Frequently Asked Questions

NEW! Is this District fiscally responsible?

Yes!  Salt Creek District 48 is audited each year by an outside agency. We have consistently received a financial profile score of “Recognition” 4.0/4.0, which is the highest rating a district can receive from the Illinois State Board of Education. 

In addition, the District has NO DEBT. The Board has worked diligently over the last 15 years to ensure we are providing our teachers and students everything they need for a high-quality educational experience, all while keeping our facilities clean and working appropriately. We had a small referendum in 2016, and we paid our debt - in full and early. 

NEW! Why is the District’s budget not balanced?

The district's budget is intentionally not balanced at this time. We're strategically utilizing our fund balances to address long-overdue infrastructure improvements and to prepare for future capital projects. This proactive approach allows us to:

• Prioritize essential projects: This year, we have invested in updating our interactive smartboards in each classroom, renovating our parking lots, pouring new concrete where there were tripping hazards, and replacing the roof. All of these improvements were necessary projects that enhanced the learning environment and improved school facilities.

• Accelerate the referendum process: By pre-funding design and planning costs, we can expedite the referendum timeline and avoid delays. This ensures that projects can commence promptly after voter approval.

• Build a strong financial foundation: We recently set aside $7 million in our capital projects fund and will be using a portion of this for the Safe Schools | Secure Futures Plan. By setting aside funds for future capital needs, we're securing the district's long-term financial stability. 

While this approach may temporarily increase expenditures, it's a sound financial strategy that positions the district for future success.

Why is Salt Creek District 48 putting a bond measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot?

District 48 seeks to address high-priority needs, including improving safety and security by creating secure vestibules at all three schools, increasing ADA accessibility, and enhancing traffic flow, as well as educational and extracurricular programming. If the referendum is approved the District will have enough space to meet increased enrollment and be equipped to meet the needs of students of today and in the future. 

How can I learn more about the proposed solutions?

The District will be doing several mailings and posting information on the website and social media throughout the fall. Three interactive informational meetings have been scheduled. Q&A will follow the presentations, and architectural renderings will be on display. Residents are encouraged to review materials, visit the District website, and attend one of the meetings. All presentations will be identical so please attend the one most convenient for you.

Tuesday, September 24           6pm                Albright Middle School 1110 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park

Saturday, October 5                  9am                Salt Creek Primary 980 S. Riverside, Elmhurst

Wednesday, October 23           6pm                Stella May Swartz School 17w160 16th, Oakbrook Terr.

How much will this increase my taxes?

Click HERE to use the Tax Calculator to generate an estimated tax impact based on the value of your home. 

Did the District consider building one new school or consolidating into two buildings? 

Yes, the board explored this option. Preliminary estimates for building a single school were nearly double what is being proposed. None of the three sites the District owns is quite large enough to support the necessary expansion, which would require an “urban response”— an architecture plan that would include a 4–5 story building. Consolidation would also increase traffic in already congested areas. Community members raised other concerns, including  the risk of losing our Salt Creek identity and “small school feel.”  Families favored having primary, intermediate, and middle school students at different schools.   Other factors for renovating our three schools rather than consolidating into one or two schools include:

• There is strong community support to protect and preserve our historic small schools as grade-level centers 

• Many residents never leave, or they move back to the District so their children can attend these iconic schools, meaning they like the schools as they are currently structured within the three different communities (even though they could use some updates). 

• Renovation of our three schools is a much more sustainable approach and much less expensive than repurposing two of our schools and building a brand new one-school building 

When was the last time a referendum was approved by taxpayers?

In November 2016, the voters approved an $8,000,000 referendum to pay for essential repairs of the Salt Creek Primary, Albright Middle, Stella May Swartz School Buildings, and the Maintenance Building. The bonds were retired in the 2021 levy year (FY2023). Tax rate debt service in 2021 was $.2278 or $284.49 on a $325,000 market-value home.

Why is the district proposing a 25-year bond? That is a long period of time. 

