Glowing Rating for District 228 Ensures Attractive Sales of Quality School Construction Bond

A glowing financial report for Bremen High School District 228 means it will be easier to sell $50 million in bonds needed for an exciting capital improvement plan at each of the district’s four high schools, officials said today.

“Bonds will now be more attractive to investors,” said Thomas O’Malley, Assistant Superintendent for Finance. “Even better, the estimated savings for taxpayers generated by the enhanced bond rating is approximately $2 to $2.5 million,” O’Malley also said.

The district has received a Double A bond rating from Moody’s, an upgrade from its previous A-plus rating of 2014. Rob Grossi, the District’s financial advisor, stated that the rating was a reflection of the “strong operating reserves and a commitment to continually decreasing the annual deficit, and the benefits of issuing the debt through the Qualified School Construction Bond program were all factors considered by Moody’s in rendering their rating.”

Superintendent Bill Kendall said District 228 finds itself in a rare situation when compared to neighboring school districts in the south suburbs. “It’s uncommon to see a school district in Illinois have improved bond ratings because the state is in such financial disarray. Despite the financial condition of the state, the district is performing well and has made good choices and decisions on behalf of the community, taxpayers, students and staff,” Dr. Kendall said.

Having such a strong and vibrant rating means the bonds will be “more interesting in terms of investors looking at purchasing bonds the district issues, which makes for a more competitive bond market for the district,” O’Malley said.

The seven-year plan calls for new classrooms, building envelope improvements, installation of FieldTurf at each of the four stadiums, along with field houses, space for new fitness centers, weight rooms, training rooms, additional storage, remodeling of cafeterias and kitchens, and new digital signage.

District 228 is one of just 29 school districts selected state-wide to participate in the program that will benefit the more than 5,000 students at Bremen, Tinley Park, Hillcrest and Oak Forest High Schools.

“The proposed bond issue will decrease the district’s property tax levy by about $5.3 million. This will, in turn, reduce the property tax burden on residents by about $170 per year on a $150,000 home value.”, said Bremen Township Treasurer Joe McDonnell.

A bond hearing will take place prior to the regular Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 7pm at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills.

Located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Bremen Community High School District 228 is comprised of 29 square miles in Bremen Township and serves the communities of Midlothian, Posen, Tinley Park, Markham, Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills and Oak Forest. Bremen District 228 serves over 5,000 students and employs 613 full- and part-time staff members. Bremen High School, in Midlothian, opened its doors to students in September 1953. Since then, as the suburbs grew, District 228 opened three additional schools. Tinley Park High School opened in 1961; Hillcrest High School, in Country Club Hills, opened in 1967; and Oak Forest High School opened in 1970.

For additional information about District 228, visit the district’s website at bhsd228.schoolwires.net. To arrange an interview with District 228 officials, contact Jerry Thomas at jerry@jerrythomaspr.com or (312) 285-5166.