CUTTING TEACHERS THE ‘WOKE’ RESPONSE TO D203 DEFICIT
As the founder of Awake Illinois, I’ve spent years scrutinizing how school districts prioritize ideology over education, often at the expense of taxpayers and students. The latest fiasco in Naperville School District 203 is a textbook example. Facing a projected $12.4 million budget deficit, the district is now dangling retirement incentives to push out veteran teachers.
This move allows eligible educators to irrevocably commit to retirement by March 6 in exchange for full benefits under the Teachers’ Retirement System. It’s a desperate Band-Aid for a self-inflicted wound caused by years of wasteful spending on “woke” initiatives that have nothing to do with core academics.
D203’s financial woes aren’t a surprise. The district’s five-year forecast has been dipping into the red since at least November 2025, with deficits projected to balloon from $5.25 million in FY2026 to $14.4 million by FY2028 if unchecked.
Board members demanded nearly $12.4 million in cuts from the upcoming budget yet they continue to pour money into divisive programs.
Take the half-million-dollar, five-year contract with Panorama Education, approved in March 2024 for a “Student Success Program.” This isn’t about math or reading — it’s a “digital backpack” for social-emotional learning (SEL), surveying kids on their feelings and perceptions, often mining data in ways that raise serious privacy concerns under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Parents have had to opt out en masse from these intrusive surveys, which the district pushed again in October 2025.
Then there’s the DEI empire. D203 employs Rakeda Leaks as executive director of Diversity and Inclusion, with a base salary exceeding $160,000. What do taxpayers get for this? Promotion of events like “climate action” film screenings tied to partisan NGOs and a district mission statement that elevates “global citizens,” “empathy” and “equity” above actual learning.
This ideological focus coincides with policies that undermine student safety, like allowing boys into girls’ bathrooms, prompting federal Awake Illinois’ Title IX complaint against D203.
Meanwhile, the district green-lit a $12.3 million transportation center in February, proving they can find funds for infrastructure but not without slashing teacher positions to balance the books. This is the “go woke, go broke” playbook in action.
National National Assessment of Educational Progress scores released in 2025 showed high school seniors with the worst reading performance since 1992 yet schools persist in prioritizing feelings over fundamentals.
It’s time for accountability. Start by dismantling the DEI bureaucracy. Scrap the Panorama contract. Halt all woke staff trainings and refocus on core education: reading, math, science. Parents and taxpayers deserve better than a district that bankrupts itself chasing wokeness.
If D203 doesn’t change course, deficits will only grow and so will the exodus of families to districts that put students first.
Shannon Adcock, Naperville
Founder/President, Awake Illinois
SPELLING BEE STORY CONJURES UP MANY HAPPY MEMORIES
I enjoyed reading the article on Feb. 27 in the Naperville Sun about Shruthi Ayyagari going to the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee as it paralleled my experience in the early 1960s when, at age 13, I represented North Jersey at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
I made the state finals in both 6th grade and 7th grade, placing second when I was in 7th grade and then finally winning the North Jersey State finals in 8th grade. We didn’t have as many contestants as they have now, and the words were probably not as difficult (or maybe didn’t even exist) as they are now.
The word I missed on was “palpable,” which I spelled “palpible.” I don’t remember my placement or in which round I was eliminated, but I do remember I wore #29 and either was the 29th eliminated or placed 29th!
Anita Smolik, Naperville
PLEASE VOTE YES ON NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT REFERENDUM
In the early 1960s, farms, the DuPage River and a few public parks were the healthy outdoor activities available in the city. Naperville Recreation was formed by energetic adults to give structure to playtime and by 1966, the Naperville Park District was established.
Since those days, 153,337 people now live in Naperville, according to city data.
I am grateful for the investments our growing population has made in our community over the years. It is now the 60th anniversary of our park district. Every age group benefits from its presence.
I am voting in favor of the park district referendum on the March 17 election ballot because it is a publicly informed investment in the well-being of all, because the proposed facility complements a balanced delivery of recreational opportunities, and because two proposed land acquisitions will contribute to a stronger alliance of our humanity with our shared environment.
I remember my faded red Naperville Recreation shirt with its block white letters crinkled after many washings. I am proud of our residents’ ongoing involvement in the park system over the years and urge them now to make a commitment to the future by voting yes on the referendum.
Mary Lou Wehrli, Naperville
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD BY VOTING IN MARCH 17 PRIMARY
Democracy depends upon our actions. Between now and March 17, all registered Illinois voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard by selecting the primary candidates they want to see on the November ballot.
Because we may not have the time to research all of the issues facing our nation and state, it is critical to elect quality leaders who will effectively represent us at all levels of government. In addition, there is an important referendum on the local ballot regarding the Naperville Park District.
While our organization does not endorse candidates, we view equity with respect to gender, education, safety and health care as basic human rights. We urge all voters to reflect on these issues and make educated decisions at the polls.
We also encourage all voters to think about their own key values and concerns, and learn which candidates most closely align with them. One important tool is the League of Women Voters Vote 411 website (www.vote411.org/il-lwvn), which includes information on voter registration, polling places and ballots.
In the 2024 general election, about 75% of registered voters in Will and DuPage counties turned out to vote. Create a voting plan now, and encourage friends and family to get to the polls so everyone has a voice in democracy.
Becky Glimco
President, AAUW Naperville Area
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