GENEVA – Later this month when School District 304 unveils its new Web site, it will include an online check registry so every taxpayer can see to whom each check is written.

And it will be there through the efforts of a citizen activist, Robert McQuillan, 52, who has talked at school board meetings for seven years about taxes and spending. McQuillan ran a failed attempt for school board in 2005.

McQuillan learned about the online check registry project last fall from an organization called For the Good of Illinois. As McQuillan helped found a local tax advocacy group last summer, FACTS – For Accountable Controlled Tax Spending – the issue dovetailed nicely. Putting the registry online does not have an added cost, he said.

“I wanted to help taxpayers,” McQuillan said. “I thought it was a win-win situation. They could be open and transparent and willing to show where the money was spent.”

The online check registry is a project of Adam Andrzejewski of Hinsdale, who, to date, has 36 school districts on board – including West and East Aurora in Kane County, College of DuPage and DuPage County.

“I founded For the Good of Illinois in 2007 to bring good government to Illinois,” Andrzejewski said. “This is a good way for citizens to get re-engaged with their government.”

McQuillan requested that District 304 participate, but he was put off when officials said the discussion should be delayed. And so began a series of e-mails where McQuillan drove home his point and sparked the board into action.

Members voted 7-0 last month to put it on the new Web site. 

Superintendent Kent Mutchler said the board is already so transparent, putting its check registry online is an extension of that. All its expenditures are public record.

“Having a new Web site means we are more able to do things like that,” Mutchler said.

“It is a great idea,” said board member Susan Shivers. “And I thank Bob for asking the board to consider it.”

A faithful citizen attender of school board meetings, even while in a cast because of a ruptured Achilles tendon, McQuillan came to meetings on crutches.

But sometimes, doesn’t it become an “uh-oh” moment for school board members when McQuillan or others make comments and ask questions?

Mutchler said the board’s agenda provides options for comment.

“Irritates us? No. It gives us new perspectives,” Mutchler said. “Some things we need to explain better. Sometimes questions or comments are just out of not knowing something.”

“This is a way that he has decided he can make an impact,” Board President Mary Stith said of McQuillan’s dedication. “We don’t have anything to hide, so I welcome him.”

But Stith noted that the board meeting, while open to the public, is intended to conduct school business. She suggested that people should call officials if they have questions.

Having public input at meetings is expected, some said.

“It’s the nature of the democracy we all live in and love,” board member Autumn Burns said.

“It can make your life uncomfortable,” said board member Timothy Moran. “ Folks come to meetings and bring up issues on spending and revenue - it’s a real benefit. It puts our feet to the fire and causes us to reconsider issues in a different light.”

Board member Leslie Juby said she welcomes public input at meetings. When they do not have all the facts, it presents an opportunity for dialog.

“I used to be one of those who came to meetings and asked annoying questions,” Juby said. “I’m so excited when people show up and they have questions. It takes time to sit through the meeting. You have to have the nerve to raise your hand – and all 12 of us are staring at you. There were times I wondered why I was the only one asking questions.”

Part of McQuillan’s interest is based on his profession as a Realtor and because his three children all graduated from Geneva High School.

“I think it’s a good school district. It provides a good education to the majority of students,” McQuillan said. “People who are coming in [to Geneva] have to be able to afford the home and the taxes. And a majority of property taxes go to the school district.”

On the Net:

• For the Good of Illinois - www.forthegoodofillinois.org

• For Accountable Controlled Tax Spending e-mail - taxfacts@sbcglobal.net

Click link below: Kane Conty Chronicle to read the article.