Shorewood electors create $1.375M capital expansion fund and approve $26.28M tax levy

Shorewood electors voted to create a capital expansion fund and to levy $26,280,644 for the 2025–26 school year, the meeting chair announced after both motions passed by voice vote.

The motion to create the capital expansion fund directed that “a tax in the amount of $1,375,000 be levied for the 2025–26 school year to be deposited in the capital expansion fund” for financing remodeling, maintenance, repair and improvement projects, the resolution read and the meeting chair moved it for a vote. Tony Sedita moved the resolution and John Grove seconded; the chair called for voices and the motion carried.

The electors then approved the full property tax levy for 2025–26, which the chair read as $26,280,644, including the $1,375,000 for the capital expansion fund. Ellen Ackman moved the levy and Nathan Hammonds seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters: the capital fund is intended to direct money toward maintenance and repair needs across district facilities without shifting those costs into operating budgets. School officials had previously described about $16.3 million in capital maintenance needs to keep existing buildings and systems in their current condition.

What to watch next: school officials said certification of final property values by the State Department of Revenue in October could adjust the district’s final mill rate and individual tax bills, and the board continues community engagement on broader financial planning and potential future referendum choices.

The annual meeting also approved elector-authorized items on board compensation and expense reimbursement and authorized the board to set the date for the 2026 annual meeting. The meeting adjourned without objection.