First and foremost, we all agree that we want the best education for our kids. We live in a global economy, and in order for our kids to be successful, they must be able to compete with the best of the best.

Second, the state of Illinois recently adopted legislation that allows local school districts to propose a sales tax referendum to help fund specific educational projects. However, the law strictly limits how the proceeds can be used. Specifically, funds cannot be used to hire additional teachers or staff, purchase teaching supplies, or replace positions that have been cut within the district, which is what the guest columnist had suggested.

Third, what the money CAN be used for is facility projects. Each school district has the flexibility to choose to build or improve facilities that will meet the specific needs of students in their respective districts.