FAQs

Voter approval for the Hanover Park Regional High School District's Facility Improvement Plan would replace the main infrastructure of our facilities, many of which are original from the buildings' inceptions and are being used on a continual basis for academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Repairs have been costly; and sometimes, cost prohibitive. We have now reached the point that we must invest a considerable amount of money to make necessary improvements. If you have a question related to the Facility Improvement Plan which is not answered below, please contact the district via email at referendum@hpreg.org.

What is a bond referendum?

A bond referendum is a voting process in which a public school district seeks permission from the public to borrow funds through the sale of bonds. A bond is like a loan to the district that finances large-scale improvements by spreading payments over time. One key reason school districts rely on this funding tools is that it makes the district eligible for state aid to offset the local cost of the projects.

These projects cost more than what the district's annual operating budget can fund in a timely manner. Funding these improvements through the bond referendum process offers the advantage of additional state aid and spreads repayments over time.

Why is now a good time for a bond referendum?

The district's goal is to continually invest in repairs and renovations while keeping the tax rate level. The district has current debt which will expire in 2026. Through this new referendum, new debt will be added onto the current debt in 2024, keeping affordability consistent. Debt can always be refinanced in the future.

With projected additional housing to be built within the communities, how will this affect our schools?

Given the current classroom space available at each high school and its ability to house a rotational subject-specific schedule, the district is able to absorb additional students into its current population with a minimal impact on its current classroom space. This project would allow our facilities to be improved and updated.

How would these improvements benefit residents who do not have students enrolled?

Replacing aging equipment with more efficient systems reduces the cost for repairs and energy. Receiving state aid to share the cost of this project is another bonus, but only happens with a voter approved referendum.

What happens if project costs are lower than estimates?

If costs for the projects are lower than estimated, the money is used to reduce the debt, and therefore, reduce taxes. While the district has thoroughly researched the project costs, a contingency is built into the total cost in case the estimates do not accurately predict the future. The district cannot spend more than the amount the voters authorize and cannot spend money on anything except the projects outlined in the proposal.

Why are voting polls only open from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2022?

The district strives to provide convenience for all of its voters. School safety is paramount when hosting elections on school property. This was the primary reason that the district decided to host the election after school hours. In addition, given the guidance we received from our professional experts, it may become difficult to obtain necessary election workers for a long day on a special election. Vote by mail is always an option as well.