Update 308: Proposed Building Updates

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Update 308: Proposed Facility Updates

SD 308 may pursue a bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to address $317 million in proposed districtwide improvements across all 22 schools.

More than 70% of District buildings were constructed between 2001-2008 and require major system replacements.

77% of identified facility needs are tied to core infrastructure systems such as HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electrical.

Safety and security upgrades, including improvements to secure entry vestibules, fire protection systems, intercoms, exterior lighting, and access controls are an important part of the plan.

Because the District will be paying off long-term debt, the portion of taxes tied to the debt service tax rate would drop by about $100 in 2028 and an additional $56 in 2036 for a home with a fair market value of $300,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is SD 308 considering placing a bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot?

SD 308 is considering placing a $317 million bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to address the most urgent facility needs at all schools. The proposal includes improvements to safety and security, aging infrastructure, learning environments, student support space, and athletic fields.

What is a bond measure?

A bond measure allows school districts to borrow money for capital projects, much like a mortgage for homeowners. If voters approve the proposed bond measure, the bonds are repaid over time through property taxes. Referendum bonds cannot be used for operating expenses like salaries or classroom supplies.

If voters approved the proposed bond referendum, why would taxes still go down?

As SD 308 retires existing long-term debt, the District can issue $317 million in new bonds while still lowering the debt service tax rate. For a home valued at $300,000, the portion of taxes tied to the debt service tax rate would drop by about $100 in 2028 and an additional $56 in 2036.

Why now? What is the urgency?

Many building systems are at or near the end of their useful life. Acting now would help avoid higher costs. In fact, each year the District waits to address its facility needs, it is estimated that the cost would increase by more than $12 million. Additionally, with long-term debt being paid off, the facility improvements can be addressed while lowering the debt service tax rate.

How old are the District’s school buildings?

The District’s facilities range from 16 to 67 years old. More than 70% were built within the same seven-year period (2001-2008), and many systems from that era now require replacement.

How did the District identify and prioritize its capital facility needs?

In 2025, the District completed a Long-Range Facility Plan and a comprehensive Facility Condition Assessment. The process included a detailed review of building systems and input from staff and community members. The assessment analyzed:

Building envelope (roofing, walls, windows)
Structural integrity
Mechanical systems (HVAC)
Plumbing and electrical systems
Accessibility (ADA compliance)
Safety and security systems
Educational and program space needs
Site conditions (parking lots, sidewalks, playfields)

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

What specific districtwide improvements are planned?

Elementary Schools

Proposed improvements to the elementary schools include:

Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systems
Stronger safety and security
Sensory and intervention spaces for students with specialized needs
Separation of gym and cafeteria spaces for two schools using shared space
Updated flooring (less carpet and more washable hard-surface flooring)

Junior High Schools
Proposed improvements to the junior high schools include:

Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systems
Stronger safety and security
Repurposed computer labs
Collaboration spaces with visibility and support
Design improvements to promote inclusivity and student choice
Updated flooring (less carpet and more washable hard-surface flooring)

High Schools
Proposed improvements to the high schools include:

Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systems
Stronger safety and security
Updated science labs (OHS)
Targeted upgrades to CTE and specialized learning spaces
Improved athletic fields (turf surfaces in stadium and ball fields)
Renovated bathrooms and enhanced building aesthetics

308 Extension Program

Proposed improvements to the 308 Extension Program facility include:

Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systems
Stronger safety and security
Additional intervention and resource spaces for individualized support
Calming areas and sensory spaces for students
Design improvements to maintain a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

What are the anticipated benefits of the proposed improvements?

There are many anticipated benefits, including:

Creating safer, healthier, and more secure schools
Extending the useful life of existing facilities
Reducing costly and disruptive emergency repairs
Addressing areas of overcrowding
Strengthening college and career readiness
Improving energy efficiency, saving taxpayer dollars
Attracting and retaining quality teachers and staff
Decreasing the debt service tax rate
Protecting property values

How could the proposed facility improvements benefit residents who do not have school-age children in the District?

Public schools don’t just belong to those who use them, but to all residents within the district. High-quality local schools can attract new residents and businesses to the area, help protect property values, and provide opportunities for shared space for programs, activities, and meetings. Schools can also be a source of community pride and play a vital role in an area’s local economy.

FINANCING THE PLAN & TAX REDUCTION DETAILS

What is the estimated breakdown of the use of the $317 million of bond funds?

he proposed breakdown of bond proceeds is as follows:

$250 million: Infrastructure Improvements (roofing, HVAC, plumbing)
$30 million: Safety and Security (including cameras and visitor sequence)
$37 million: Learning Environments and Other Facility/Site Improvements (student learning space renovations, playgrounds, fields)

When was the last time voters approved a bond measure for SD 308?

