Glen Ellyn District 89 voters approve tax increase

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com

Voters in Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 turned out Tuesday to support a tax increase to pay for higher operating costs.

The tax increase - which is estimated to raise property taxes $396 a year for the owner of a $300,000 house - received 5.022 "yes" votes, while those who opposed it cast 4,826 "no" votes, according to unofficial results.

The district sought an increase to its operating tax rate for the first time since 1986 largely, officials said, because of increasing enrollment, a few years of deficit spending and projections for further student increases.

With approval of the increase, the district has pledged to keep its current programs. Cuts to extracurricular activities, music programs, gifted services and gym classes won't be necessary - nor will increased class sizes, officials said.

Officials said it will also help the district build its reserves back to the amount it requires under a 2011 policy: 10 percent of the next year's operating expenses.