Hinsdale Middle School Referendum on March 15 Ballot

Hinsdale, IL - A $65 million referendum question will appear on the March 15 election ballot, asking community voters if Community Consolidated School District 181 should issue bonds to pay for a new Hinsdale Middle School.

The District 181 Board of Education voted in December to put the question on the ballot.

PROPOSITION TO ISSUE $65 MILLION SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS

Shall the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District Number 181, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois (located primarily in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills, Illinois), improve the site of and build and equip a new school building and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $65 million for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

The school board approved the $65 million project option in February. The plans include a 500-seat auditorium, a running track, special education space, 38 teaching stations and collaboration space. The board also approved a financing plan that, if the referendum is approved, would result in a property tax increase of about $263 a year for a $500,000 home, to begin after the new school is built, according to District 181. After six years, the tax rate would decrease to less than it is now.

A Clarendon Hills group is recommending that voters not approve the referendum. In the Citizens for Clarendon Hills winter newsletter, the group claims "other reasonable scenarios were not dutifully considered."

District 181 has scheduled an open house event with tours of Hinsdale Middle School from 1 to 3 p.m. March 13, in preparation for the vote. A similar event in February attracted around 30 people to learn about the proposed facility changes.

More information on the referendum and the school plans are available from District 181.