Vote YES to update SD 308's aging schools—while lowering the debt service tax rate.
Oswego School District 308 has placed a $317 million bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to address safety and security, infrastructure, and space needs at all 22 schools—while reducing the debt service tax rate.
Why Vote Yes
Stronger schools…plus a tax rate reduction!
A Lower Tax Rate
Debt service tax rate decreases due to expiring debt.
Safer, More Secure Schools
Upgraded entry vestibules, fire protection, and access control.
Aging Systems Replaced
HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems reaching end of life.
Enhanced Student Support Spaces
Small-group, sensory, and intervention spaces.
Addressing Overcrowding
Space improvements at schools with growing needs.
Energy Efficiency
More reliable buildings that reduce long-term operating costs.
Protecting Property Values
High-quality schools benefit the whole community.
A YES vote supports safer, stronger schools across SD 308!
Overview of Proposed Improvements
All 22 schools would receive infrastructure and safety upgrades, along with additional improvements tailored to address each individual school’s needs.
A chart detailing the specific improvements at each school is available on the District’s website.
13 Elementary Schools
Stronger safety & security (all schools)
Critical repairs & infrastructure upgrades (various improvements at all schools)
Enhanced special education & student support spaces (some schools)
Added space to address areas of overcrowding (including cafeterias at some schools)
5 Junior High Schools
Stronger safety & security (all schools)
Critical repairs & infrastructure upgrades (various improvements at all schools)
2 High Schools
Stronger safety & security (both schools)
Critical repairs & infrastructure upgrades (various improvements at both schools)
Updated science labs (Oswego HS)
Athletic field improvements (both schools)
Brokaw ELC and GOAL/Transitions/East View
Stronger safety & security (both schools)
Infrastructure upgrades (various improvements at both schools)
Enhanced special education & student support spaces (both schools)
Why Now?
Aging Systems Can’t Wait.
District 308's buildings are 16-67 years old and more than 70% were built within the same seven-year window. Major systems, such as HVAC, roofing, flooring, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety, are reaching the end of their useful life at the same time.
Waiting Only Increases the Cost.
Delaying improvements increases costs through construction inflation and more frequent emergency repairs. Assuming 4% construction inflation, the estimated annual increase in project cost for every year the District waits is approximately $12 million.
Timed to Decrease the Tax Rate.
The District's last bond referendum was nearly 20 years ago, in 2006, and those bonds are now being paid off. As the debt retires, the District can issue new bonds for critical facility needs while reducing the debt service tax rate.
Financing the Plan
SD 308 is placing a $317 million bond on the November ballot. Bond proceeds can only be used for facility and site improvements, not salaries, benefits, or operating expenses.
Overall Use of Proceeds
Tax Rate Savings
As SD 308 retires existing referendum debt, $317 million in new bonds can be issued while still reducing the debt service tax rate.
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For a home with a fair market value of $335,000, taxes tied to the debt service tax rate would fall by about $100 in 2028.
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Taxes would fall again by another $56 in 2036.
The savings would accrue each year over the term of the new bonds.
Anticipated Benefits
Reduces the debt service tax rate
Addresses areas of overcrowding
Provides safer, more secure schools
Enhances student support spaces
Replaces aging systems, reducing costly repairs
Improves energy efficiency
Protects property values
Give Your Support.
Donations will help cover the cost of yard signs and other campaign tools to effectively get the word out. Any amount is greatly appreciated.
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