District 300 $355.5M Bond Referendum: What to Know

Community Unit School District 300, which spans parts of McHenry, Kane, Cook and DeKalb counties in Illinois, has put a $355.5 million bond question on the November 3 ballot. The district says its schools average about 50 years old and that it expects roughly 4,000 more students over the next decade. The money would fund part of a master facility plan with more than 20 projects and a total cost of $442.5 million, with the district adding $87 million of its own funds.

The school board voted 7-0 on July 21 to place the largest of three options, called Plan C, on the ballot. Two cheaper options were presented in June. The smallest, with $250 million in bonds, was structured to avoid raising the tax rate because it would replace retiring debt. Plan C borrows beyond that. District documents cited by the reporting estimate about $101 more per year for 25 years on a $400,000 home. Planned work includes roof repairs, secured entries, classroom additions, renovations, and a career and technical education center for all three high schools.

Supporters include the group Advance 300 and a political action committee of district employee unions. Opponents include local Republican groups and a group called District 300 IL Watchdogs, who cite concerns about property taxes. The district has scheduled five public information sessions, the first three on consecutive days and two more on October 28 and 29, all at 6 p.m.