Residents weigh in on Dist. 89 tax hike

Glen Ellyn Elementary School District 89 community members gathered during an informational meeting Wednesday night to discuss the district's need for a tax increase.

On February 5, district residents will vote on whether to give the district permission to borrow $24.8 million for technology and building improvements. If approved, the district would repay the bonds over 13 years.

"The goal here is that all of our students will benefit from this, both now and in the future," Superintendent John Perdue said. "This effort will take us out into the next 10 years."

More than 30 parents and school district officials met at Park View Elementary School, 250 S. Park Blvd., to learn about and discuss the district's needs. A citizens advocacy group also reached out to residents and asked them to jump on board to help educate the community about the district's request for a tax increase.

"The board has done its job, and now we have to step back," President Lori Gaspar said.

Residents questioned district officials about the breakdown of dollars for anticipated projects, along with timelines for the work if the tax increase is approved.

Officials have budgeted about $5 million for air conditioning, $4.9 million for mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements, $3.8 million for roof replacements, $3.2 million for building improvements, $1.8 million for technology, $1.3 million for life safety, $700,000 for site improvements and $700,000 for safety and security.

Former District 89 and Glenbard Township High School District 87 board member Bob Hartman attended the meeting and expressed his support for the referendum, but said he had a problem with spending $5 million on air conditioning.

He also said District 89 has to take into consideration that 80 percent of the district's residents have no children in the schools.

"It's going to be a tough sell," Hartman said, "They have to get the word out to the community."

Perdue said it's not a good idea to postpone the project.

"We think the time is now," he said.

If voters reject the proposal, District 89's property tax rate would decrease by 21 cents in 2008. If approved, the district's tax rate would remain the same as it's been since a 1996 referendum.

If approved, a majority of the projects would be completed by 2009, with some work rolling over to 2010.