Endorsements: District 89 referendum

In Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89, voters are asked to forgo a drop in the tax rate to begin next year and instead give permission to borrow money for things like new roofs, new boilers and air conditioning in schools. If voters refuse and allow the tax rate to drop, the owner of a $300,000 house would save about $59 on the 2009 tax bill. If voters say yes, the property tax rate remains the same. Projecting a 6 percent assessment increase, the district estimates this would translate to $68 more in 2009. As home values increase, so would taxes.

This is a straightforward request based on what the district heard from residents in a community survey. The borrowed money would finance building maintenance, upgraded cables to accommodate new technology and adding air conditioning to buildings that don't have it. All those improvements and others in the $24.8 million request have merit. New fiber optic cables will bring in more technology that helps keep today's children engaged.

On the issue of air conditioning, district officials offer a monthlong study of one classroom showing mid-day temperatures never dipped below 77 degrees. For about one-third of the days from Aug. 27 to Sept. 23, temperatures exceeded 85 degrees. Learning is difficult in such an uncomfortable environment, and there is a question of fairness in one school building having air conditioning while students in other buildings go without.

The planned improvements also address some security issues, asbestos abatement, lighting and concrete repair. These improvements keep schools safe and up-to-date. That ultimately is reflected in the real estate market. This request comes at an appropriate time -- when other debt is retiring. This minimizes the impact on taxpayers. We recommend a yes vote.