Villa Park schools tax hike passes handily

Villa Park Elementary District 45's plan to borrow $30 million for a series of districtwide upgrades appeared to cruise to victory.

Unofficial results show the measure had more than 61% of the votes in favor of its passage with 96% of precincts reporting Tuesday night.

The plan includes building an early childhood center, implementing all-day kindergarten, upgrading technology, increasing safety and security, improving STEM curriculum and providing more opportunities in music.

The vote means the owner of a $240,000 house who currently pays roughly $2,820 a year in property taxes to the district will see that amount increase by about $170 a year.

The most expensive facet will involve spending $17.3 million to construct a 12-classroom center and moving all early childhood programming to that building.

That will allow the district to expand to an all-day kindergarten program.

Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2021. The early childhood center and all-day kindergarten renovations and additions are targeted to be finished by the start of the 2022 school year, officials said.

- Jake Griffin