On June 28, 2016 I, Jan Shaw, sent a FOIA request to CUSD 200 asking “How much money has CUSD 200 spent on celebrations for the adults (not students) in the past three years? (July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016)” and received a response on July 1. Then I spoke out during public comments at the Board meeting on July 13. I suspect the board was unaware of how much this entailed as I found none of it itemized in the monthly report of bills paid.
See Dr. Rammer’s response letter which includes my original request.
He sent a total of 9 pdf files for a total of 428 pages .
While reading these examples, keep in mind that according to the Illinois Constitution “Public funds” are to be used only for “public purposes.” The purpose of Public Schools are to educate the children. How do parties and gifts for the adults educate the children?
from: ilga.gov/commission/lrb/con8.htm Compiled Illinois state statutes.
SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) Public funds, property or credit shall be used only for public purposes.
(b) The State, units of local government and school districts shall incur obligations for payment or make payments from public funds only as authorized by law or ordinance.
The grand total spent by the district (not including what the schools, the teacher’s union, or the PTAs spent, and assuming Dr Rammer didn’t miss anything) for three years of “celebrations” was $65,707.
Total spending per year
2013-2014 $19,372.0
2014-2015 $17,856.6
2015-2016 $28,479.26
There were retirement dinners at Cantigny
year cost #attendees #retirees invited
2014 $4,140.40 104 52
2015 $3,234.53 88 40
2016 $6,385.97 167 82
Retirees, one guest per retiree, school principles, 8 administrators from the district office and the board members were invited for “free.” Guests of administrators and the WWEA union paid for their own meal. One board member, Jim Gambaiani paitd for himself and his wife. Other board members paid for their guests in 2014 and 2015, but not in 2016.
Part of the invite list for 2016
The cost of the meal:
A total of $10,650.20 for “Retirement clocks” over a two year period (2015 & 2016) multiple invoices:
On 5/19/2014 they spent $6,957.00 with “Awarding you” for
• 160 5×7 Magnetic Acrylic awards @ $43 each
• 154 Certificate printing
There were attendee lists for “Honor Tea” celebrations in May 2014 and May 2015. They honored retirees, and 15-year and 25-year service anniversaries. But, no invoice for the Tea’s. Not sure where they were held, how much they cost or who paid for them.
In May 2016 there was a “Awards Reception” at the Marriott in Naperville.
The menu consisted of:
- Beef Satay
- Parmesan Crab Tart
- Chicken Potstickers
- 6 Antipasto Stations
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls
- Asparagus
- Fig Blue Cheese Flatbread
- 6 Fruit Stations
Total cost: $13,050.33 The district paid $5,500. The remainder was picked up by the Wheaton Warrenville Education Association – the teachers’ union.
For the 2016 Awards Reception and the 1014 and 2015 Honor’s Teas “Moox & Haddon Studio” was hired to produce the program booklets.
2014: $450.00
2015: $900.00
2016: $650.00
Individual Service Anniversary gifts ordered from Eagle Recognition
2015: $8,054.96
2016: $9,698.52
Total: $17,753.48
Also for 2014, on 5/16/2014 they spent $1,337 with “Awarding you”
• 50 stainless steel water bottles with Black LOGO,
• 60 Double wall ceramic tumbler white with black lid & black logo
ordered by Erica Loiacono (Public Relations)
There were several Edible Arrangements for individual staff members – 2 examples:
In Nov 2015 There was a Blue Ribbon Breakfast at Arrowhead Country Club. It was a recognition program for the Emerson and Longfellow Elementary School staff for being selected as Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education. The district paid $200.00 for 80 corsage/boutonnieres for the staff.
There were Sympathy Flowers. This one for a board member:
Flowers for individuals with no obvious reason
And MORE – What is the Public Purpose?
3 thoughts on “CUSD 200 Celebations”