Dist. 38: Tax hike will decrease class sizes, reinstate fine arts programs

In Lake County, Big Hollow officials say they have the highest class sizes, spend the least amount of money on teaching students, and the second least amount on housing.

Therefore, they are asking residents to approve a referendum request on the Feb. 5 primary ballot they say would drop class sizes and make the lives of students at the district easier.

Big Hollow officials are asking voters to approve a 54-cent tax increase for the purpose of taking out a $10 million working cash bond to help fund the school district.

More Coverage Video District 38 referendum

If approved, the owner of a $280,000 home would see their annual tax bill increase by $384, minus the standard tax exemptions homeowners receive.

The district that serves portions of Fox Lake, Ingleside, Volo, Lakemoor and Round Lake said its class size averages 28.2 students per class, and that numerous classes in the district top out around 35 students.

In addition, the district claims it spends the lowest in Lake County on instructional costs per student at $3,654, and the second lowest per student operationally in the county at $7,103.

Officials said a hiring freeze now in effect -- which led to the larger class sizes -- would be removed should the request be approved. That means more teachers would be hired and class sizes would drop.

"If it is successful, then we can bring class sizes back down to normal levels," said Ron Pazanin, superintendent of Big Hollow. "We can also reinstate the art and music programs and bring back computer instruction."

The district also has had to borrow against anticipated tax money to meet cash concerns. It borrowed $1.4 million in 2005, $1.8 million in 2006 and $2.4 million in 2007. Officials expect to borrow about $3 million in 2008 to pay bills.

Pazanin said the district needs money or programs will have to start being cut.

"School is an opportunity for students, and we are having a problem providing the opportunities for students they need to learn," he said. "Programs cost money, lowering class sizes cost money. These are resources we don't have right now."

If the referendum request doesn't pass, he said, the districts financial outlook seems bleak. Projections show the district could be $5.2 million in debt and facing class sizes in the 40s by 2013.

This is the fifth time since 2002 the district is seeking a tax rate increase to help pay for schooling. The four previous times, the district lost handily.

While there is no organized opposition to the referendum request aside from a few anonymous Internet bloggers, the number of referendums on the ballot around Big Hollow could scare some people away from voting yes.

Aside from Big Hollow, voters will also need to decide if a yes should be punched for Grant High School District 124's request to obtain $38 million in bonds for a school renovation and addition, and whether $15 million should be approved for the Fox Lake Library.

Also, on the other side of town, Volo is looking for voters to grant them home rule status.

Big Hollow School District 38 referendum

District address: 33315 N. Fishlake Road, at the corner of Nippersink and Fish Lake roads in Ingleside

Schools: Big Hollow Primary, Big Hollow Elementary, Big Hollow Middle

Phone number: (847) 740-1490

What they are asking: Voters are being asked to approve a 54-cent tax rate hike and to allow the district to obtain $10 million in working cash bonds.

What it means to taxpayers: If approved, the owner of a $280,000 home would roughly pay an additional $384 annually.

History of District 38's referendum attempts

1984: Operational-rate increase - passed

2000: Construction bond request for new Primary School - passed

Spring, 2002: Operations rate request, 74 cents/$100 of EAV - failed

Fall, 2002: Operations rate request, 49 cents/$100 of EAV - failed

Spring, 2005: Construction bond request for new elementary and middle schools - passed

Fall, 2006: Operations rate request, $1.35/$100 of EAV - failed

Spring 2007: Operations rate request, 75 cents/$100 of EAV - failed

Winter 2008: Working cash bond request, 54 cents/$100 of EAV - ?

Source: Big Hollow District 38 Web site