Referendum November 2024

Central CUSD301 continues to face enrollment pressures that are straining our facilities and resources, impacting students and staff across all grade levels. We are already at full capacity—not just in our elementary schools, but throughout most of the district. According to Rob Schwarz, CEO of RSP & Associates, the Planning for the Future analysis states that the District’s “future facility plan should focus on increasing total District capacity to relieve challenges” and “implementing other objectives to enhance the student learning experience” (p. 74). The future challenge is seen in the RSP document, page 31, which reflects the growth the District has seen each decade alongside the development table, page 33, that shows the impact that current and future development will have on the District over the next 10 years. The District has developed a long-term solution that will answer the challenges at all levels (elementary, middle and high school). On August 19, 2024, the Central 301 Board of Education approved a resolution to place a $224.6 million referendum to build and equip a new high school on the November 5 General Election ballot. This proposal is a strategic response to our current and future needs, addressing both space limitations and program expansion across all levels. As outlined in the Planning for the Future analysis by Rob Schwarz of RSP, ongoing construction developments will continue to impact Central CUSD301’s capacity. Our approach is to implement a forward-looking plan that equips our students with the skills and opportunities needed to compete not just locally, but on a global scale—whether they pursue technical careers or post-secondary education. We must ensure our students have access to the same opportunities as their peers worldwide. The referendum language that will be on the November 5 ballot is as follows:

Shall the Board of Education of Central Community Unit School District Number 301, Kane and DeKalb Counties, Illinois, build and equip a new high school building, including construction of career technical education labs, fine arts spaces, a college/career center, special education classrooms, collaborative spaces and secured entryways and installation of emergency response systems therein, build and equip an outdoor athletic stadium, a field house and athletic fields on the new high school site, improve sites and roadways and issue its bonds to the amount of $224,600,000 for the purpose of paying costs thereof?

The proposed referendum will address critical capacity and facility needs in Central CUSD301:

• New High School: Our district is committed to pursuing the most fiscally responsible and transparent solution for our community’s growth needs. The proposed new high school addresses current space limitations across the district while providing long-term benefits. This facility will alleviate overcrowding, providing expanded parking for students and guests, and enhance learning opportunities with increased science labs and career technical spaces. Additionally, the plan includes improved fine arts facilities, dedicated areas for art and music, and a state-of-the-art auditorium designed as a multipurpose space. This auditorium will accommodate lectures, guest speakers, multiple class presentations, and can also function as a testing center, offering flexibility and functionality for our students. The building will also provide key student service spaces where students can meet with their guidance counselors, social workers, and other staff to support college and career planning, as well as address social-emotional needs. This project is designed to meet the growing needs of our district responsibly, ensuring that our educational infrastructure remains robust and future-ready. 
• Reutilization of Current High School: Transforming our current high school into a middle school will unify 6th to 8th-grade students, fostering a more cohesive and enriched learning environment. With the recent $11 million, 20-classroom addition, we have expanded space to accommodate our students and provide access to upgraded facilities, including specialized classrooms and labs, fine arts spaces, and a dedicated auditorium. This will significantly enhance educational opportunities and prepare students for future academic success. This will provide us the opportunity to maintain more full-time faculty across core subjects, electives (art, technical education, and music), and student support services in order to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction. The improved physical education facilities will also promote wellness and teamwork. This move optimizes resources and delivers a comprehensive middle school experience that equips students for success in high school and beyond.
• Expanded Elementary Capacity: Converting Prairie Knolls into a fifth elementary school will address current and projected growth, particularly on the district’s east side, where the majority of our students reside.  This plan will provide flexible spaces for various uses and provide individual teaching spaces for service providers, (such as reading interventionists, special education, multilingual learners, etc.), thereby reducing scheduling challenges and minimizing the need for part-time and split positions. By eliminating mobile classrooms, all students will be safely inside the building, reducing exposure to safety risks and fostering a stronger sense of community. This change will lead to improved transportation efficiency, reducing time students spend on buses. Smaller schools make it easier to connect with and know each child, creating a stronger sense of belonging for students and families. Adding a fifth elementary school will allow us to create smaller, more manageable learning communities, which research shows can enhance student achievement, improve social-emotional development, and strengthen connections between families and school staff. This approach aligns with best practices in neighboring districts and fosters a more personalized, community-oriented educational environment, where students and families feel supported and engaged.
• Early Childhood Center: Transforming Central Middle School into a dedicated Early Childhood (EC) Center will enhance our early education offerings. This change will provide a consistent and tailored educational experience for young learners, facilitate better coordination and collaboration among educators, and address overcrowding in elementary schools. Additionally, the center’s proximity to the high school opens opportunities for an expanded early childhood education pathway, potentially allowing high school students to engage in relevant internships or volunteer opportunities. With the ability to accommodate more students, this EC Center will help reduce waitlists and more effectively meet the needs of our community.

