Protecting Our Investment, Finishing What We Started

Lake Forest Community High School District 115 has placed a $105.7 million referendum on the April 4, 2023 ballot. If approved, proposed improvements would strengthen safety and security, reduce costly and disruptive emergency repairs, enhance ADA accessibility, improve energy efficiency, and ensure that roughly 50% of instructional spaces that were not renovated in 2008 are updated.

What You’re Asking

Why place a referendum on the ballot now?

The unfortunate truth is that many of the systems in our building are now truly at their end of life. Delaying further will result in costly emergency repairs, disrupted learning for our students and staff, and significantly inflated pricing for services that are kicked down the road. It has been 17 years since the District sought voter approval of additional local funding to address facility improvements.

Which of the proposed facility improvements are likely to have the greatest academic impact?

Nearly every improvement will have a direct or indirect academic impact. The greatest academic impact would be as a result of the renovation of the classroom environments including the regulation of classroom temperatures, acoustics, and lighting. The physical environment of the classroom can impact learning.

Why not use operating funds or existing savings to address current needs?

District 115 carries very little in cash reserves. This is intentional as it was/is the Board’s desire not to stockpile taxpayer money. The Board instead judiciously asks taxpayers to fund major capital improvements when needed. Even if the District were to deplete all of its current reserves, it would address only about 10% of its highest priority capital facility needs. These reserves play an important role in the strength of our Aaa bond rating and in our ability to borrow at the lowest possible cost.

Will any of the referendum proceeds fund salaries or operating expenses? No.

STUDENT AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Anticipated benefits of the proposed improvements include:

• Creating a healthier, safer, and more secure high school

• Extending the useful life of existing facilities

• Reducing costly emergency repairs

• Enhancing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility

• Improving energy efficiency

• Attracting and retaining quality teachers

• Improving access to student support services

• Preparing students for college and careers

• Maintaining academic excellence

• Protecting property values

Lowest School Tax Rate in Lake County

D115 has the lowest school tax rate in Lake County. In fact, of 852 school districts in the state of Illinois, we are the third-lowest school tax rate.

WHAT ABOUT WEST CAMPUS?

About 10 percent of the bond proceeds would go toward infrastructure improvements on the West Campus. The 10% for includes infrastructure, specifically HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, not administrative offices. There are still a variety of student programs housed on this campus in addition to revenue-generating tenants.

Many Ways to Vote Key Dates

Election Day Voting

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 6am to 7pm

Vote by Mail

Vote by Mail Application Deadline

Ballot applications must be received by the Lake County Clerk’s office by 5pm on Thursday, March 30, 2023

Vote by Mail Voting Deadline

Completed ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 4, 2023 and received no later than Tuesday, April 18, 2023, or be hand-delivered to the Lake County Clerk’s office or placed in a drop box by 7pm on Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Early Voting

All registered Lake County voters are eligible to vote early at any designated site, regardless of where you live

Lake County Clerk’s Office 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL Friday, March 10 to Monday, April 3, 2023

Lake Forest City Hall 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL Monday, March 20 to Saturday, April 1, 2023

All Designated Sites

Visit maps.lakecountyil.gov/ earlyvotingsites for a guide to early voting locations Monday, March 20 to Monday, April 3, 2023

Go to bit.ly/D115Referendum or scan the QR code, to access informational videos, tax calculator, FAQs and other referendum details.