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District 45 superintendent outlines March 17 referendum, warns of staff cuts if it fails
Summary
Superintendent Brian Graber told the Villa Park Village Board that District 45 faces persistent deficits and a successful March 17 referendum would raise about $4.3 million annually — roughly $299 per average homeowner — to avoid cutting certified staff and programs.
Superintendent Brian Graber of School District 45 told the Village Board on Feb. 9 that the district will ask voters on March 17 to approve a referendum that would increase the district's limiting tax rate by 0.276% to generate approximately $4.3 million in annual revenue. "A successful referendum would mean a .276% increase in the limiting tax rate with an impact of approximately $299 per year or about $25 per month for the average homeowner in Villa Park," Graber said.
Graber said the district has run recurring deficits — as large as $3.5 million in the most recent year — driven by rising costs for transportation, specialized instruction and other student supports, as well as per-student revenue that lags peer districts in DuPage County. He said the deficit situation dates to at least 2015 and is the result of ongoing commitments to student services rather than a single contract or expense.
"If the referendum is not successful, we'll need to implement immediate cost cutting measures beginning with a reduction of approximately 20 to 25 certified staff members for next school year and an additional 15 to 20 staff the following year," Graber said, adding that the district would consider eliminating courses, programs and activities, increasing class sizes, reducing support staff, and in the long term possibly redistricting or school closures.
Graber said the referendum follows a community engagement process that collected input from 646 people through meetings, online forms and a scientific phone survey. He listed upcoming informational meetings (beginning with a session tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Jackson Middle School and additional sessions at Jefferson Middle School, Westmore Elementary and a virtual option) and directed residents to d45.org/referendum for more information.
Graber said the district is committed to fiscal responsibility and exploring all efficiency options, but that the referendum represents the community's preferred option to avoid the cuts discussed.
The board did not take action on school district business; Graber's remarks were informational and part of the public comment period. The district will appear on the March 17 consolidated election ballot.
