Referendum 2024 FAQ
We have compiled the information below in response to questions we have received from the community regarding Central 301 Referendum for November 2024. We encourage you to check back often as we will continue to update this page as questions are received.
Central 301 Referendum November 2024 FAQ
How was this plan developed?
In September 2022, we initiated a series of focus groups with community members to explore potential solutions for addressing the District’s growing needs. Participants were invited to attend two in-person sessions and/or one online group, where four different options were presented and discussed.
Since these initial discussions, the District has continued to engage with the community, hosting over 15 additional events to share and explain the proposed plan. Throughout this process, we have sought to gather input, answer questions, and provide transparency, ensuring that the final proposal reflects the needs and priorities of our growing community.
What is included within this plan and what are the benefits?
If successful, the referendum will allow us to:
- Convert the current high school into a middle school, which will bring together all 6th through 8th grade students and staff into one unified learning environment. The new 20-classroom addition will give us the space we need and provide access to updated facilities, fostering a cohesive middle school experience. This addition was achieved through responsible planning and conservative fiscal management, utilizing district funds with no need for additional tax-payer funding.
- Add a fifth elementary school on the east side of the district, where most of our students live. This will create additional room to better support our special education, English learners, and students with reading challenges. Removing the current mobile units will reduce exposure to safety risks and strengthen the sense of community within the school.
- Convert Central Middle School into an early childhood center, offering a consistent, specialized education for younger students while easing overcrowding in our elementary schools. The conversion also opens up new opportunities for high school students interested in pursuing careers in education, by providing hands-on experience in early childhood education.
- Build a new high school, addressing space limitations and enrollment growth across the District, allowing us to maintain a single high school. The plan includes enhancements to essential facilities such as student parking, cafeteria space, and wider hallways to ease congestion during passing periods. Additionally, it will support the needs of our feeder athletic programs, as the District also serves as the park district for the community.
If approved, what is the timeline for construction and opening the new building?
If the referendum is approved, the new high school would take approximately 2.5 years to complete. The project would begin in the spring of 2025 and we would expect most of the site work, particularly related to sports fields and overall site improvements, to be completed by the spring of 2028. By spring/summer of 2028, all necessary furniture, equipment, and school-related items would be installed to ensure the building is fully prepared for students and staff when it opens.
Under this scenario, renovations would be completed within the same timeframe for the conversion of Prairie Knolls Middle School to an additional elementary school, Central Middle School to an early childhood center, and the current Central High School to a single, unified middle school for the District. We would continue to use the existing buildings while renovations were being completed, with much of the needed work taking place during the summers. All four buildings would be ready for students at the start of the 2028-2029 academic year.
Where will the new high school be built if approved?
If approved, the new high school will be built on the District’s property located at 9N636 IL Route 47, Elgin. This property is adjacent to our current central campus, just south of Plato Road.
Why is the referendum needed?
Our district is experiencing significant growth in student enrollment, which is straining our facilities and resources across all grade levels. Many of our schools are already at full capacity, and this trend is expected to continue. Rob Schwarz, CEO of RSP & Associates, has highlighted that we need to increase district capacity to alleviate these pressures and maintain a high-quality learning environment. The data also indicates that future development over the next decade will further contribute to this growth, making it essential to plan and expand now to meet the needs of our students and community.
Why do we need to do this now?
Each of our buildings (with the exception of Central Middle School) is already at or above functional capacity. Each elementary school, as well as Central High School, are currently utilizing mobile units. As reflected in a third-party enrollment study, several new housing developments are expected to or have already been started within our boundaries, resulting in expected continued enrollment growth into the future.
It can take several years to plan for and build additional schools. Building a high school now will open up capacity not just at the high school but also at the middle school and elementary levels. If we were to build an elementary school first, another referendum would be required within a few years to build additional buildings to accommodate growth at the secondary level.
What are the options if the referendum doesn’t pass?
