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School District 301 voters OK $22 million bond for more classrooms

Voters in Central Unit District 301 approved a $22 million bond request to build 12 classrooms and a field house at Burlington-Central High School to accommodate growing enrollment.

Unofficial vote totals with all Kane County precincts reporting show 5,490 votes, or 55 percent, in favor to 3,969 votes against.

The proposal would amount to an estimated $235 increase in annual property taxes for the owner of a $300,000 home. The bond would be repaid over 20 years at $1.6 million in yearly principal and interest payments.

Burlington-Central High School, which has 1,051 students enrolled this year, is expected to surpass its 1,100-student capacity with 1,158 students in the 2018-19 school year and reach 1,214 students by 2019-20, based on current enrollment at the middle schools.

The first phase of construction involves expansion of the high school's music room to accommodate 150 band students. That work has begun and is expected to be completed by August 2017. The $5.6 million cost is being paid for through existing funds, Superintendent Todd Stirn said.

The second phase would involve construction of the 12-classroom addition, and a fully equipped field house estimated to cost roughly $9 million.

The bonds would be issued by year end so construction of the high school addition can begin in the spring with anticipated completion in August 2018.

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