Dist. 89 might ask voters to maintain tax rate

Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 board members are expected to decide Monday whether to seek a tax increase on the February 2008 ballot.

During a special meeting this week, district officials informally and unanimously agreed to pursue a facilities improvement projects plan.

However, voter support is needed to pay for it.

If voters approve, District 89 could borrow $24.8 million to replace loans that are set to expire. The new loan would be paid over 13 years.

If that proposal is rejected by voters, District 89's property tax rate would decrease by 21 cents in 2008.

Officials said approving the funding plan merely keeps the rate the same as it's been since a 1996 referendum.

"We will simply reconvert that levy into a new facilities improvement package," Superintendent John Perdue said Tuesday. "To the voters, there would be no overall district tax rate increase."

The additional property tax dollars would be used toward updating the technology infrastructure, improving the security entrance at Westfield Elementary School and security features at other buildings.

It also would help pay for other improvements, including new windows, air-conditioning units, roof repairs and mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.

Perdue said the overall project most likely would be done over two or three summers.

"The school district, its various study committees and the board of education have … ended here at a series of projects that will clearly enable District 89 to step ahead with changing needs for changing times," Perdue said.