Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will ask voters to approve a $10.9 million construction bond issue Nov. 3 to handle a projected enrollment surge. The school board wants to make a second attempt to persuade citizens to authorize funds to build additions and update space at 11 of the district`s 12 schools. In March, residents voted 7,381 to 6,604 to defeat a proposal for a $9.9 million bond issue.
If the bond issue is approved, the owner of a $150,000 home would pay $60 a year more in property taxes.
”Space is just so critical,” said Daniel Foote, the school board`s deputy superintendent for business. ”We`re concerned about where to put the students.”
Though the district will seek approval for a bond issue the second time this year, Foote said of the March setback, ”It was not an overwhelming defeat.
Under the proposed construction plan:
– El Sierra would add three classrooms.
– Fairmount would reorganize and remodel for special education.
– Highland would add two classrooms.
– Hillcrest would add five classrooms.
– Indian Trail would add space for physical education, a cafeteria and offices for a psychologist and social worker.
– Kingsley would build eight classrooms and add space for physical education and a cafeteria.
– Lester would add seven classrooms instead of the four proposed in March, and it would enlarge its learning resource center.
– Pierce Downer would build four classrooms instead of the two proposed in March.
– Whittier would add four classrooms.
– Herrick would remodel space for instrumental music, the learning resource center and physical education.
– O`Neill would add one room for the band and orchestra.
In September 1991, enrollment was 4,952 pupils. Next month, 5,119 children are expected for the 1992-93 school year. The district projects 5,631 youngsters in September 1997.