In November 2016, our community approved an $8,000,000 referendum to address immediate infrastructure needs. That six-year bond served its purpose well, but our district's growing needs require a more substantial, long-term solution. We are now proposing a $48,000,000 bond over 25 years to ensure the sustainability and improvement of our facilities, which will enhance the educational environment for our students.

The previous bond was crucial in addressing immediate concerns, but it was always a short-term solution. As our district continues to grow, our infrastructure needs have expanded far beyond what was addressed in 2016. The proposed 25-year bond will allow us to tackle these issues comprehensively, ensuring that our schools can support future generations of students.

A 25-year bond provides the financial stability needed to undertake large-scale projects that would be impossible with shorter-term financing. This approach spreads the cost over a longer period, making it more manageable for taxpayers while allowing the district to invest in critical infrastructure that will last for decades.

While the proposed bond will result in an annual tax impact of $381 on a $325,000 market-value home, this increase is necessary to address the significant improvements needed. Compared to the 2021 debt service tax rate of $284.49, the additional $96.51 per year represents a modest increase when considering the long-term benefits. This investment will ensure that our schools remain safe, modern, and conducive to learning.

Our community has always supported its schools, recognizing the importance of education in shaping the future. The proposed $48,000,000 bond over 25 years is a prudent, necessary investment in our children's education and the future of our community. These enhancements will ensure that our schools remain a source of pride and a pillar of our community for many years to come.

Do we really need to add STEM, Art, and Music rooms at Salt Creek Primary?

Yes. Our enrollment has been steady and slightly increasing in recent years. Salt Creek Primary has always faced challenges with limited classroom space, and finding adequate areas for staff to meet with students or hold important meetings has been difficult. The planned reconfiguration of the main office, which includes the nurse’s office, along with the addition of ADA-accessible restrooms and dedicated spaces for related service personnel such as social workers, English Language support, and occupational therapists, would result in the loss of three current classrooms.

The addition of STEM, Art, and Music rooms is necessary. This will not only allow us to maintain three classrooms for each grade level but also enable us to renovate our aging restroom facilities and provide appropriate spaces for our related service personnel. Moreover, these new spaces will be built with the curriculum needs of art/stem/and music in mind, features that were impossible to include within their current classroom spaces.  (Soundproofing for music, kiln ventilation for ceramic art, etc.) The new features will inspire creativity and inquiry and, in addition, offer much-needed meeting areas for teachers and parents to discuss important issues. These improvements are necessary to maintain the current building capacity and are crucial for enhancing the learning environment and meeting the needs of our students and staff.

What happens if the referendum does not pass?

If the D48 referendum is not passed in November, the District will need to regroup and prioritize these important plans. The District may need to consider reductions to programs and services in order to fund essential building projects. The needs in the buildings will not go away, and, in fact, costs will only increase over time. 

How would the District ensure safety and minimize disruptions to students, staff, and neighbors during construction? 

District 48 is committed to ensuring the safety of students, staff, visitors, and neighbors during construction. The work would be completed in phases, and every effort would be made to ensure that demolition and heavy construction occur during summer when students are out of the buildings. Noise and air quality will be monitored throughout the project. All workers on site would be required to submit to a criminal background check and would remain within the construction area during school hours.  We will be sure to provide additional details as construction plans are developed.

What will the ballot question look like?

“Shall the Board of Education of Salt Creek School District Number 48, DuPage County, Illinois, improve the sites of, build and equip additions to, and alter, repair and equip the Salt Creek Elementary, Stella May Swartz Elementary and Albright Middle School Buildings, including installing safety and security improvements, constructing secure entrances, increasing accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, renovating bathrooms, adding classrooms and improving traffic flow at Salt Creek Elementary School, and replacing the gymnasium at Albright Middle School, and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $48,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?” 

Key Voting Dates and Information

• First day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot: Aug. 7

• In-person early voting: Oct. 21-Nov. 4

• Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot: Oct. 31 (Nov. 5 is last day mail ballots can be postmarked)

• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024

• Same-day registration is available at all polling places.

• Find your polling place and other voter information here: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/elected_officials/election_and_voter_information/