By Madhu Mayer

Emphasizing it will affect the quality of life for residents, the Joliet Public School District 86 has placed a referendum question on the April 4 ballot asking voters to support a $99.5 million bond issue.

If approved by the majority of voters, money from the bond issue will be used to replace two junior schools, along with adding four classrooms and a multi-purpose room to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. The bond would also allow the third largest elementary school district in Illinois to upgrade security, renovate restrooms and provide additional technology infrastructure.

According to information posted on District 86 Web site, the referendum will not increase the current debt service tax rate as debt will be paid off from the bond sale. For the referendum to pass, 50 percent of voters must approve it, plus one additional “yes” vote.

“Approval of Joliet Public Schools District 86 referendum would not result in an increase in the current tax rate,” the information stated. “Because the district has debt expiring, the proposed financing would not result in an increase in the current tax rate to residents.”

District officials said all 21 District 86 schools would benefit from the planned improvements as it will extend the useful life of existing facilities; improve indoor air quality and comfort level; enhance instructional technology and energy efficiency; attract and re-train quality teachers; protect property values; and address overcrowding.

“Funds from an approved referendum would be used to replace Gompers and Hufford Junior High schools, add four classrooms and multipurpose room at Jefferson Elementary School, and make pressing repairs and upgrades districtwide.”

While she supports the referendum, Jeannie Mendoza of Joliet worries her taxes may eventually go up in the future.

“It is hard to believe our taxes will not increase, considering how big this referendum is,” she said. “But I guess they need it because many of the schools are very old and in bad shape.”

Jim Bertoza of Joliet said he will be voting against the referendum.

“I just cannot support this because I also worry about my future property tax bills,” he said.

Angel Morales of Joliet said many of her friends are voting against the ballot question.

“Anytime you hear the word referendum, people think negatively,” she said. “With inflation running rampant, I cannot afford anything. Plus, all of my kids are out of this school district and many of the seniors just do not see the need to support schools.”

But J.D. Ross said those assumptions could not be further from the truth. Ross is co-chair of the committee supporting the referendum along with Tony Contos.

Ross, who was president of Joliet Junior College, compared the referendum to a person who buys a car, finances it for four years and eventually pays off the balance. If that individual then buys another vehicle and finances at the same interest rate and for the same number of years, their payment will remain the same. But he said school districts cannot do that as they must get voter approval anytime money is borrowed.

“Most of the buildings are very old and need attention,” said Ross about the condition of schools in the school district. “There is also overcrowding. They have been using modular classrooms for more than 20 years.”

Again, Ross said, the referendum will not increase property owners’ tax rate as the school district is paying off bonds this year.

“This is about the quality of education for students and the quality of life for the community,” he said.

Ross said, “a good school system generates increase in property revenues, attract more businesses and brings more jobs to the community.”