Voters last approved a bond referendum nearly 20 years ago, in 2006, to fund school construction projects.

If voters approve the proposed bond referendum, why would the debt service tax rate go down?

With the District paying off long-term debt associated with the 2006 referendum, the current debt service tax rate can be reduced. In fact, the District can issue $317 million in new bonds and still lower the debt service tax rate. For a home valued at $300,000, the portion of taxes tied to the debt service tax rate would drop by about $100 in 2028 and an additional $56 in 2036.

How can homeowners estimate how much their taxes would go down?

View the tax calculator on this page for estimates.

Would waiting to address the District’s capital facility needs increase costs?

Delaying improvements could increase costs due to construction inflation and lead to more frequent emergency repairs, which are more costly and disruptive. Assuming construction inflation of 4%, the total cost of the proposed improvements is estimated to increase by more than $12 million annually if not addressed.

Has the District been fiscally responsible?

The District continues to make responsible financial decisions to reduce expenses and protect taxpayers. Here are just a few examples of recent efforts:

Refinanced bonds, saving taxpayers $11.3 million in interest.
Reduced short-term borrowing, lowering interest expenses and
strengthening credit.
Joined a lower-cost health insurance cooperative, saving $1 million.
Secured a more affordable property and liability insurance carrier, saving the equivalent of 11.58 staff positions.
Reduced expenses through competitive bidding, short-term investment earnings, and expanded use of grant funding.

Why can’t existing funds be used to address the proposed improvements?

Major districtwide infrastructure replacements often require funding far beyond what a school district’s annual operating budget or reserves can support. This is especially true for SD 308, where growing financial challenges have significantly reduced available resources. Here are just some of the District’s funding challenges:

The State reduced the District’s revenue by $8 million this year with no warning, creating an immediate budget shortfall.
Illinois reimburses only 61 cents per dollar for Special Education expenses, leaving the District with a nearly $32 million deficit.
The District must cover about 40% of the required busing costs using its own local funds, even though transportation is a State requirement.
Illinois laws limit the District's ability to receive additional revenue when home values rise.
More than 70% of schools were built between 2001-2008, so major systems now need replacement at the same time, further straining the budget.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

How can residents continue to learn more and provide input?

Residents can stay informed and share feedback in several ways. Residents may attend Board meetings or upcoming public information sessions, review planning documents and informational mailers distributed by the District, and participate in a districtwide public opinion survey. In addition, the District’s website will provide ongoing updates, resources, and opportunities for community input.

What are the next steps in the process?

No decisions have been made. The District will continue sharing information and seeking input from the community. After reviewing survey results and other community feedback, the Board of Education will decide in August whether to place the referendum question on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

If pursued, who will get to vote on the bond referendum?

All registered voters residing within SD 308 boundaries would be eligible to vote.

Would there be public oversight if the plan is approved?

Yes. If the referendum is approved, the District would provide regular updates on spending and construction details through its website, social media, and other existing communications channels.

What if residents need more information?

Residents may submit questions or concerns to Update308@sd308.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

How many schools are in SD 308?

SD 308 includes 22 schools: 13 elementary schools, 5 junior high schools, 2 high schools, an early learning center, and a therapeutic day school. Additionally, the district operates a transition program for students aged 18-22 with special needs and an alternative learning program.

Which communities are served?

The District serves all of Oswego and portions of Aurora, Joliet, Montgomery, Plainfield, and Yorkville.

How many students attend SD 308 schools?

Approximately 16,700 students attend the District’s schools.

How large is SD 308 compared to other Illinois districts?

SD 308 is the 7th largest school district in Illinois, covering 68.8 square miles.

What role does SD 308 play in the local economy?

SD 308 is the largest employer in Kendall County, with more than 2,477 employees, supporting the local economy and community workforce. Most of SD 308’s staff are also residents in the district.

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Community Events

Heating and cooling systems are failing

Without dedicated funding, addressing needs proactively isn't possible

The walkways our students use every day are cracked and crumbling

Roofs are leaking, plumbing is beyond repair

Waiting for a failure mid-school year cost more than acting now

School entryways are detiriorating

Floors are worn and stained

Gym floors can't keep up with demand

More than 70% of District buildings were constructed

between 2001-2008 and require major system replacements.

77% of identified facility needs are tied to core infrastructure

systems such as HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electrical.

Tax Calculator (Coming Soon)

Transparency matters. This calculator is designed to help you understand how the proposed updates could affect your property taxes.

Have a Question? We're Listening.

SD 308 is committed to providing clear, timely answers to questions from our community. Whether you're curious about facility needs, funding, or what the proposed updates would mean for your family, we want to hear from you. Ask a question, share a concern, or request more information.

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