ST. CHARLES, IL — Voters in St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 will decide Tuesday whether to approve a $282.5 million bond referendum to fund school repairs, classroom additions, accessibility upgrades and a new field house at St. Charles North High School.
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.
If approved, the referendum would increase property taxes to repay the bonds over 25 years. According to District 303's online tax calculator, the estimated increase would amount to approximately $646 annually for a home valued at $500,000.
The actual impact would vary depending on individual property values, applicable exemptions and other factors. Residents can use the district's calculator to estimate the potential impact on their own property.
"We have needs in each and every one of our buildings," Superintendent Paul Gordon said in a D303 Live YouTube video.
Among the largest proposed projects is a new field house at St. Charles North High School, estimated to cost approximately $61 million, the Daily Herald is reporting.
The plan also includes three additional classrooms each at Norton Creek, Ferson Creek and Corron elementary schools, as well as replacement of existing two-story wings at Davis and Wild Rose elementary schools with single-story additions, according to the Daily Herald.
If voters reject the referendum, district officials say they would need to reconsider how to address outstanding facility needs. Options could include continuing repairs using existing operating funds or pursuing more limited financing through Health and Life Safety bonds, which would be subject to applicable approvals.
The School Board voted 6-1 on Aug. 10 to place the $282.5 million referendum on the November ballot. District 303 serves students and families in portions of Kane and DuPage counties.
The referendum will appear on the Tuesday general election ballot. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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