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Dateline: Education By Dr. Michael J. Bakalis Superintendent of Public Instruction State of Illinois As the chief state school officer, I am reminded almost daily of the shortcomings in the existing system of financing public education. I, along with many others, was disappointed when the United States Supreme Court balked last March at the opportunity to bring about reform of school finance. The opportunity came, of course, in the famous Rodriguez case from the state of Texas, which, like Illinois and many other states, dratars heavily upon the local property tax for school operating revenue. The Rodriguez case asked the nation's highest court to declare unconstitutional the Texas system of financing schools because, it alleged, that system meant the quality of a child's education was dependent upon the taxable wealth of the property in his school district. Rodriguez's plea was upheld by the Texas federal courts, but overturned by the United States Supreme Court. But in its majority opinion, the high court did not disagree with one important complaint of Rodriguez. That is that heavy dependence upon the local property tax for school finance causes unfair treatment of some students and taxpayers. The court, in its opinion, said: "The method of financing public schools in Texas, as in almost every other state, has resulted in a system of public education that can fairly be described as chaotic and unjust.. . systems which may well have relied too long and too heavily on the local property tax." From my knowledge of the Illinois situtation, I can wholeheartedly agree with this assessment by the high court. Literally thousands of Illinois pupils -- grade school through high school -- are unjustly treated due to lack of educational opportunities. Because the amount of taxable wealth varies considerably from community to community, more money is spent for the education of some students than others. These differences in spending levels result in unequal educational opportunities. For example, a recent report indicated that in 1972 equalized assessed valuations per pupil for Illinois elementary districts ranged from $5,388 to $403,024; for secondary districts, $23,945 to $246,980; for unit districts $3,544 to $101,908. A tax rate of $1 per $100 assessed valuation in the wealthiest elementary district, then, would produce almost 75 times the revenue per pupil as the same tax rate in the poorest district. In secondary districts, the ratio is 10 to 1 and in the unit districts, 28 to 1. These figures help explain what the court lu^ut when it said the situation is "chaotic and unjust." Although the high court decided it would not deal with this major flaw in the nation's education system, it did not leave the question without placing responsibility for finding a solution. The majority agreed that responsibility for reforming the unfair distribution of wealth, and therefore of educational opportunities, rests squarely with state legislatures. The court said: " . . . c o n s i d e r a t i o n a n d i n i t i a t i o n o f f u n d a m e n t a l r e f o r m with respect to state taxation and education are matters reserved for the legislative processes of each state." When the legislature does reform school finance in this state, it should keep in mind that the following criteria should be satisfied: -Taxing Equity The system should eliminate wide disparities in tax burdens between taxpayers in similar circumstances. Equal effort should produce equal revenue. ••Adequacy The system should distribute sufficient funds to provide a reasonable level of education for all children. -Equal Educational Opportunities The system should improve the availability of a quality education to all children. The access to a quality education must be made equal to all. ••Efficiency The system should achieve the most favorable ratio between costs and benefits derived. The system should not foster or preserve inefficient practices and organizations. •^Decentralized Decision-Making The system should pro­ vide for a reasonable balance of decision-making authority among the state, the educational profession, elected school officials, the local community and the student and his parents. I would hope that citizens of Illinois recognize where the responsibility for reform lies -- with their local legislators. I strongly suggest that parents and taxpayers contact their legislators and indicate their support of school finance reform. And please remember that school finance reform is a double-edged sword: it promises greater equity in terms of the burden on the taxpayer while equalizing the educational opportunities for all students. THE CLOWN Lonely and alone though he won't always admit it. His smiles are painted on for all to enjoy. His smiles have cheered the old and tlfe forgotten and has brought laughter through the tears. He's a friend to all and enemy to but few. Things like sickness and sorrow, loneliness and fear he has but to smile and they'll disappear. He loves to hear the children's laughs and squeals of delight when he jumps and hops and slips and falls and rides his rickety bike. Sometimes he may feel unwanted and unneeded, but come time for the show to begin he knows that he was wrong. He knows the show must go on, and that he's a special part. For without him what