Dist. 89 going for tax increase

Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 board members unanimously agreed Monday night to seek a tax increase on the February 2008 ballot.

Residents should expect to vote on whether the district should borrow $24.8 million to replace loans that are set to expire. If approved, the loan would expire after 13 years, in 2021.

District 89 President Lori Gaspar said a lot of work -- including a phone survey, community forums and more than a year of research done by various committees -- went into the board ultimately deciding on a $24.8 million package.

"I feel like we uncovered every rock that we could think of," she said. "Now it is time to turn to the citizens."

The project, which would be completed over the course of about three summers, includes work on parking lots, sidewalks, roofing, life-safety issues, building improvements, safeguarding against asbestos and mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements.

It also would include spending $1.5 million to upgrade the technology infrastructure, and update and add security and air-conditioning units.

District officials are hoping to renew the levy. This means instead of the levy decreasing by 21 cents in 2008, if favored by voters, the tax rate would remain the same as it's been since a 1996 referendum, when voters approved an $11 million loan that was to be paid off after 12 years. The money has been used for facility upgrades, and the last payment will be made in February 2010.

Resident Tim Loversky plans to vote in favor of the district's request to borrow $24.8 million.

"I'm excited with the direction our district is headed," he said. "(My kids) are going to have modern facilities."

Board member Terry Lachcik said he's all for the referendum.

"It's just going to move us forward with our goals," he said, "and our vision for the district."