District 58 board member responds to letter to editor
Since moving to Downers Grove in 1975, I had never felt compelled to write a letter to this newspaper. That changed when I read Scott O’Connell’s response to recent criticism of his actions as a member of the District 58 School Board. 

First, Mr. O’Connell’s accusation that the board is muzzling him is unfounded. Like all board members, he exercises regularly his right to speak in many public forums. He has access to whatever information he needs to discharge his duties. His questions and comments help foster public debate over the future of our children’s education.  At the same time, however, his inflammatory approach undermines constructive public discussion. 

Second, Mr. O’Connell’s comments regarding the District 58 Financial Advisory Committee are ironic given his closing remark about the board allowing the public to speak. The whole purpose of the committee is to provide a forum for interested community members to lend their perspective to help the board address the serious financial constraints facing the district. The committee is independent of the board to encourage a free flow of information. By disrupting the committee, Mr. O’Connell is the one interfering with independent public input to the board. 

Third, although I disagree with board member Cunningham’s advice to ignore Mr. O’Connell, I understand Mr. Cunningham’s frustration with Mr. O’Connell’s approach. Mr. O’Connell has an obligation to behave reasonably and to honor the policies and laws that exist to protect board deliberations and district operations. He has failed in that obligation. 

Fourth, I have not asked the board to censure Mr. O’Connell because he violated the Open Meetings Act, which is for the proper authorities to decide. Rather, my resolution is based on Mr. O’Connell’s disregard of board policies designed to encourage reasoned debate. Mr. O’Connell violated these policies by putting other board members at risk of violating the Open Meetings Act when he insisted on participating in the committee meeting. 

Fifth, Mr. O’Connell takes credit for “shedding light on millions of dollars of wasteful spending.” This irresponsible allegation demonstrates a deep-seeded disrespect for everyone associated with District 58. Mr. O’Connell has failed to identify how his actions have saved the district a single dollar. Indeed, Mr. O’Connell opposed the hiring of a consultant to reduce the district’s insurance expenses. His abusive demands on District 58 staff have increased costs for the district with no benefit in return. All who care about District 58 work as a team providing a top-notch education to District 58 students at an economical cost.

Alternatively, Mr. O’Connell’s accusations reveal an unfortunate hidden agenda, namely, to exploit fear and innuendo to minimize the amount of money available for our children’s education. As a longtime resident, I am pained that a fellow board member has concluded that spending money on our children is wasteful. 
Marshall J. Schmitt, board member, Downers Grove Grade School District 58

Downers Township Board made the right decision
I wanted to respond to Ken Kuchar’s letter (Reporter/Progress, April 16) about how disappointed he was that the (minority) of the people were not heard on putting a resolution to withdraw our troops from Iraq on the November ballot at the last Downers Grove Township meeting.

So what does he want to accomplish? Did he ever stop to think that he and the few other anti-war protesters are wasting everybody’s time with this non-meaningful vote?

The Township Board got it right this time by not spending too much time on this and moved on. Yes, it is a sad commentary that we spend far too much time listening to the (minority) few who yell the loudest and always seem to get the attention they so desire.
Jerry Prybycien, Downers Grove

O’Connell offers balance to District 58 School Board
As a resident of District 58, I offer Scott O’Connell my full support and thank him for his service and for balancing out this School Board.

I am relatively new to School District politics, only having followed since the referendum last year. Let’s not forget that a little more than a year ago, this board attempted to pass a tax increase that was ill-informed at best. We were assured that the district had a substantial shortfall projected for the fiscal year. Not only was there not a shortfall, but there was a substantial surplus. I appreciate his stewardship for the taxpayers of this district.
Brett Shuster, Downers Grove

O’Connell needs to follow Open Meetings Act rules
As a District 58 board member, Mr. O’Connell must be aware of the Open Meetings Act and understand the implications of four members of a seven-person board attending a committee meeting. He should also know of the requirement for advance public notice of a board meeting. The board cannot arbitrarily make a board meeting out of committee meeting on short notice.

No committee can take binding action for the board; any advice proffered by the committee must come before the full board for discussion and action. I don’t understand why Mr. O’Connell insisted on attending the meeting when he would have ample opportunity to provide his input at the full board meeting, especially considering the potential for real trouble under the Open Meetings Act.
John Kikta, former Downers Grove Grade School District 58 board member