A majority of St. Charles residents would not vote for a tax rate increase to fund renovations and construction of schools in the community, according to a survey taken this month.
The survey of 500 voters in Community Unit School District 303 found 52.8 percent opposed to a $294 million proposal to upgrade and repair several schools in the district and to build four new elementary schools.
“The community, in general, gives its school district high marks,” survey consultant Rod White told school board members at a meeting last week. “But 53 percent [opposed] is still well short of the support level you’d need to pass a referendum [measure].”
The board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Summit Room of the Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles to hear public comments on the matter and to decide what direction it will take in terms of a referendum question. The deadline to place a question on the April election ballot is Feb. 3.
The board could decide to seek the entire $294 million from voters.
If such a proposal is approved, the owner of a home valued at $300,000 would pay $316 more in property taxes annually.
The board could opt to postpone construction of the elementary schools and seek funding only for upgrades to certain middle schools, which it would be able to do without raising the tax rate.
Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed were in favor of the middle school improvements, which would cost roughly $98.9 million and be offset by current bond debt that will be retired this year.
“The school board seems to be very attentive to the community,” parent Corrine Pierog said. “If the residents pass a bond [measure], it’ll be the one for the middle schools.”
Board members last week also heard from financial consultants who said that the district’s growth rate and equalized assessed valuation are on the decline.
An architect report recommended that four elementary schools be replaced.
Some of the upgrades needed throughout District 303 schools include improved security systems, new computers and making buildings handicapped accessible.
