Center Cass Voters To Decide On 20% Tax Hike

DARIEN, IL – Voters in Center Cass School District 66 are set to decide Tuesday on whether to increase the district's part of the property tax bill by nearly 20 percent.

In June, 60 percent of voters rejected a tax hike of nearly 25 percent.

The school district contends it is in financial trouble. It says it lacks the money to get through a full school year.

The district has already eliminated some non-teaching positions and shortened the school day, but warns it must lay off teachers if the referendum fails.

Also, in a recent newsletter, the district said its financial situation could become like that of the East St. Louis District, which has a 100 percent low-income rate among students.

With East St. Louis, the state set up an oversight panel to handle the district's finances. Such a panel, the district warned, holds the power to cut spending and increase taxes.

The tax increase's advocates formed the Save Center Cass School District 66 committee, which has raised about $70,000, nearly all of which has come from the local teachers union.

It is responsible for mailers informing voters of the cuts it expects if the referendum fails. The flyers also assert that school buildings have fire alarm issues and need security upgrades.

The opposition has not been as organized, although it started a Facebook page and put up yard signs.

Perhaps the most high-profile opponent is Darien Alderman Eric Gustafson. He said he fears the impact on those with fixed incomes, particularly senior citizens.

He also has asked officials to consider the consolidation of local school districts. Combined, Center Cass, Cass District 63 and Darien District 61 have about 3,200 students. That's hundreds fewer than Hinsdale District 181.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.