These changes are intended to manage enrollment growth and ensure our district has adequate space and resources to meet the educational needs of all students effectively. This plan is designed to maintain a cohesive educational experience and prepare our students for future success.

BOND & INTEREST TAX RATE

TAX CALCULATOR

The “Homestead Exemption” is generally yes if the homeowner is residing in the home. The other questions are dependent on your personal situation. For questions regarding exemption eligibility please go to https://assessments.kanecountyil.gov.

*It is important to note that Central 301 does not control other aspects of your property tax bill, such as your assessed home value and other taxing entities. 

RSP & ASSOCIATES ANALYSIS: Student Enrollment and Building Utilization Analysis

During a recent Board of Education meeting, Robert Schwarz, CEO of RSP & Associates, presented findings from a comprehensive student enrollment and building utilization analysis. This study was completed based on community request and interest. 

• Population, Development & Enrollment: The analysis denotes that benchmark data used in their analysis reflected that there is a correlation between population, building activity and school enrollment, which reflects that the District will likely see continued enrollment growth. Additionally, the vacancy rate (inventory of homes available) is lower than surrounding geographic areas.
• Enrollment is forecasted to increase in all grade levels for the next five years: The District’s enrollment is forecasted to experience growth of 8.8%, with 4.6% at the elementary, 10% at the middle school and 14.3% at the high school. 
• Projected Enrollment for the 10-year outlook:
  • District enrollment is forecasted to increase by 742 students, totalling enrollment to 6883 students by 2033-2034 school year (+15%); 
  • Elementary enrollment totaling 2,542 students (+10.9%); 
  • Middle School enrollment totaling 1336 students (+13.8%); and 
  • High School enrollment totaling 1805 students (+22.5%) 

New Housing Developments: Approximately 5,000 new housing units are projected within the next 10 years, primarily on the northeast side of the district.

• Housing Development Activity Over Time by Decade:
  • 1980-1989 – 823 new units
  • 1990-1999 – 1,107 new units
  • 2000-2009 – 2,307 new units
  • 2010-2019 – 1,319 new units
  • 2020-Present – 853 new units
• Housing Development Analysis:
  • Current growth potential – 422 additional potential units
  • 5-year growth potential – 2,712 additional potential units
  • 10-year growth potential – 1,830 additional potential units
    • Total Growth potential – 4,964 additional potential units

The upcoming referendum decision will significantly impact the future of our school district. We encourage all community members to stay informed, participate in upcoming discussions, and exercise their right to vote.

ENGAGEMENT MATTERS: YOUR PARTICIPATION MATTERS TOO

The Central 301 community is invited to join us for the “301 Design Dive,” a unique opportunity to engage in an interactive conversation about the future of our schools. This is more than just a discussion about a proposed new high school building; it’s a chance to explore blueprints and envision the potential layouts for several key facilities:

• Prairie Knolls as a 5th Elementary School
• The Current Central Middle School Building as an Early Childhood Center
• The Current Central High School as a Unified Middle School

At the “301 Design Dive,” you’ll have the opportunity to review designs, share your feedback, and engage in discussions with district leaders and fellow community members. This hands-on event is designed for you to ask questions and provide input on the future of our district.

Event Details (Light Refreshments Provided)

• September 11th at Central High School
• September 12th at Prairie Knolls Middle School
• Time: 6 PM to 8 PM

Please fill out the sign-up form to let us know you’ll be attending. Your input is invaluable as we move forward together.

VOTER QUALIFICATIONS

In order to vote, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• 18 years old by November 5, 2024
• A resident of your precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day

HOW TO REGISTER

• You may register to vote online through the Illinois State Board of Elections up to 16 days before the election.
• You may register to vote in person at various locations across Illinois up to 27 days before the election.
• Not sure if you are already registered? Check Here.

WAYS TO VOTE

• Vote By Mail: You may now request a vote-by-mail application from your county clerk.
  • Kane County – Vote-By-Mail Request
  • Kane County – Official Ballot Drop Box Locations – TBD
  • DeKalb County – Election Information
• Early Voting: September 26 – November 4.
  • Kane County Clerk’s office in Geneva and Aurora satellite office only.
• Extended Early Voting: October 21 – November 4. Expanded early voting takes place at multiple locations the two (2) weeks prior to the election. See below for early voting locations:
  • Kane County Early Voting Information
• Need Assistance? Click Here.

Have Questions?

Email us at referendum@central301.net with your questions and visit our FAQ page for more information.