District 214 renovations could cost average homeowner $421 more per year

Posted October 22, 2025 6:20 pm

The average Northwest Suburban High School District 214 taxpayer could pay anywhere from about $200 to more than $400 in additional property taxes a year to fund renovations to aging school buildings, according to preliminary estimates.

The potential annual tax impacts — based on a house valued at $396,500 — are included in a community survey about the district’s facility plan that contemplates a maximum of $912.5 million in upgrades.

The online poll, which went live late last week and is available until Nov. 3, is among the initial planning steps in what could be the Arlington Heights-based district’s first referendum in more than five decades.

District officials will discuss facility conditions and take questions during virtual meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, and noon on Monday, Nov. 3, followed by an in-person session at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Rolling Meadows High School.

“Our goal is to listen to our community and develop a responsible plan that keeps our schools strong for generations to come,” Superintendent Scott Rowe said in a news release. “As part of this process, we will review all financial options to ensure that any future recommendations are both fiscally responsible and aligned with community priorities.”

The online survey samples public opinion of three possible funding levels:

• $400 million worth of upgrades, which would yield an approximate yearly tax increase of $198 for the average homeowner;

• $600 million, for a $310 annual tax increase; and

• $800 million, for a $421 annual tax increase.

Survey takers are also asked to rank individual projects by priority:

• $59 million for new fire alarms, asbestos mitigation, new doors and hardware that is more secure and accessible, and enhanced safety through improved traffic flow;

• $60 million for modern furniture and refreshing outdated classrooms with new paint, lights and cabinets;

• $75 million for updated spaces for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programming, including science labs, art and music rooms, and theaters;

• $200 million to make schools more energy efficient, including replacement of mechanicals like HVAC systems;

• $190 million to replace aging roofs and windows, and fix outdated plumbing and electrical;

• $105 million for swimming pools at John Hersey and Rolling Meadows high schools and a replacement pool at Wheeling High School;

• $35 million to improve collaborative learning areas that facilitate hands-on projects, peer learning and informal discussions;

• $10 million to modernize main entrances at 1950s and 1960s school buildings with new paint, siding and signage;

• $78 million to optimize spaces for health services, wellness, counseling and mental health services, as well as update and expand cafeterias and kitchens; and

• $100.5 million for renovations to outdoor and indoor athletic spaces.

The questionnaire follows a less-detailed preliminary survey that was on the district’s website in early September.

Replacement of building mechanicals, such as these old boilers, are among the proposed facility upgrades in Northwest Suburban High School District 214, which is considering a referendum to fund the costs. Courtesy of District 214

Officials are also gauging public appetite for a potential referendum through a 40-member community committee of parents, teachers, residents, business owners, elected officials and civic leaders. That panel met Sept. 3 and Oct. 14.

Through community engagement consultant EO Sullivan, the district also polled some residents via phone.

The consultant will summarize feedback from the surveys and engagement sessions in a report that will be presented Nov. 13 to school board members, who ultimately will decide if a referendum question is placed on the ballot.