Patch Poll: Why Do You Think Voters Rejected the Region 14 Budget?

After the polls closed at the Wednesday, June 6, , Board of Education Chairman Chuck Cosgriff theorized there are three reasons why people voted against the budget.

1. The vo-ag program
2. The director of curriculum and instruction
3. The total percentage increase over last year's budget

See the Patch Poll at the bottom of the article and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Districtwide, the budget failed, 1,210 to 843.

Agriscience Program

"We are examining the vo-ag program," Cosgriff told Patch after the referendum results were announced.

At the Tuesday, June 5, special Board of Education meeting, Cosgriff asked Superintendent Jody Goeler to form a committee to review tuition funding for agriscience and technology centers and make recommendations on actions the board may want to consider concerning inadequate funding for the agriscience program.

He asked that the committee's formation be reported to the board by July.

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Director of Curriculum and Instruction

The director position would cost $153,658. explaining why he felt the position was necessary and most residents who responded in the comments section of that letter felt the position was unnecessary.

The Overall Increase

The rejected budget amount, at $30,817,765, reflected a $571,736 increase, or 1.89 percent, over the 2011-12 budget of $30,246,029.

Cosgriff was not surprised with the referendum outcome.

"Am I surprised? No," he said. "Disappointed? Yes. If the vote passed, I'd take it to mean that the parents and taxpayers are comfortable with what's taking place."

Cosgriff said taxpayers want a lower budget without affecting programs and maintaining what's best for students.

He said the board will likely want to meet as soon as possible and said a meeting may be scheduled for next week.