Update: Court rules against District 211 taxpayers

A few months ago, we featured Illinois attorney Todd Rowden for his efforts to defend taxpayers after the District 211 school system signed an estimated $9.5 million energy contract with the Illinois Energy Consortium (IEC) without getting other bids from competitors, which would have ensured that taxpayers were getting the best deal.

Last Friday, however, Circuit Judge Philip L. Bronstein ruled that the Illinois School Code exempts electricity and natural gas contracts from public bidding.

"We are reminded of the adage that simply because you can do something, doesn't mean you ought to do something," Rowden said. "This case has contributed to raising public awareness of the critical importance of overseeing school boards and their financial decisions."

Although he is disappointed with the results, Rowden said he's proud this case has proven that publicly bidding school district energy contracts save significant taxpayer dollars. It's presently unknown if Rowden's client, taxpayer William Tarsitano, will appeal. In the meantime, however, Rowden is hopeful that legislators in Springfield will act on pending legislation that would tighten bidding requirements and force schools to publicly bid these types of lucrative contracts.

Rowden encourages citizens to continue pursuing accountable school board governance, and to let Illinois state legislators know how important it is.

Kudos to you, Todd Rowden and William Tarsitano, for keeping up the fight.