Central 301’s Board of Education has placed a referendum on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 election to meet the District’s projected future population growth. By building a new high school, moving all middle school students together at the current high school building, converting Prairie Knolls Middle School to a fifth elementary school, and creating an early childhood center at the current Central Middle School, we believe we can create the space we need to educate our students for years to come.
In the event the November 5 referendum does not pass, the District will need to address the anticipated enrollment growth in other ways. Possible actions under consideration include*:
- Shifting existing attendance boundaries
- Adding more mobile classrooms
- Shifting grade levels to different buildings
- Implementing a hybrid or split schedule
- Increasing class sizes across all levels
- Requiring “specials,” such as music, art and health, to be taught from a cart or in an alternate location
- Limiting the expansion of skilled trades or vocational programs
Even if we implement these actions, they are not a permanent fix, and a future referendum may still be needed in order to manage anticipated growth in the long term. You can view the full presentation about our enrollment challenge, anticipated growth, and possible options shared at the September 23, 2024 Board of Education meeting by clicking here.
*It’s important to note that, if the referendum passes, some of these actions may still be necessary in the short term, as construction of a new high school and the related building conversions will not be completed until 2028.
What will we see on the November ballot?
To provide the necessary space for the current and future growth of District 301, the Central CUSD 301 Board of Education voted to place the following referendum language on the November 5, 2024, general election:
Are there other funding sources that could be used to pay for a new school?
Central 301 regularly applies for and receives funding – such as grants – from multiple outside sources. These funds are used to meet a variety of District needs. However, there is no current funding available to us from private, corporate, state, or federal grant sources to build a new school building. At this time, school districts must provide their own funding for such projects.
The District does work with local officials to help ensure development impact fees are established for new housing developments in the District. These fees can help to defray the cost of expanding, modifying, or building new infrastructure. Additionally, we have worked with developers to donate land for our schools. For example, the land for Country Trails Elementary School was donated.
However, while these contributions are valuable, they are not sufficient to cover the full cost of new schools and expansions needed to keep pace with our growing student population. The reality is that the demand for educational facilities outpaces what can be funded solely through developer contributions.
We are working with our engineering and construction management teams to monitor for any grants that could become available to help cover costs for individual portions of the project, such as for energy systems. We will continue to look for opportunities to reduce the financial burden on our community while meeting the physical and educational needs of our students.
Have District boundaries been adjusted recently?
Our district boundaries have not changed since the early 1950’s. We don’t have any plans to expand or change those boundaries.
Can we just change the school boundaries and send the kids to different districts?
As a public school district, we cannot deny any student who lives within our boundaries from enrolling. While it’s legally possible to change district boundaries, the process is complicated. It would involve getting approval from the Regional Office of Education or the State Superintendent. This process would require a vote by the school board and petitions from voters living in the area being proposed for a change.
Our school district boundaries have been in place for a long time, and we have no plans to change them. Any changes would also need agreement from other school districts, which we do not plan to pursue.
Can we add on to PKMS?
We suspect the requested area for the parking lot was originally used as a location where good soil was excavated and poor soil was placed during the initial high school’s construction as that is what is shown in the original construction drawings. The soil there may not be stable, and fixing it may involve removing large amounts of it or using special methods to make the ground suitable for parking. This process would increase both the time and cost of the project. We are, however, undertaking additional soil studies to evaluate this situation.
There is a ditch and detention basin near the area, and while we don’t think it’s officially classified as a wetland, we will still need to confirm this with Kane County and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, since the parking lot would be located near a stormwater management system that handles rainwater runoff from the western half of the site, we would likely need to expand this system to prevent flooding, which could further increase the project’s complexity and cost.
Lastly, there are also safety concerns related to traffic in this area. Vehicles entering the campus may not slow down before reaching a pedestrian crossing, and students tend to cross roadways wherever they wish if they can see a direct route. To improve safety, we would likely need to move part of the parking lot entrance and possibly relocate the sidewalk crossing to make it safer for students and others walking in the area.