would the circus be, without him the circus could not even be. He's just a friend of make believe, but from him we can learn. If you're down and troubled and your spirits need a lift. Just think like our friend the clown and laugh. Laugh for the fun of it, laugh and be loved for it, just open up and laugh, laugh, laugh. by Cathie Erdmann How Can I? jnESiOT By Anne Ashley Q. How can I darken light tan leather articles, such as belts, shoes, bags, etc? A. Try rubbing them with a cloth dipped in ammonia. This gives a deep brown finish. Be sure to apply this uniformly so as to avoid any spottiness in your finished product. Q. How can I improvise a padding under my carpet? A. Several layers of newspaper laid flat under your rugs does an excellent job of saving wear on your carpeting and makes the carpet look and feel better under foot. A. How can I deal with lip­ stick or rouge stains on fabrics? A. On washables, first work on the stains with petroleum jelly or glycerin, then launder in warm suds. Don't use soap before loosening the stains or your might set them. In the case of unwashables, first work the petroleum jelly or lard into the stains to loosen it, then sponge with drycleaning fluid, and should a trace of color still remain, sponge with denatured alcohol. Q. How can I prevent hair creams and oils from staining my pillowcases? A. If you'll starch your pillowcases lightly, you will prevent a lot of this trouble., A. What is an easy way to remove burned spots from the insides of enamel saucepans? A. Fill these pans with salt water and let soak for about two hours, then cover the pan tightly and bring to a slow boil. The burned particles will then almost fall off. Q. How can I make my own putty? A. By mixing linseed oil and sifted whiting to the proper, usable consistency. Q. What can I do if the icing on one of my cakes hardens before I have finished coating it with coconut? A. Moisten your coconut with a little warm milk, then put it on your cake. Q. How can I do an easy and effective job of mending a torn lace curtain? A. Try ironing a piece of starched netting over the hole, which is usually a better repair than stitching or ironing over the hole. Q. What will remove paint spatters from my linoleum floor? " A. Fingernail polish remover is excellent for this purpose. Q. How can I clean plaster-of- paris statuary? A. Smear a thick paste of laundry starch and water over every part, allow to dry thoroughly, then brush off the dry stuff. Q. How can I revive lemons that have hardened from long standing? A. By letting them stand for a few minutes in boiling water. Q. How can I remove the odor of perspiration from a man's shirt? A. Try adding a little vinegar to the rinse water after laun­ dering. Community Calendar ^ 4# 4* ^ ^ ^ ̂ ^ ^ AUGUST 23-24-25 Rummage Sale - St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. AUGUST 27 McHenry Senior Citizens Club Meeting - 7:30 p.m. - East Campus Cafeteria. McHenry Woman's Club - Board Meeting - City Hall -- 9:30 a.m. SEPTEMBER 5 McHenry Grams Club Charter No. 826 Meeting ~ Luncheon At Bavarian Haus, Johnsburg, 11:30 a.m. -- Followed By Business Meeting & Social Hour, City Hall Club Room. Knowledge never becomes second-handed, regardless of how many times it is used. Panama City, at the western end of Panama Canal, is 27 miles east of Colon, at its eastern end. your week ahead BY DR. k.W. DAMIS Forecast Period: August'26 to September 2,1973 ARIES This week, the fear of rejection and false pride, Mar. 21 - Apr. 19 hovers in the dark corners of your mind. It's a paradox, but impulsiveness and supercon- fidence is recommended. TAURUS According to your chart, a person who is honest Apr. 20 - May 20 but hopeless will seek your help. Incidentally, it's not a good time to borrow or loan money. Get the point? GEMINI Stellar patterns advise that you listen closely May 21 - June 20 to casual conversations. Apparently, you will pick up startling information from an unex­ pected source. MOONCHILD Apparently, you have become a magnet for June 21 • July 22 small minded and envious persons. Break con­ tact with someone who provokes emotions that are based on jealousy. LEO Keep in mind, your actions, during this cosmic July 23 - Aug. 22 cycle, will trigger a delayed and far-reaching affect. Especially, in your relationship with a member of the other sex. VIRGO Your general attitude toward life should im- Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 prove; cooperation from associates is likely. One thing more, a member of the opposite sex will be drawn toward you . . . you won't be aware of it! LIltRA Try to avoid social activities with couples Ac- Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 cording to your chart, you might be drawn into a lover's quarrel. The consequences? Everything to lose, nothing to gain. SCORPIO A member of the opposite sex will offer you Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 help. One problem . . . there will be strings at­ tached. In reality, this week has no adversities, other than those created by you. »AGITTARIUS There should be new methods or devices con- Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 nected with your routine task, job or project. In one form or another, you might be forced to re-channel your present "know-how." CAPRICORN Stellar patterns give a money-back