Two years later, a heartfelt thanks

About two years ago this week, on March 21, 2006, the District 300 community pulled together to vastly improve the quality of our students' education. Volunteers spent countless hours studying the district's crowding and future growth before knocking on thousands of doors to inform their friends and neighbors.

The successful referendums allowed us to reduce class sizes, balance our budget, build three new schools and make building additions and improvements districtwide. These facts remain deeply appreciated by the people most directly affected -- students and their families.

Now, as ever, we say, "Thank you, voters, for your support."

A quick look at the district's operating fund balance reflects a healthy reduction of our debt. In June 2005, our negative balance stood at nearly $30 million. By June 2007, the budget was balanced for the first time in nearly a decade. Combined with our commitment to be ready for the future, that enabled our credit rating to soar. We are dedicated to continuing this positive trend.

Enrollment in D300 has increased by more than 800 students since voters went to the polls. Through various projects, we have dramatically improved accommodations, jumped light-years into the future of technology and expanded learning opportunities.

Since 2006, Dundee-Crown and Jacobs high schools have completed their renovations, including new classrooms. This summer, District 300 will convert Hampshire Middle/High School into a middle school only, as finishing touches are completed on a new high school in Hampshire, with expanded the academic and extracurricular offerings to better match other district high schools.

Elementary school projects remain in the district's plans. Major additions and renovations are coming to Algonquin and Dundee middle schools and Westfield Community School beginning this summer.

As promised, the teacher/student ratios have returned to 2002 levels (average per school). Class ratios are 1 to 26 in elementary schools, 1 to 28 in middle schools and 1 to 29 in high schools.

If the referendums had not been successful, necessary budget cuts would have eliminated music programs at elementary schools, exploratory and after-school programs for middle schools, and all sports and clubs offered at the high schools.

From all of the students who have continued to enjoy these life-changing experiences, thank you, voters, for your support. You did your part and we're doing ours. District 300 is stronger than ever and ready for the future.

Ken Arndt, superintendent

District 300

Carpentersville