DeKalb board commits tax revenue to new 24-classroom ELDC; agrees to separate reconfiguration planning to boost public input

The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board of Education voted to commit property-tax revenue and set aside $26,200,000 in fund balance to support construction of a new 24-classroom Early Learning Development Center (ELDC), according to a roll-call vote during the Nov. 4 regular meeting.

Amir Doka, the district’s director of business and finance, told the board that once approved those funds would be committed so they would not mix with operational funds and could be invested or held until construction disbursements required liquidity. “We just need to ensure to the public that these funds are not gonna be touched, that they're gonna be dedicated exclusively to ELDC,” a board member summarized during the discussion.

The vote followed public comment from teachers and residents. Denise Osterlin, a fourth-grade teacher at Founders Elementary School, said she supported building a dedicated ELDC but urged that Founders’ community of more than 500 students and 100 staff be included in planning and decision-making. “I respectfully ask that you consider this proposal… involve our entire community, teachers, parents, staff,…