District 89 seeks funds to upgrade current facilities

Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 is seeking permission to borrow $24.8 million for facility and technology upgrades.

Approving the borrowing plan maintains the 21 cents per $100 of assessed valuation tax rate bonds and interest, which has been the same since a 1996 referendum.

Payments on current debt, set to expire in 2010, would be rolled into the new loan and paid over 13 years. This means the owner of a $300,000 house would pay an additional $68 beginning in 2009 if the request is approved.

If residents reject the proposal, the district's property tax rate would drop, saving the owner of a $300,000 house $59 in 2009. The drops would get larger as the 2010 payoff date gets closer.

The additional property tax dollars would be used toward updating the technology infrastructure and adding other improvements, including security features, new windows, air-conditioning units, roof repairs and mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.

"We have some $40 million of insured assets that the district has as an investment in its facilities," Superintendent John Perdue said. "So improving them over the next 13 years is an investment in that infrastructure, which is a community asset."

Glen Ellyn Elementary School District 89

What: Asking voters for permission to borrow $24.8 million to update technology infrastructure, improve security replace windows, add air-conditioning, repair roofs and upgrade mechanical, electrical and plumbing.

Cost: $68 more the first year for the owner of a $300,000 house

If it passes: Schools will get air conditioning, fiber optic cable to improve classroom technology and a host of infrastructure maintenance.

If it fails: District 89's property tax would drop by $59 the first year. It would drop more in subsequent years as debt is paid off.

Details: (630) 469-8900 or ccsd89.org