Lemont School Districts Oppose Annexation

Lemont School Districts 210 and 113A are taking a stand against Palos Park’s attempt to annex Forest Preserve acreage, by unanimously passing resolutions objecting to the proposal, fearing it would lead to a dramatic growth in the student population and class sizes while significantly reducing teacher-student ratios.

School district officials have expressed their concern that the annexation of the Forest Preserve land will lead to further annexation of roughly 2,000 acres of property in Lemont Township by Palos Park. This land is expected to be developed, but as Palos Park has not communicated any development or zoning plans, the school districts are left to wonder exactly what kind of development will come.

>>Read more: Mayor Says Annexation Would ‘Split Lemont in Half’, Tells Residents ‘We Need Your Help’

“If all or even a large portion of the proposed annexation is turned into residential developments, such developments could necessitate the construction of additional school buildings and would almost assuredly result in an additional tax burden on the community due to the additional number of students,” the resolution states.

The districts have estimated that, if all 2,000 acres of the proposed annexation are turned into residential developments, the community would realize an increase of more than 1,900 students for District 113A, and an increase of nearly 700 students for District 210, the districts said in a letter to parents. A sudden increase in students would mean larger classrooms with less student/teacher interaction and even classes overflowing into trailers.

“Any additional property tax revenue that would result from the development of these properties will not offset the costs associated with such a dramatic enrollment increase,” said Dr. Mary Ticknor, District 210 Superintendent and Dr. Courtney Orzel, District 113A Superintendent in a joint communication with the Village of Lemont.

“Putting together a fiscally responsible budget already is a monumental challenge for our school districts because so many factors are up in the air in relation to school finance,” they added. “Massive residential developments that come without adequate revenue resources will pose tremendous fiscal challenges for our districts.”

The school districts are urging residents to contact the Cook County Board and urge them to vote against this annexation.