Can we construct a temporary gravel parking lot to the right of the main entrance at the current high school to provide more parking?
The original plans for PKMS did include an option to add additional classrooms to the academic hallways on the north side of the building. An addition to PKMS would create more classrooms that could be used for core content classes. However, an addition would create some challenges and would not provide the additional space that an increased enrollment would require, such as for physical education, art, music, and career and technical education programs. This would limit the educational opportunities our middle schoolers would have available to them.
As we look ahead, the District’s goal is to find a solution that ensures our students have the space, resources, and educational opportunities they need to thrive.
Why do we need to offer CTE courses to our students?
Our district is committed to providing diverse opportunities that prepare students for a range of future careers, including both college-bound pathways and skilled trades. The inclusion of programs such as welding, automotive repair, biomedical sciences, and veterinary assistant, etc., reflects the evolving needs and interests of our students and the job market. However, we currently face challenges in offering these critical courses to all interested students due to high demand. Welding, manufacturing, and automotive classes are often filled to capacity, leaving students on a waitlist. This limits their access to essential skills that are directly applicable to the workforce and vital for future career success.
To address this, we aim to expand our Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings by integrating fields that are essential for success in today’s interconnected world. Our goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that incorporates both traditional trades and cutting-edge technologies. These programs are designed to provide students with hands-on experience and skills directly applicable to the workforce, and they are also essential to meet state educational mandates. According to the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act (110 ILCS 148/), Illinois schools are required to provide educational opportunities that promote postsecondary and career readiness, which is commonly referred to as career pathways. The Act recognizes that high school graduates often require remedial education and lack the skills necessary to succeed in high-demand occupational areas.
By offering a broad range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, our district is addressing these gaps and aligning our curriculum with the Act’s goals. However, the breadth of what we currently offer is limited, and we are not yet able to meet the full scope of needs that would prepare our students to be globally competitive. This includes expanding access to vital programs like welding, manufacturing, and automotive technologies, which are crucial in reducing the need for remedial education and meeting the demands of Illinois employers for a skilled workforce
Has our school district and neighboring school districts ever considered a “Vocational Center”?
Our district is dedicated to preparing students for success in both their future careers and further education. We are involved in two key programs to offer these opportunities.
We collaborate with U-46 and D300 as part of the regional pathways program, offering specialized courses in manufacturing, welding, automotive technology, and education. Students from these districts also come to Central 301 for our veterinary assistant program. These partnerships help provide students with career-focused education by sharing resources across districts. While these programs are valuable, they pose challenges with scheduling and transportation for our students.
We also work with the Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC) in Maple Park, serving students from districts like Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, among others. The FVCC offers a variety of career and technical education programs. However, these programs come with challenges, such as scheduling conflicts, limited seats, long bus rides that reduce time for CUSD 301 courses, and limited availability of certain courses, which can sometimes discourage students from fully exploring their vocational interests.
A dedicated vocational center within our district is an appealing idea and has been discussed, but the costs are significant. Building a center would require securing construction funds and partnering with local businesses and districts. Right now, this is too expensive to pursue.
Given these challenges, we are focused on making the most of our current regional pathways and our collaboration with FVCC while exploring ways to expand our in-district offerings. We are committed to improving our facilities to better meet our students’ career and technical education needs.
Who can vote and where can I register to vote?
In order to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, be 18 years or older by November 5, 2024, and be a resident of your precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day.
You may register to vote:
- Online through the Illinois State Board of Elections up to 16 days prior to the election;
- In-person at various locations across Illinois up to 27 days before the election;
- By mail through a request for a vote-by-mail application from your county clerk:
- Kane County – Vote-By-Mail Request
- DeKalb County – Election Information
- If you are not sure if you are already registered, you can check HERE.
Early Voting: September 26 – November 4, 2024
- Kane County Clerk’s office in Geneva and Aurora satellite office only
Extended Early Voting: October 21 – November 4, 2024
- Multiple locations two (2) weeks prior to election at Kane County Early Voting.
