Did you kNOw...
Just over one year ago on October 14, 2015, this high school Board voted unanimously to demolish the parking garage and proceed with construction of an Olympic sized (50 meter) pool on the site. To fund that project’s $37.5 million price tag the Board would have taken $20 million from its fund balance and $17.5 million in non-referendum working cash bonds. This funding approach was chosen for the sole purpose of bypassing voters and avoiding a referendum.#D200VoteNo
Two things you need to kNOw regarding the referendum question come voting day:
1. It is the very last item on the ballot. Past all the judges, past the other referendum and advisory questions. Very last item. Be sure NOt to skip it.
2. The question is easily misinterpreted as it only states the $25Million requested amount in referendum bonds. It does NOt include the $20Million in taxpayer monies being used by the school out of cash on hand (taxpayer money). $45Million in taxpayer money would be spent if the referendum passes.
Please spread the word to every voter in Oak Park and River forest on these two very important points.
Here is the referendum question. Note it does not specify sizes of: the pool, the new parking garage, the classrooms etc. It is vague. Should we be voting on $45Million worth of vague???
"Shall the Board of Education of Oak Park and River Forest Consolidated High School District Number 200, Cook County, Illinois, build and equip a swimming pool addition to replace the existing 88-year-old swimming pools at the Oak Park and River Forest High School Building; alter, repair and equip said School Building to improve the learning, performing arts and locker room spaces therein; improve the site thereof; build and equip a parking garage to replace the existing parking garage; and issue bonds of said School District in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 for the purpose of paying costs thereof?"
#D200VoteNo
#D200VoteNo
