$282.5M District 303 Referendum Heads To St. Charles Voters

ST. CHARLES, IL — St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 voters will decide Nov. 3 whether the district can issue $282.5 million in bonds to fund a wide-ranging package of school construction, repairs, accessibility upgrades and program-space improvements.

The proposal is part of a $312.5 million facility investment package, with the district identifying $30 million in existing district resources to cover part of the overall cost.

The ballot question calls for improvements across District 303 schools, including roof replacements; mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades; safety and security improvements; Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility work; classroom and program-space additions; expanded Career and Technical Education space; and construction of a physical education and athletic facility.

Among the larger projects under consideration are additions at elementary and middle schools and a new field house at St. Charles North High School. The district's facility planning process identified maintenance, accessibility, space and program needs across its buildings, with the proposed referendum package combining those projects into a districtwide plan, according to District 303.

District officials began discussing a potential referendum in April and reached a final consensus on the proposed project package and a 25-year bond structure in July. The School Board voted Aug. 10 to place the $282.5 million referendum on the November ballot.

The potential property-tax impact will depend on the amount ultimately approved, the district's financing and tax rate, and individual property values, according to District 303. The district has provided an online calculator for residents to estimate the potential impact on their own property.

The district's community information schedule continues this fall, with referendum information nights planned at Corron, Ferson Creek, Wild Rose, St. Charles East, Davis, St. Charles North, Thompson and Wredling, as well as online webinars. The next scheduled event is Sept. 23 at Corron Elementary from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by a virtual webinar Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m. and another at 6:30 p.m.

The referendum will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. District 303 serves students and families in portions of Kane and DuPage counties.