Residents press Forest Hills Board over $340M bond, demand clearer financial details

At its Oct. 16 meeting, the Forest Hills Board of Education heard a string of public comments sharply focused on the district’s proposed $340 million bond and related financial transparency.

Scott VanSolkamoff opened public comment by asking the board to publish more detailed monthly spending information and arguing that packet materials were insufficient to justify purchases, including the $3,665,000 PA-and-clock system included in the consent packet. "This is not your money. This is our money, and we deserve to see where every penny goes," he said.

Several other speakers urged voters to reject the bond or to scrutinize its scope. Jean Stojak read a prepared statement calling the district’s proposal a potential quadrupling of current debt, wrote that bond proceeds could exceed $340,000,000 over 21 years, and questioned replacing a functioning 30-year community pool rather than repairing it. "Taxpayers should not be handing a government entity a blank check," Stojak said.

Robin Vanderjette described an unresolved library book reconsideration she pursued and said district procedures changed mid-process, which she said removed her ability to participate. "Changing the rules of process while it is still in progress ... leaves me with questions regarding integrity and trustworthiness," she said.

Other speakers expressed mixed views. Ed Abufidel, citing a neighboring district’s similar package, said he supported the Forest Hills proposals and argued the measures were intended to help the district remain competitive. Mike Boyce and Stephanie Boone urged voters to "read the fine print" and to distinguish needs from wants in the proposals.

The public comments captured three recurring concerns: the bond’s overall size and long-term debt impact, clarity about which projects will be funded (including an aquatic center), and the level of financial detail made available to the community in board packets and on the district’s website. Several callers requested clearer, line-item disclosures in advance of the Nov. 7 election.

The board thanked speakers and said administrators would follow up with individuals who requested contact. No board action on the bond occurred at the meeting; the board proceeded to approve a consent grouping that included several contract and audit approvals. The election remains scheduled for Nov. 7.