Endorsement: District 203 renovations

Naperville Unit District 203 is not asking for more tax dollars without clear cause to do so.

There is a substantiated need to make roughly $115 million in facility improvements. We know this from having toured the school buildings. Frankly, we were a bit surprised at the extent to which the school buildings and classrooms within them need repair and renovation.

We're convinced that $43 million in new property taxes are needed to in part fund a building improvement program. It would provide District 203 students with the learning environment they should have in order to continue to excel in the classroom.

We recommend a yes vote on this tax increase request.

If the tax hike is approved, the average taxpayer in Naperville would pay an additional $82 a year for 20 years.

In return, Naperville Central High School, which badly needs repair, would undergo major renovations.

Improvements would be made at Mill Street Elementary School. More classroom space would also be provided.

A new early childhood center would be built, and facilities needs would be addressed at other District 203 schools. Also, a new hot lunch program would be started at all of the schools.

We know opponents of this tax increase have questioned enrollment projections, the justification for some of the improvements, and see shortcomings in the proposal as a comprehensive solution to District 203's building needs. There is also lingering resentment over the district's over-collection of taxes from its 2002 referendum-approved tax hike. We can understand that, but at the same time some of the surplus from the 2002 tax increase is being applied toward building improvements.

We have spent much time evaluating this request and seeing the condition of the buildings for ourselves. Naperville Unit District 203 taxpayers should trust that the $43 million in new taxes would be well-spent.