Center Cass Eyes Tax Hike, Cites Finances

Darien IL

02 February, 2022

7:30 AM

Description

DARIEN, IL — Center Cass School District 66 is considering setting a referendum to let voters decide on a tax increase. Officials are citing troubling finances and the need to remodel Lakeview Junior High. In a recent newsletter, the district, which includes parts of Darien and Downers Grove, said it receives 92 percent of its money from local property taxes. It also said it brings in less income for its education account than comparable districts, meaning it spends a lesser percentage than its counterparts on education. Making matters worse, the district said, it brings in less money than it spends. The newsletter also said the district needs a plan that includes spending cuts and "revenue enhancements." It said it has the eighth lowest property tax rate of 27 DuPage County elementary districts. In an email to Patch, District 66 Superintendent Andrew Wise said the school board has been looking at short- and long-term needs. The board is set to get an update on the district's plan at its meeting next Tuesday. If the board decides to run a referendum, Wise said, it must take action at its March 8 meeting. The next election is June 28. Wise said the amount of the referendum would be in the resolution for the March 8 board meeting. According to the newsletter, the district has worked hard the last two decades to update its buildings. In 2000, the district built Prairieview Elementary School. And in 2018, Elizabeth Ide Elementary School underwent a remodeling from its original 1970 state. Now, the district is focusing on Lakeview Junior High, which houses sixth through eighth graders. The district said the school was in "dire need" of a renovation. During a recent study required by the state Legislature, licensed architects and engineers identified about $10 million worth of work needed in the district over the next decade to stay in compliance with code, the district said. "Not surprisingly, the vast majority of the work is needed at Lakeview Junior High," the newsletter said. Over the years, the district's operating cash on hand has trended down. It reached a high of $8.3 million in 2014 and dropped to $5.2 million last year. The Illinois State Board of Education recommends that districts have three to six months of cash on hand in each fund to make payroll, cover delays in funding and be prepared for unexpected expenses or unforeseen disasters. The district said it does not have three to six months of cash on hand. "Without using next year's revenue to pay the previous year's bills, there would be a negative fund balance," the newsletter said. The district is planning a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Lakeview gym, where the superintendent is set to present highlights from a new strategic plan. He is expected to answer questions on the district's finances and happenings. The district serves about 1,100 students.