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We are one of the most fiscally conservative districts in the region. Our tax rate is second lowest among all our neighboring districts, we always operate with a balanced budget, and we deliberately maintain the lowest fund balance in the region—we see that as good stewardship of our community’s tax dollars. We haven’t passed a referendum since 1987, despite receiving limited funding from federal and state sources. As a result, our funding levels are among the lowest in the region, but we make do with what we have, actively maintaining our facilities while focusing every possible dollar into classrooms to benefit students.
But without additional funding, meeting the state’s mandate will require the district to reallocate existing resources, leading to increased class sizes and cuts to programs and services districtwide. For a community that takes so much pride in our high-quality education, this is not the future we want for our kids. Especially since it would also likely hurt our property values as prospective home buyers begin to look elsewhere.
That’s why our community has come together to develop a fiscally responsible plan to address these challenges. In March of 2024, voters narrowly rejected a $25.5 million referendum, requesting changes to make it more affordable. We listened and reduced the number of projects, which lowered the referendum’s cost by $6.2 million and the average tax impact by 25%.
This new, more affordable $19.3 million plan will appear on the April 1st ballot, with a reduced annual tax impact of $349 for the average home.
Please utilize the tax calculator below to determine your tax impact.
Financial Overview
Financial Overview
Property taxes are the main source of revenue for District 23. The District maintains low fund balances (cash on hand). This means that D23 does not have the means to improve the schools without issuing taxpayer approved bonds.
The District develops a balanced budget each year that prioritizes the use of tax revenue to support both general and special education instruction through the purchase of classroom supplies and materials, specialized services, equipment, maintenance, and repair. Thoughtfully spending what we receive each year does not allow the District an opportunity to build up savings for major construction projects. As responsible stewards of the taxpayers' tax dollars, we feel strongly that it is our obligation to maintain the community's investment in the facilities, programs and people that make District 23 such an awesome place for teaching and learning.
The District 23 Fund Balance Policy sets a target of 33% for its June 30th Operating Fund Balance. The District finished the FY24 year in “Review” status from ISBE, with a goal of rebuilding the fund balances over the next several years.
This new, more affordable $19.3 million plan will appear on the April 1st ballot, with a reduced annual tax impact of $349 for the average home.
This new, more affordable $19.3 million plan will appear on the April 1st ballot, with a reduced annual tax impact of $349 for the average home.
With a successful referendum, District 23 would still have the third lowest tax rate compared to surrounding districts.
With a successful referendum, District 23 would still have the third lowest tax rate compared to surrounding districts.
89% of revenue is derived from local, largely residential, property taxes.
89% of revenue is derived from local, largely residential, property taxes.
District 23 efficiently and responsibly allocates the District's funds to directly impact our classrooms. 94.55% of District revenue is spent on Instruction and Support Services
District 23 efficiently and responsibly allocates the District's funds to directly impact our classrooms. 94.55% of District revenue is spent on Instruction and Support Services
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