Winnetka D-36 Voters Reject $90.6 Million School Bond Referendum

WINNETKA, IL —Voters in Winnetka School District 36 rejected a plan to borrow $90.6 million school referendum in Tuesday's election. Combined with a $10 million payment from the district reserves, the referendum question was put to voters as part of a 10-year facilities master plan called Future Ready D36 adopted last October that was expected to cost close to $150 million.

It asked voters whether the board shall: "improve the sites of, build and equip additions to and alter, repair and equip existing buildings, including, without limitation, constructing safety and security improvements, increasing accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, replacing electrical, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC systems, complying with the Health/Life Safety Code, renovating classrooms and Resource Centers/Libraries and adding multi-purpose/lunchroom space and gym space, and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $90,600,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof."

With 100% of precincts reporting, voters said "no" by a nearly two-to-one margin, according to unofficial results.

If the bond issue had been approved, annual property tax increase would equate to an estimated $276 per $1 million of assessed property value, according to the district. Opponents of the bill contended the difference would be closer to $1,300 after a planned reduction in the district's debt service after 2022. Administrators said the district's five buildings with a combined age of more than 400 years has aging infrastructure and outdated mechanical systems that should be upgraded.