Teacher Union Supporting $87.8M Referendum For Deerfield District 109

DEERFIELD, IL — With the Illinois General Primary election a little over a month away, the Deerfield Educational Association has announced its support of an $87.8 million referendum intended to address facility needs at schools in Deerfield District 109. Approved by the district's board of education late last year, the referendum goes to a vote for Deerfield taxpayers next month on March 17.

The DEA is composed of educators and teachers who work directly with students in District 109. The organization said in its endorsement of the referendum, provided to Patch by Rebecca Frase, president of DEA, that high-quality learning environments are "essential for meeting the needs of all learners." The proposed referendum aims to replace and improve aging school buildings. These new spaces would be designed to support current educational practices, student safety, and accessibility.

RELATED: Voters To Weigh In On $87.8M Referendum For Deerfield District 109

After months of gathering community feedback and three years of planning, the Deerfield District 109 Board of Education approved a revised version of the referendum at its Dec. 18, 2025 meeting. According to the district, if the referendum is approved, the tax impact of $359 per $10,000 of property taxes would span 25 years, down from the original number proposed of $536 per $10,000 of property taxes that had been shared with the community throughout the fall. The increase would appear on property tax bills beginning with the issuance of referendum bonds, projected for 2027.

"Throughout the fall of 2025, the Board and administration shared information about facility needs and financing options and gathered community feedback. We listened," District 109 said on its website regarding the referendum.

Officials said the plan includes two new elementary schools (Wilmot and Walden) and major renovations at two others (Kipling and South Park), along with targeted upgrades at both middle schools. All updates will "create modern, equitable environments" across all schools — whether new or renovated, according to the district.

According to DEA, the new and updated school facilities would offer flexible learning spaces. These spaces are intended to support collaboration, small-group instruction, and hands-on learning. The DEA reported that these environments would align with today's curriculum and instructional approaches, helping students stay engaged and supported.

Backers say the referendum is also expected to enhance the district's ability to provide critical student support. Purposefully designed spaces would facilitate the delivery of services such as special education, social work, counseling, and intervention support. This would ensure students' academic, social, and emotional needs are met within their school communities.

The DEA is encouraging community members to review the referendum information provided by the district. In its endorsement, the organization is asking residents "to consider the lasting benefits that improved school facilities will bring to students and families."