Superintendent urges board to consider placing county 1% school facility tax on May 4 agenda

Superintendent Dr. Mendoza asked the Round Lake Area Board of Education on April 20 whether the board wanted to place a proposed countywide 1% school facility sales tax on the board’s May 4 agenda for action.

Dr. Mendoza said a countywide 1% sales tax (a voter-approved option available to school districts for facility-related capital expenses) is estimated to generate about $120,000,000 countywide; based on current enrollment, he said Round Lake CUSD 116’s share could be more than $6,000,000 for projects such as new construction, renovations and heating, ventilation and air-safety upgrades. He noted that funds from this tax cannot be used for operating expenses except in explicitly listed circumstances on a ballot measure (for example, specified health service personnel). He also stressed that placing the question on the ballot requires a separate authorization process: enough districts must pass resolutions so that districts representing at least 50.1% of the county’s student enrollment authorize it before it appears on the ballot.

“Tonight I wanted to ask the board if there’s consensus, certainly maybe not unanimity, in putting it on the May 4 agenda for action,” Dr. Mendoza said. Several board members indicated support for adding it to the next meeting’s agenda. Dr. Mendoza said the district would ensure transparent communication with the community and that, if placed on the ballot, the board would explain options for how any revenue could be used (for facilities, property-tax abatement or other specified uses).

No formal ballot measure was placed on the ballot at this meeting; the board agreed to add the item to the May 4 agenda so the full board can consider formal action and potential next steps.