Sycamore Community City board approves resolution to begin 6.95-mill levy process, split favors operational flexibility

The Sycamore Community City Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a resolution of necessity to begin the process of placing a 6.95-mill levy before voters, with staff modeling the package as a 5.0‑mill allocation to operations and 1.95 mills for permanent improvements. The motion was moved by Mrs. Bidder and seconded by Mr. Balot and approved by roll call.

District operations staff told the board the district currently operates with a $4.1 million capital allocation moved from the general fund and that major spending this year includes a $2.23 million roofing program. Director of operations Mr. Zimmerly presented consultant estimates that the district faces approximately $28.29 million in facility and mechanical needs over the next five years, producing a projected multi‑year shortfall if the district maintains current funding levels.

"When you look at that from a funding standpoint ... if you take 4.1 and multiply it across five years, there's a shortfall there," Mr. Zimmerly said, describing tradeoffs in purchases (for example, fewer buses per cycle) and the phased nature of major projects. Staff modeled options that would keep the total levy ask under 7 mills while either locking funds into a capital (permanent improvements) account or allocating more to operations for flexibility.

Board members said the practical difference between certain modeled splits was relatively small but that preserving flexibility—so funds can be moved to address unexpected operational needs—was important. "If you approve five into operations and 1.95 into PI, you can still move what you need," one board member said in discussion, reflecting the board’s preference for a model that balances capital commitments with operational adaptability.

Next steps: staff said they will file the resolution with the district’s counsel (Dinsmore) and the county and will return to the board with additional timeline information and a resolution to proceed. The board noted that a separate resolution to proceed and the public‑facing outreach and timeline will be scheduled before a final ballot placement.

Votes at a glance • Resolution of necessity (levy modeled as 5.0 mills operations, 1.95 mills PI): moved by Mrs. Bidder; second Mr. Balot; vote: 5–0, approved. • Resolution supporting public education and opposing expansion of state‑funded vouchers: moved by Mrs. Bidder; second Dr. James; vote: 5–0, approved. • Administrative handbook approval: motion moved and seconded; vote: 5–0, approved (version 1.0; district plans annual updates). • St. Cecilia food‑service agreement: moved and seconded; vote: 5–0, approved. • Class of 2026 graduation list: moved and seconded; vote: 5–0, approved. • Treasurer’s resolution accepting amounts and rates for certification to county auditor: moved and seconded; vote: 5–0, approved. • Personnel consent agenda, field trips and other routine items: all moved/seconded and approved by roll call.

Why this matters: District staff and board members said the levy is intended to protect facility investments voters previously approved in 2019 by creating a dedicated finance stream for maintenance and capital projects while preserving the district’s ability to respond to urgent operational needs. Staff emphasized rising construction and equipment costs and said the modeled levy seeks to balance transparency to taxpayers with practical flexibility for the district.

What’s next: Filing with counsel and the county to set the legal timeline, followed by a proposed resolution to proceed and community communications specifying the levy ask and how funds would be used.