In Geneva Unit School District 304, officials say the numbers to remember are 2,000, 4,000 and 6,000.
Ten years ago, enrollment, in round numbers, was 2,000 students. Now it is 4,000. Ten years from now, it is projected to be 6,000.
As the west suburban housing boom reaches across the Fox River into western parts of Geneva, the school district is asking voters on Tuesday to approve $35.6 million in bonds to expand facilities.
“Geneva has experienced phenomenal growth over the past 10 years,” said Arlene Quinn, a former school board member. “One has only to drive down Randall Road (on the west side of town) to see the tremendous changes that have occurred.
“We have a strong community–a great place to raise our families,” she said. “We have a high-caliber school system. Geneva’s schools are one of our greatest assets and serve not only to strengthen our community but also to keep us connected to our children and our future.”
Funds would be used for three building projects.
Geneva High School would be expanded with 26 new classrooms and more science and computer laboratories. The gymnasium would be replaced with a larger physical education facility. An orchestra room would be constructed and lockers added for physical education. Current capacity of 1,180 students would be increased to 1,750.
Geneva Middle School would get more classroom space for 300 additional pupils, and the student cafeteria would be enlarged.
Harrison Street Elementary School would have four more classrooms and a multipurpose room to avoid redrawing boundaries or busing more children to the school.
Also, every elementary and middle school classroom would receive a technology package with two computers. Each high school classroom would have five computers, and several computer laboratories would be added.
The technology improvements and additions to the middle and elementary schools would be completed by August 2000. The high school addition would be ready by August 2001.
The annual property tax increase for the owner of a $185,000 house–average for Geneva–would be $80, or $6.68 a month.
“What could you do with that amount of cash, every 30 days?” asked Kurt Wehrmeister, a Geneva resident.
“You could buy a couple of pair of socks or pantyhose. Perhaps a cheap necktie. A dozen doughnuts. Maybe a case of cola, if it’s on sale. You could rent two videos. Or go to a first-run movie by yourself.
“Or you could make another choice. You could invest in your community’s future, in the future value of your own home, when the nest is empty and it comes time to sell.”
If the measure is not successful, school district officials are warning, “the students in Geneva’s schools will be taught in increasingly inadequate facilities.
“Class increases will increase. Special instructional classrooms, such as those used for computer instruction, art, music or libraries, will be converted to regular classroom use.”
