Act Test Prep course schedule set
Recognition
Property tax revenues to inch up
The 2007-08 property tax levy is projected to increase nearly 5 percent for Lake Park High School District 108. The Board of Education approves a levy, or application for tax funding, each December that is full of uncertainties.
The exact levy will be computed by the township assessor based on the 2006 figures for the consumer price index, the percent increase in property value within the district, and how much new property is developed.
Based on projections, the property taxes paid to Lake Park High School by the owner of a home with a market value of $249,500 would increase about $41. The slight increase comes from growing property values; the district’s actual tax rate is expected to be at an all-time low of $1.6718. The tax rate is the amount paid per $100 of assessed valuation.
Increasing property values and a growing tax base drive down the tax rate. As new property comes on line, or as older property is upgraded, the tax burden is spread around. The district is restricted to collecting total taxes equal to the consumer price index plus new property under the Illinois tax cap law.
Property tax accounts for 83 percent of the district’s total revenue. Despite the property tax revenue increase, current budget figures for 2007-08 show a $627,800 deficit. The Board of Education has set a goal for the superintendent to submit a balanced budget for 2007-08. A preliminary budget will be presented to the Board in May, 2007.
Recognition
Junior Emily Abarquez received an Award of Excellence for being elected to statewide office for DECA, the Distributive Education Club of American. Emily will serve as vice president this year. She as elected Oct. 4 at the DECA State Executive Conference. Emily will be responsible for the statewide civic consciousness project for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She also works with the editor of the statewide newsletter and is responsible for correspondence to outside organizations. Business education teacher Dr. Terry Hurst presented her with the award and presented her to the board. Congratulations Emily!
In addition, Dr. John Butts reported that Senior Mark Golden was named honorable mention in the 2006-07 Daily Herald Leadership Team program. The leadership team recognizes area high school students who excel in volunteerism and community service.
And, Social Studies teacher Don Fulmer was nominated for the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Teacher Award. Mr. Fulmer was nominated by a former student who entered University of Chicago this fall. Each year, the university invites freshmen to nominate an educator who has changed them, challenged them, or helped them along the path toward intellectual growth.
Act Test Prep course schedule set
The Board of Education approved the schedule and structure of the Act Test Preparation class. The class, designed to help students of all levels improve their ACT scores, will be held Jan. 27 through April 14. A parent information night will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at West Campus.
In addition to English, science, reading and mathematics preparation, the course emphasizes test-taking strategies and techniques. Students will use simulated test materials, computer-aided programs, and past exams to learn the different types of questions and test strategies for correct responses.
The ACT Test Preparation Course is a seven session program designed to assist students in preparation for the American College Test (ACT), which is a component of the Prairie State Achievement Exam, required for all juniors. The course cost is $160 and includes the student workbook. Registration must be received by January 18, 2007. Registrations will be accepted until the maximum number is reached. Financial accommodations can be made for students on a free lunch program.
“A lot of people dread taking the ACT,” said Amber Moore, who took the course in 2006. “To be honest, I didn’t take it seriously until my junior year. I saw my practice test scores and I knew that a change must happen. So, I took the ACT Prep class. It was perfect for me. … When I took the ACT in April I saw that my score went up four points. That gave me a big boost in my character and attitude about tests all together.”
For more information, contact Ms. Schenone at 295-5226.