Voters Approve $120.6M District 63 School Bond Referendum

DES PLAINES, IL — Voters approved East Maine School District 63's $120.6 million bond referendum Tuesday, clearing the way for building repairs, safety improvements and additions to address overcrowding, district officials announced Wednesday.

The borrowing will fund work across the district’s schools, including security enhancements, accessibility upgrades, replacement of aging infrastructure, energy efficiency improvements and updates to learning environments.

"Today's students and future generations will benefit greatly from the community's commitment to maintaining safe, modern, and effective schools," Superintendent Dr. Shawn Schleizer said in the announcement.

"We recognize the trust voters have placed in our District and thank our community for their support and investment in our students and schools."

Many District 63 school buildings are between 56 and 70 years old, with numerous building systems having reached or exceeded their useful lives, according to the district.

The planned work includes replacing aging heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems, improving accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act and making targeted additions to relieve overcrowding.

District officials said the investment would help preserve school buildings and reduce the need for costly emergency repairs.

The approved measure followed revisions prompted by community concerns about the proposal's cost and tax impact.

In a letter before the election, Schleizer said the district reduced the initial plan's scope by 26 percent, cutting $42.4 million by scaling back additions and renovations and concentrating on essential priorities.

For a home valued at $350,000, the district estimated the proposed 25-year bond measure would add approximately $314 annually, or $26 monthly, beginning in 2028.

Schleizer said before the election that major repairs had been funded through reserves for decades, but the buildings' needs exceeded what could reasonably be covered through the annual operating budget.

The district said Wednesday it would provide regular community updates as planning, design and construction progress.

Project information and concept renderings are available on the District 63 referendum website.

Election results are unofficial until certified by election authorities.