Wauconda Dist. 118 parents want to have a say on bond sale

Some Wauconda Unit District 118 parents are expressing concern about the district's decision to sell $16.9 million in cash bonds, and petitioning to force a referendum vote.

Wauconda Township Trustee Mary Schorr said she and about 20 parents are going door to door and attending public gatherings to ask residents to sign the petition.

They need 1,543 signatures, or 10 percent, of district voters to put the issue on the Feb. 2, 2010 ballot, but Schoor said they are aiming for 2,000 signatures. Currently, they have collected about 800 signatures, she said.

"We are not saying we are in favor or against (the money)," Schorr said. "We are saying (we want) a referendum. Seventeen million (dollars) is a lot of money without the voters' consent."

District officials approved the bond sale Sept. 3 following a special public meeting on the proposal. The meeting notice was posted as required by law, but some residents said more communication is needed on the matter.

The district did not need a referendum to approve the bond sale, but can force one if 10 percent of voter signatures are obtained within 30 days after the Sept. 3 public meeting.

Under the bond sale, the owner of a home valued at $200,000 would pay an additional $60 in property taxes to the district in the first year, District 118 Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Bill Harkin said.

The district plans to use the money mostly for payroll and other payments to offset delays in state funding, district officials said. School board members have expressed frustration with the state and its lack of financial support for mandated programs.