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Board reviews facilities audit and explores life safety bond options to address deferred needs
Summary
The Gavin School District 37 board reviewed a comprehensive facilities audit and discussed pursuing a life safety bond (allowed under Illinois law without a referendum) with consultant cost examples showing $61–$240 annual homeowner impacts depending on bond size and term.
The Gavin School District 37 Board of Education reviewed a comprehensive facilities audit and discussed pursuing a life safety bond to fund Phase One infrastructure improvements.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Schwartz presented audit findings and consultant cost estimates, citing Ms. Tammy Schallmo's figures: "For a five-year bond on a median home value of $231,100, a $1 million bond would cost approximately $61 annually, $2 million would be $120 annually, with $3 million estimated at $180 and $4 million at approximately $240 annually." He noted a ten-year bond would roughly halve those amounts.
The facilities audit, presented by district facilities lead Diana Miletich Wester, examined systems across the district—fire alarms, tuckpointing, blacktop, windows, roofs, air conditioners and compressors—and concluded that many items are at or near the end of their useful life. Dr. Schwartz said the district faces a roughly $220,000 operating deficit this year and is seeking alternative funding sources to avoid waiting for failures before replacing equipment.
Board members discussed financial trade-offs and timing. Dr. Schwartz reminded the Board that any new life safety bond costs would be additive to the district's 2018 referendum bond, which currently costs the median-valued homeowner about $114 annually and is scheduled to be paid off in 2039. He also said the district is exploring revenue options that might reduce the need for larger future bonds.
Why it matters: The Board is weighing a funding path that would let the district address critical safety and infrastructure needs without a public referendum. The decision affects local homeowners through incremental property-tax impacts and sets priorities for capital work in coming years.
Next steps: The Board heard the discussion but did not vote on issuing a life safety bond at the March 18 meeting; staff will provide more detailed cost scenarios and potential project lists for future consideration.
