Sales tax for schools needs more backers
The number of backers has grown, but it's far from settled on whether voters will decide if Lake County's sales tax should rise to help pay construction-related costs at all schools.
Grayslake Elementary District 46 board members this week were the latest to support a countywide referendum in November that would seek a one percentage point hike in the sales tax.
Under a new state law, school boards representing at least 51 percent of the student population of a county are allowed to adopt resolutions to place the sales tax proposition on the ballot.
The extra money could be used by all schools in a county for renovations, architects, land acquisition, new buildings and other similar expenses.
To put the measure on the November ballot, proponents need support from Lake County districts representing 71,773 of 140,732 students. District 46's support bumped the most recent tally from 37,202 to 41,388 at nine school districts.
Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50 board members were among the first this year to support letting voters decide the issue.
Woodland's associate superintendent, Robert Leonard, said his district's board only backs the concept of allowing voters to decide. He said he's unsure if there will be support from enough remaining school districts to get the initiative on the November ballot.
"From a professional standpoint," Leonard said, "I believe strongly that unless a new, dependable and sustainable revenue source is introduced, schools will be running into a (financial) brick wall soon."
Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik has been among the public critics of the sales tax idea. She contends Gurnee, which derives much of its income from retail spending, would lose business to nearby Wisconsin if Lake County's sales tax were to increase.
Apparel, hardware and furniture would be subjected to the tax increase for schools. It wouldn't hit medicine, food, vehicles or medical supplies.
It's projected all Lake County schools would receive $550 per student annually if the sales tax rises by a percentage point.