What You Should Know:
This position is outdated, as schools have been renovated and two referenda have passed since this study was published.
*The restudy was reformed into a "CRITERIA" which would help guide future referenda endorsements for all schools and is based on state and national positions on education as well as this study.
Why You Should Care:
Schools represent the largest user of your taxes. Your elected school board is entrusted with making the best decisions regarding usage of your tax dollars allocated to schools. The ONLY reliable source of revenue for schools is your tax dollar. League studies school issues and helps decide whether the school board is justified in asking for more money. If you'd like to get involved in the next school referenda endorsement process, please click here.
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District 41 Facilities Plan Consensus (1997)
(restudy 2003-2005)*
1. Is the condition of the District 41 school buildings adequate for our community and for the present enrollment?
No. The schools are overcrowded, unsafe, outdated and are not meeting the needs of the '90s. Life safety improvements should be an immediate priority. There is a lack of space for student services (such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling) and comprehensive program needs (such as art, music, Talented and Gifted) as well as noncurricular needs (such as lunchrooms, pick-up and drop-off areas). The need for two-way communication in all parts of the school buildings is essential for student and staff safety.
2. Is technology really important in the educational process? What should District 41 be doing about technology issues?
Technology is critically important. The wiring and power supply in all of the District 41 buildings is inadequate. District 41 needs to anticipate and prepare for the technology of the future. The infrastructure (principally communications and electrical wiring) needs to be in place for video, multimedia data communications, networking, etc. These improvements should be done as soon as possible and coordinated with other work done on the District's buildings.
3. How should District 41 respond to growing enrollment?
Spaces available in District 41 buildings for classroom and support, as well as those spaces configured to be used for current programs are inadequate. The District needs to plan now for the anticipated "peak" enrollment of 3400 students by adding classrooms, lunchrooms and student service areas. The provision for adequate transportation and traffic patterns around all District school buildings should be addressed.
4. How can District 41 school buildings function efficiently and serve the entire community?
District 41 should provide appropriate space for classrooms, multipurpose areas (including lunchrooms, library/learning centers, gymnasiums, art and music areas, etc.), support services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, English as a Second Language, nurses, social workers, etc.), and storage space.
5. How should District 41 school building improvements be funded?
The League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn will support two referenda toward the goal of funding District 41 school building improvements:
1. an educational fund increase to provide for increased operating costs
2. a general obligation bond issue to provide for life safety and construction expenses.
The District 41 administration and board should be encouraged to use all available sources of funding, including: current fund balances; available non-referendum bonding; shared costs; donations; performance contracts; and grants
