District 228 Chief 'Not Interested' in Giving Cash to Local Mayoral Campaigns

Should a school district be donating money to a political campaign?

That's the question raised by a south suburban school district's contributions to a local mayor with money earned through the school's pop machines. Whether those donations are illegal, or merely unethical, depends on how you interpret "public funds" under state law.



District 206 Supt. Glen Giannetti told Patch he made the contributions, and that he sees nothing wrong with using the money this way because vending machine revenue is a "discretionary fund." But it's possible the superintendent could be violating the State Election Code or the 2003 Ethics Act — or both.

In light of this report, we decided to ask our Bremen District 228 administrators how they use their vending machine revenue and whether they would donate to a local political campaign.

high schools inlude , , Bremen High and Hillcrest High and draw students from Oak Forest, parts of Tinley Park, Midlothian, Posen, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest and Markham.

"Our principals have the funds,  they use their good judgment to how to use the funds," said Tom O'Malley, assistant superintendent of finances.

The funds typically are used for student-related activities or expenses. O'Malley cited examples such as breakfasts for students on PSAE days, or flower arrangements in case of a death in a student's family. Some of the money might be used to cover the cost of an AP exam for students who need it.

Some of the machines are tied to specific booster organizations, said Superintendent Dr. Bill Kendall, and the money stays within the school district.

"Politically, we work really well with local elected officials," Kendall said. "Campaigning for them is not something I'm interested in doing."

Want to know more? Read about the requirements of state law and the questionable Bloom Trail donations in Christopher Paicely's report: