More Reasons For Center Cass Tax Hike: District

DARIEN, IL – Center Cass School District 66 is giving additional reasons why it needs more money to run its three schools.

In the June 28 election, Center Cass voters are set to decide whether to increase property taxes by nearly 25 percent.

In a recently released newsletter, the district provided eight reasons why the money is needed:

• Technology infrastructure has failed and needs replacement.
• Student and teacher devices failed and need replacement.
• Special education now takes up 20 percent of the entire budget.
• State does not reimburse for "non-hazardous" transportation costs within 1½ miles from school.
• Declining buildings continue to consume the operations budget, which is meant for supply and labor. In particular, Lakeview Junior High, which was built in 1974, needs significant repairs.
• Costs of almost everything have increased in the last five to 10 years.
• Employees have received little professional learning aside from college classes.
• District has not received updated curricular materials in years.

According to the newsletter, the district is operating on a lower tax rate than it did 25 years ago.

It also contends Center Cass' tax rate is lower than most elementary districts in DuPage County. Even with the tax hike under consideration, its rate would still remain in the bottom half, according to the district.

The proposed tax increase is expected to generate $3 million more a year.

"D66 is not looking to spend at the county or state average," the newsletter said. "D66 is simply trying to meet the state requirements for curriculum, instruction, personnel, facilities and recommended fund balance."

In a recent interview, Darien Alderman Eric Gustafson, who has attended meetings on the tax issue, opposed such an increase.

"It's extremely expensive," he said. "About 15 percent of the homes in the district are retirees. It'll be extremely difficult for them to come up with the money. It's a permanent increase. I've talked to two of my neighbors who are retirees. They are about ready to move."

The district includes parts of Darien and Downers Grove.