East Maine District 63 may seek tax hike for $163 million improvement plan

Posted April 02, 2026 2:37 pm

Russell Lissau

East Maine School District 63 residents can learn about a $163 million facilities improvement plan at public meetings this month.

Officials are considering asking voters in November to approve the proposal, which would result in property tax increases. A school board decision isn’t expected until August.

The plan calls for improvements at nearly every building in District 63, which serves neighborhoods in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Glenview, Niles and Morton Grove. The only exception would be the Early Learning Center in Des Plaines, which was built about five years ago.

Mechanical, plumbing and electrical upgrades are proposed for the district’s five elementary schools, as well as safety and security upgrades, access improvements for people with disabilities and classroom renovations.

Two-story additions at Apollo, Melzer and Washington elementary schools have been proposed as well.

The plans also call for dedicated gyms to be constructed at Melzer, Washington and Mark Twain elementary schools. Physical education classes at those campuses now are held in multipurpose rooms where lunch also is served.

Improvements at Apollo Elementary School in Des Plaines are included in the $163 million plan that could be put to East Maine School District 63 voters in November. Courtesy of District 63

Fewer improvements are proposed for Niles’ Gemini Middle School, which was expanded and renovated in 2020, officials say. They include security upgrades at entrances.

If approved, the owner of a house valued at $350,000 will pay $423 more in taxes annually to the district, according to information at emsd63.org.

Five community meetings designed to educate people about the plan will be held in the coming weeks. They’re scheduled for:

· 10 a.m. April 11 at Apollo Elementary School, 10100 Dee Road, near Des Plaines.

· 6 p.m. April 14 at Mark Twain Elementary School, 9401 Hamlin Ave., Niles.

· 7 p.m. April 16 at Washington Elementary School, 2710 Golf Road, near Glenview.

· 11 a.m. April 18 at Nelson Elementary School, 8901 Ozanam Ave., Niles.

· 6:30 p.m. April 22 at Melzer Elementary School, 9400 N. Oriole Ave., Morton Grove.

Community feedback through these meetings, surveys and other efforts could shape the final proposal, officials said.

East Maine voters last approved a tax-rate increase in 2004, to boost the district’s operating budget.

District 63 serves approximately 3,700 students. For more information, visit emsd63.org.