guarantee, Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 that: Persons in authority and superiors are working in your behalf. Which is another way of saying, your efforts are being recognized. AQUARIUS Don't overlook domestic obligations. Actually, Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 much of what you accomplish, this week, will depend on your mate or similar alliance PISCES I It would be a good idea to keep your plans, rel- Feb. 19 - Mar. 20 ative to your job, task or project -- to yurself. Apparently, an associate has motives that are working against your best interests. PERSONALITY PROFILE For your Sun Sign Anolysil, send the day, month, year and place of birth, plu* $1.00 for pottage to Dr. Andrew W. Domis, P. O. Bo* 12766, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733. GOOSENECK TOILERS GRAIN STOCK & FLAT BID KYntr «>/ «'««.• ~ GERALD VOGEL, DIALER 8920 HOWE ROAD, RINGWQOD , ILL. Ph.:815-653-9396 653-9346 Enjoy a Wonderful MHnner at LA PETITE CUISINE French Restaurant 220 W. Rand Rd.-Lakemoor Phone: 385-7495 Open Friday & Saturday 6:30 - 11:00 p.m. PAGE 5 - PLAIN DEALER - FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1S73 HOSPITAL NOTES MCHENRY HOSPITAL Patients admitted to McHenry hospital included Frederick J. Chambers, Frederick Schaller, Todd J. Hullbert, John S. DeGrazio, Veronica Fraunhoffer, Howard Parth, McHenry. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WOODSTOCK Patients admitted to Memorial hospital, Woodstock, included Master Robert Carr, Peggy Sterba, Marion Draf- fkorn, Wonder Lake; Estelle Ascherl, Spring Grove; Patricia Bangert, Lorraine Raven, Master Ronald Steinsdoerfer, Sonja Froula, Master Jeffrey Howard, McHenry. HARVARD HOSPITAL Mrs. Joseph Whalen, McHenry, was a patient in Harvard hospital. BIRTHS McHENRY HOSPITAL Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Christman of Spring Grove became the parents of a daughter Aug. 20. SEW WHAT? THIS WEEK'S PATTERN'S BV >UOKI< LANE ANSWER TO MEAT SHORTAGE - Boy meets turtle - turtle finds his reward as the chief ingredient of a tasty soup! That was the short, short story of an unusually large turtle that found its way onto the lawn of the Joseph Delilio residence, 7913 Maplewood drive, Wonder Lake, last Friday afternoon. The Delilios live about five blocks from the lake, and no one is sure how the marine reptile lumbered undetected to this particular location. During his stay, he made short work of ten gallons of water in a tank which proved his temporary home. An unfriendly personality persuaded the Delilios he would prove a poor family pet and they gave him to a friend who decided the snapper was just the answer to the meat shortage. Trying in vain to become friends with the big turtle is 6- year-old Mario Delilio. STAFF PHOTO/WAYNE GAYLORD The more we overeat, the more difficult it is for us to get up to the table. When a person sings his own praise, he invariably gets the tune too high. One way to make others happy may be to leave them alone. Flared For Flattery This drast that girts you a choice of two lengths has a shaped poneI thai accentuates its charming sweep. No 3435 comet in sixes 12'/i 'o 22'/,. Size 14'/j (bust 37), overthe knee, takes 27/« yards of 44 inch fabric•, midi, 3 '/• yards of 44-inch. I e*l ^riv , * 7 a r e r i c h * | Vpo tyave ^ I True frien&sl 697 POHJUK MOTIF This popular motto is done in th^ easy cross stitch and measures tO by 13 inches. Ask about No. 697i Send 50 i for each dress pattern, 30| for each needlework pattern (add 15f for each dress pattern, 10i for each needlework pattern for mailing and handling) to AUDREY LANE BU­ REAU,Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950. INVESTIGATE DEATH Early Monday afternoon, the sheriff's department was called to investigate the death of Dorothy L. Peters, 38, of 19309 W. Bockman road, Marengo. It was discovered that she had died in the bed of a room she rented at Martinetti's motel, 6313 Northwest highway, Crystal Lake. It was learned she had been in ill health and under the care of a doctor. However, the cause of death could not be immediately determined. Her body was removed to the Querhammer funeral home at Crystal Lake, where an autopsy will be conducted by Deputy Coroner Shilling. "McHENRY FRIED CHICKEN " BY MICKEY NOW BEING PREPARED TO YOUR ORDER IN DINNERS & BUCKETS MICKEY'S VIENNA RIVERSIDE DR. & PEARL IN McHENRY NOW BEING DELIVERED ALONG WITH OUR EN­ TIRE DELICIOUS MF.NU 10 am-8 pm DAILY, TIL 9 FRI 385-1600 or 385-9743 & McHenry Savings Says CHECK OUR SAVINGS RATES BEFORE YOU SAVE ANYWHERE! RATE TERM MINIMUM BALANCE ANNUAL YIELD CERTIFICATE 4 YEARS $5000 7.65 7% CERTIFICATE 4 YEARS $1000 7.58 6 W CERTIFICATE 2Vz YEARS $5000 7.28 6%% CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR $5000 6.66 6% CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR $1000 6 . 1 3 CERTIFICATE 6 MONTHS $1000 5.88 5% PASS BOOK NO TERM $1 5.09 Let Us Help You Earn The Most On Your Money n i till 1.1 McHENRY , S A V I N G S * lltl IIHCUIill Deposits insured to $20,000 by Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corp. SERVING ALL OF GREATER McHENRY COUNTY McHenry Savings V AND LOAN ASSOCIATION 1209 North Green Street, McHenry, Illinois 60050 815-385-3000 Savers Hours: 9:00am - 4:30pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9:00am - 8:00pm - Fri. Wednesday Drive-In 9:00am to 2:00p.m.