Social Media Campaign Against House Bill 1886 Grows on Facebook, Hits YouTube

Although House Bill 1886 will likely not see the light of day, the District 146-backed Facebook group designed to fight the bill is nearing 1,200 members.

And now organizers are taking their message to YouTube as well.

On its YouTube channel, 146online, the district has posted videos of six different people connected with the district – from a board member and staffers to a parent and student – talking about what they fear would be lost if the state Legislature passes a school district consolidation bill. Gov. Pat Quinn has expressed interest in consolidating school districts to save on administrative costs.

A recent plan to do so, House Bill 1886, wanted to consolidate all school districts but Chicago's into county-wide districts with a central 15-member board.

Although , District 146 Board President Dean Casper has said . The district is holding an open house to discuss the matter at 7 p.m. March 14 at .

The Facebook group Illinoisans: Say NO to House Bill 1886 is still growing, sitting with 1,142 members as of Wednesday night.

Some members of the Facebook group expressed concern House Bill 1216 or Senate Bill 1324 will take over where House Bill 1886 failed.

Here are some of the comments from the Facebook page (some have been edited for brevity):

Jean Meagher: To me this consolidation bill is all about the money. The only way to solve our school funding crisis is to not tie it to property taxes. Our lawmakers need to think outside the box and find new ways to fund education.

Margaret Scully Granzeier: (Provided a link to a February blog post from Education Week) This research counters the claims being made about the fiscal saving associated with consolidation. Using results from these comparative, peer-reviewed studies is a great way to make the case against forced consolidation, without the emotional or partisan pitfalls. 

Scott Porter: Some of the extremely rural counties in far southeastern Illinois wouldn't even meet the population requirement, so would that mean one school district for two counties??? Think of the transportation nightmare that would be. Consolidation has to remain a LOCAL decision.

Ralph Politano: (In response to a post about House Bill 1216 and Senate Bill 1324) I am vehemently opposed to this bill as it will reduce the effectiveness and quality of the school system here in Illinois. The pooling of funds of the "financially sound" districts with those in the red is preposterous ... Please vote down this bill and any other bill related to the consolidation of school districts where the control will be pulled from local and moved under the county.