Frequently Asked Questions

A: Jim and Cathy Peschke founded CRAFT around January 2003. However CRAFT does not only consist of Jim and Cathy Peschke. CRAFT has hundreds of members and supporters throughout Harvard and the rest of the State, many whom have remained anonymous because of the possibility of retribution and ill treatment by referendum supporters or District employees. This clearly can be seen in editorials. CRAFT supporters do include many families that have children in the Public School System. CRAFT supporters also include current and retired teachers.

Q: Do Jim and Cathy Peschke have children?

A: Yes, they have one child.

Q: Why does CRAFT, a Harvard based organization, become involved in referendum issues in other school districts?

A: As long as the State provides funding to schools, every Illinois resident is entitled to demand fiscal responsibility of Illinois' public schools. Its interesting to note that the NEA and AFT are national unions, based out-of-state, that have no aversion to interfering in the affairs of our school districts.

But this is hardly relevant. Education is an important topic. Ideas should be discussed based on their merits, not on who said them. The continual insistence of referendum promoters on attacking ideas because "outsiders" made them reveals that they have little else with which to challenge our school reform concepts.

The Harvard CRAFT group does not direct the actions of CRAFT affiliates in other districts. We provide assistance and information wherever possible, but local citizens decide whether to oppose referenda and how to go about doing it.

Q: What is Jim and Cathy's educational background?

A: Jim Peschke has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering. Jim also has graduate course work in plasma physics. Cathy Peschke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders and a Master of Arts degree in Audiology.

Q: Who does CRAFT represent?

A: CRAFT represents the taxpayers who are concerned about protecting their hard earned dollars and their homes. CRAFT does not represent school employees.

Q: How is CRAFT funded?

A: Jim and Cathy Peschke primarily fund CRAFT.

Q: How do I become a member of CRAFT?

A: There is no formal membership. If you would like to be on our e-mail mailing list just inform CRAFT of your desire. We do not have a snail mail list because of the cost involved for said service. If you would like to be a supporter but are concerned about retribution and ill -treatment, rest assured we will keep your name confidential, so please feel free to join our organization.

Q: How do we feel about increased state funding to support Education?

A: We feel the current budget is enough to support school districts throughout the State. School districts need to curb costs, not find more money. State and federal funding still comes from taxpayers. Instead of coming out of our real estate taxes it will come out of income taxes or sales taxes. Either way we do not want our taxes to increase.

Q: What can I do to help?

A: Let us know that you are a CRAFT supporter; if you so choose we will keep your name confidential. Inform us of your e-mail address so we can keep you up-to-date on CRAFT activities. Share our web address and e-mail address with members of the community who are also concerned about rising taxes. Attend CRAFT meetings when possible. Offer to distribute fliers to your neighbors during the next elections. Write your Senators and Representatives and tell them to support No Taxpayer Left Behind.

CRAFT develops common-sense budget reduction measures. Full Story

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Helpful links:

CRAFT Mission Statement

Join CRAFT and/or add me to your e-mail list.

Who we are -FAQ

CRAFT BLOG

How to fight a Referendum

School District Lies

Budget Solutions

The spending problem

Comparing State level plans