Everything You Need To Know About District 66’s Ballot Referendum

The Center Cass School District 66 Board of Education recently approved a referendum question for April 4’s election ballot asking voters to approve almost $13 million in improvements to the district’s schools.

According to a release, “all funds being sought would be used for repairs, maintenance, alterations, additions, site improvements, equipping and increasing safety and security for our schools.”

The referendum question will look like this on your ballot:

The projects brought forward for the public’s consideration on this referendum were identified and analyzed through a 12 month long Master Facilities Planning process. The Master Facility Planning was aimed to assess the District’s current facility needs and to create a long-range plan to address those needs. Community stakeholders and staff members provided input on the Master Facilities Plan through three community engagement events and various Board of Education meetings.

District 66 has compiled a website of facts, figures and information about the referendum to inform voters prior to this spring’s election. Mailed information and live sessions will also be part of the effort to educate as many voters as possible.

The referendum asks voters to approve $12,910,000 being put toward improvements to the local school district. This is how District 66 plans to divide the money:

Repairs and Maintenance at Elizabeth Ide School: $3,655,000

• Repairing and replacing the whole roof
• Fix playground flooding issues
• Repair existing infrastructure — heating, air, electric, water pipes
• Making bathrooms ADA compliant
• Increase office security for visitors
• Increase off-street parking

Learning Environment at Elizabeth Ide School: $7,906,500

• Add eight classrooms
• Modernize all classrooms
• Create common learning spaces for each grade
• Enlarge gym space
• Add a multipurpose room for lunch and recess

Repairs, Maintenance and Security at Lakeview Jr. High School: $800,000

• Repurpose classroom spaces to make them more accommodating and modern
• Renovate and relocate main office to increase security

Learning Environment at Lakeview Jr. High School: $500,000

• Put more windows in external classrooms to increase natural daylight

Safety and Security at Prairieview Elementary School: $48,500

• Renovate main entrance to increase security

Informational sessions will be free open to the community. All sessions will be held at the Elizabeth Ide School. Times and dates will be as follows:

Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 at 10 a.m.
Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m.

For more information about the question, visit District 66’s website. To register to vote, click here.

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