District 101 Seeks $140 Million Bond Issue With New Referendum

BATAVIA, IL — On Election Day, Nov. 8, local voters will see an additional question on their ballot asking to approve a bond issue of up to $140 million by Batavia Public School District 101.

The Board of Education approved placing the referendum question on the Nov. 8 ballot during its regular meeting Tuesday.

If enough votes are cast in the district to pass the referendum, it will allow the Board of Education to issue school building bonds that coincide with the retirement of its existing debt to generate funding for capital improvements without increasing the bond and interest property tax levy. District 101's current tax rate is 6.033284.

In explaining the need for the bond issue, officials cited the need to maintain "quality schools that meet evolving needs in teaching and learning." Changes would include "essential" safety and security upgrades, the replacement of two elementary schools, and other maintenance across the district.

Officials said H.C. Storm and Louis White elementary schools are not cost-effective to renovate.

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Renovations at all other schools include:

• Roofs, HVAC, piping, windows, doors, and other operational maintenance needs
• Improved spaces for special education
• Secured entrance vestibules & visibility
• Indoor air and environmental quality

The list of projects included in the proposal could be modified due to economic conditions and inflations, according to Superintendent Lisa Hichens.

"If voters approve the referendum in November, changing economic conditions may require us to adjust the plan so that we can continue to live within our means and improve our facilities to better support evolving educational needs," she said.

The referendum includes recommendations from district architects and the Building Our Future Together community engagement process. Officials said the plan is rooted in data gathering and information compiled from three years worth of input about the district's educational programming and facilities.

"With our bond debt expiring in 2025, the timing is ideal for our school district to take care of our schools without increasing the bond and interest property tax," Hichens said. "We believe continuing to make improvements that benefit our students and community is important for all of us."