Learn more about proposed Cary District 26 tax increase
Cary District 26 will hold a series of information sessions for parents and community members interested in understanding the upcoming referendum.
The district is placing a referendum question regarding $15 million in bonds for a working cash fund on the Nov. 2 ballot. The district has said it may soon be unable to pay employees' salaries or vendors' bills, and that the state will take over potentially raising taxes unilaterally and imposing other financial decisions.
About 80 teachers were laid-off earlier this year and a number of programs, including music, art, and physical education, were eliminated to save the district about $6.6 million.
The district, which is ranked fifth-worst in the state when it comes to financial health, is struggling to overcome short-term borrowing and deficit spending, restore positive fund balances and prevent further cuts.
If the referendum succeeds, the owner of a $300,000 house will pay $85 total, spread out over the next five years. Some parents urged the school board for a larger increase.
Superintendent Brian Coleman and Finance Director T. Ferrier will provide information regarding the financial situation of the district at each of the sessions. The sessions all begin at 7 p.m. and are scheduled as follows:
• Tuesday, Oct. 5 in the cafeteria at Three Oaks School, 1514 3 Oaks Road.
• Wednesday, Oct. 6 in the cafeteria of Briargate School, 100 S. Wulff Street.
• Thursday, Oct. 7 in the cafeteria of Deer Path School, 2211 Crystal Lake Road.
• Wednesday, Oct. 13 in the cafeteria of Prairie Hill School, 233 E. Oriole Trail.
• Thursday, Oct. 14 in the chorus room of Cary Junior High, 2109 Crystal Lake Road.
Calling all artists: The McHenry County Department of Health is looking for talented young artists for its seventh annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest for McHenry County high school and college students.
Participants can work in teams or as individuals. Entries are judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design. Designs must include on of the social norms messages that can be found in the contest rules.
Contest rules and entry forms are available from the department's website, mcdh.info. Winning entries will have the student's name, design and school name displayed on one or more buses, billboards or posters throughout McHenry County.
Entry deadline is Nov. 30. For details, call McHenry County Department of Health at (815) 334-4525.