District 58's $179M Bond Referendum Question: What To Know

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — On Nov. 8, voters will be presented with a referendum question regarding a $179 million bond proposal presented by Downers Grove Grade School District 58. The proposed bonds aim to fund building repairs and safety upgrades, in addition to an expansion of the district's two middle schools.

Below is how the referendum question will appear on the ballot:

Shall the Board of Education of Downers Grove Grade School District Number 58, DuPage County, Illinois, alter, repair and equip existing school buildings, including improving safety and security, replacing roofs and plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, updating classrooms, science labs and libraries, improving energy efficiency and increasing accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, build and equip middle school building additions and improve school sites and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $179,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

District 58's board of education began considering the referendum question in April of 2022. Two open houses were held in October to give voters more information about the initiative.

The funds will address several projects that were outlined in the district's master facility plan. According to information on the District 58 website, its "buildings are in need of significant repairs and renovations." Funds for building repairs were last approved about 30 years ago, the district notes.

Its oldest school, Whittier Elementary, was built in 1928.

Below is the breakdown of how District 58 intends to use the $179 million:

• Health, safety, security upgrades: $67.6 million
• Maintenance projects: $58.6 million
• Middle school expansion/renovation: $52.8 million

Some proposed renovations throughout many of the schools include:

• ADA upgrades
• Bathroom renovations
• Electrical work
• Heating, cooling and ventilation upgrades
• Plumbing repairs
• Roofing repairs

Expanding Herrick and O'Neill Middle Schools will allow them to accommodate sixth graders as well. The District 58 website states, "Reconfiguring the schools would benefit all students by improving the middle school experience and freeing up needed space at the elementary schools."

If approved, the referendum will increase property taxes for District 58 from 1.98 percent to 2.23 percent and will be repaid over a period of 20 years. Annual taxes for a $300,000 home will be around $253, according to the district's calculations.