5 Fast Must-Know Facts About District 97's Ballot Referenda

Oak Park Elementary School District 97’s Board of Education recently approved two referenda that will appear on April 4’s ballot, and together they’d total $70 million.

The first would ask for a one percent limiting rate increase, the district’s website states, which would tally up to around $13.3 million. The second would approve the school board taking out $57.5 million in building bonds.

The motions will be phrased like this on your spring ballot:

1. That the Board of Education of Oak Park School District 97, adopt the resolution providing for and requiring the submission of the proposition of increasing the limiting rate for School District Number 97, Cook County, Illinois, to the voters of said School District at the consolidated election to be held on the 4th day of April, 2017, as presented.
2. That the Board of Education of Oak Park District 97, approves the resolution providing for and requiring the submission of the proposition of issuing $57,500,000 School Building Bonds to the voters of School District Number 97, at the consolidated election to be held on the 4th day of April, 2017, as presented.

So, you’ve got the basics down. But what do these referenda mean on a deeper level? Here are five things you need to know about these questions.

Why does District 97 need this money?

According to the district’s website, the district’s student population has grown by more than 1,100 students throughout the past 10 years. Right now, enrollment has reached 6,000, which is far more than the district can adequately fund with its current budget. “Based on our current operating spending per pupil, we could educate nearly 650 children in a year with those funds,” the site states, claiming Illinois’ declining ability to fund schools is the reason to blame.

Will the referenda impact my taxes if they pass?

In short: yes. The district says that increasing its limiting rate will equate to an extra $74 per $1,000 on a current tax bill. The second question wouldn’t impact taxes at all.

What will happen if the referenda pass?

The district promises enhancements to education and capital improvements with the passing of the referenda. This will include supporting students better, being able to hire high-quality teachers, keep small class sizes, ensure financial stability, complete repairs and upgrades to the buildings, modernize classrooms and invest in expansion, among other things.

What will happen if the referenda fail?

If the referenda fail, the district will need to make major budget cuts, in addition to cuts they’ll already have to make. In just the 2017-18 school year alone, the following cuts will have to be made even if the referenda pass: 11 teachers, 20 teaching assistants, 3 administrative assistant positions, 5 administrative positions, 5 custodial positions, reduction of professional development for staff and more. If the referenda fail, the following positions will also have to be cut that year: 1 more teaching position, 10 administrative assistant positions, 3 administrative positions, 3 early childhood teachers and their assistants, 1 custodial position and reduction of supplies for kindergarten and teacher mentoring programs. A refresh on school technology will also be postponed indefinitely.

A whole lot more information can be found here.

Where can I learn more?

The district has a ton of information on its website. There are also the following info sessions coming up:

• Feb. 27 at Hatch Elementary School from 7-9 p.m.
• March 1 at OPRF High School from 7-9 p.m.
• March 16 at Irving Elementary School from 7-9 p.m.
• March 20 at Beye Elementary School from 7-8:30 p.m.

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