The Finances
Why is the amount of this referendum higher than before?
We understand that $224.6 million is a significant investment, and it is not something that we take lightly.
The November 2024 referendum will fund the construction of a new high school designed to serve 2,400 students. This includes modern science labs, expanded fine arts spaces, career and technical education labs, a three-court gym, a fieldhouse, and a stadium with a track and bleachers. Additionally, the referendum covers the cost of athletic fields and sufficient parking for students, staff and visitors. The design also allows common areas and the auditorium to accommodate up to 3,000 students, meaning we can expand the building with future classroom additions when needed.
The proposed referendum also includes site work and road improvements along Route 47 as well as costs for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for the new building. Originally, we planned to cover FF&E costs using District funds, but our recent $11 million investment in classroom additions at CHS has made it necessary to include these costs in the referendum. The overall plan would convert Central High School, Prairie Knolls Middle School, and Central Middle School into other grade level centers (an estimated $5.75 – $6.25 million), but those costs would be covered through District funds, not the referendum. Lastly, construction costs continue to rise each year, further contributing to the increased cost of this referendum.
Even though the referendum amount has risen, our commitment to meeting the District’s needs in the most cost-effective way remains the same. Instead of addressing these needs through smaller, piecemeal projects over several years (which would ultimately cost more due to rising construction costs), this plan tackles everything in one comprehensive project. By investing now, we avoid the risk of even higher costs in the future.
How can we know that all of the money will be spent on a new school?
The law requires that the District use referendum funds only for the purposes established in the referendum language. As such, the $224.6 million can only be used for the purposes of constructing and equipping a new high school, including required site work, road work, and athletic fields. Costs for retrofitting other buildings will come from District fund balances and not incur additional costs to our taxpayers.
Will bonds approved by the referendum be used for salaries, benefits or other school upgrades?
No, the bonds approved by the referendum are legally restricted to funding only the specific projects outlined in the referendum. This means they cannot be used for salaries, benefits, or routine upgrades to other school facilities. Those expenses will continue to be covered by our regular operating budget, ensuring that the funds from the referendum are dedicated solely to the intended capital improvements.
If the referendum is approved, will my property taxes be impacted?
Yes, there will be a slight increase in property taxes. However, the District is committed to minimizing the impact on homeowners. We plan to structure the bond debt so that payments on the new bonds will begin only when current bonds for the new construction of Country Trails Elementary School and Prairie Knolls Middle School are paid off in 2027. Additionally, new state legislation allows us to spread the repayment over 30 years instead of the typical 20 years, further reducing the annual cost.
For a home with a “fair cash value” of $407,000* (as determined by the tax assessor) and with a homestead exemption, the increase to your property taxes would be approximately $116 per year—or less than $10 a month. If you qualify for additional exemptions, the increase would be even lower. This calculation is based on current interest rates, and if rates decrease in the future, we would explore refinancing options to reduce costs further.
In the broader context, this modest increase will accommodate our growing student population and ensure that our community continues to thrive. The alternative—overcrowded classrooms, strained resources, and potential compromises in educational quality—could negatively impact us for the future.
To help you see how this might affect you personally, we’ve provided a tax calculator tool so you can estimate the specific impact on your property taxes.
(*According to RSP Associates, the median home value in the District is $406,928).
If the referendum is approved, will the District need to pass a second referendum to pay for additional staff?
No, the District plans to pay for additional staff without any need for a second referendum. If the building referendum is approved, the District will move existing instructional staff into the new/newly renovated facilities. The District does anticipate the need to hire additional maintenance and food service staff if the referendum is approved, but the District can absorb these expenses without the need to pass a second referendum. The District plans to utilize evidence-based funding from the state (which increased significantly this year) and additional tax dollars generated by housing growth in the District to pay for any additional support staff.
The diagram below shows the redistribution of existing staff and students in the event the referendum is approved.
