always a bloody affair, but this time promises to be a doozy. ... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
January 7, 2011 at 11:54 am
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How to get health insurance for $20/month

In order to close gaps in the DuPage County budget, county workers may be asked to start paying up to $20 a month for health insurance coverage along with $10 for dental.  You read that right.  That’s a pretty nice benefit. Currently, county employees pay no premiums for their health and dental insurance.  Not bad. ... Read more »
By Chris Ladd,
October 18, 2010 at 3:22 pm
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