SD 308 has placed a $317 million bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to address facility needs at each of its 22 school buildings. If approved by voters, bond proceeds would address safety and security, infrastructure, learning environment, and site improvements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 integrityMechanical systems (HVAC)Plumbing and electrical systemsAccessibility (ADA compliance)Safety and security systemsEducational and program space needsSite conditions (parking lots, sidewalks, playfields)

Budget constraints over the years required difficult prioritization decisions. When resources are limited, dollars are directed toward students and classrooms first, meaning facility maintenance is often delayed rather than eliminated. Over time, these deferrals accumulated into the significant infrastructure needs we face today. Compounding this challenge is a circumstance unique to our district: 15 buildings constructed within a relatively similar timeframe. Unlike districts where facilities are built across many decades, naturally spreading out replacement cycles and costs, our buildings and their mechanical systems are aging together. This convergence means that equipment reaching the end of its life is occurring across multiple buildings simultaneously, resulting in a widespread yet concentrated need that is uncommon for a district of our size.

Our district's strategic plan calls for a proactive, sustainable approach to facility stewardship, and the infrastructure is now in place to make that a reality. A comprehensive facility audit was completed across all 22 buildings, inventorying every system and piece of equipment, including date of installation and projected end-of-life. This gives us a complete picture of what we have, where it stands, and when it will need attention. Building on that foundation, a Preventative Maintenance Plan has been developed and is being implemented alongside our new ticketing system. The ticketing system automatically generates alerts at scheduled intervals, prompting the required maintenance on each mechanical asset at the right time, before problems arise. Together, this approach means:Better budget planning — known maintenance intervals and projected equipment lifecycles allow for accurate annual financial planning rather than reactive emergency spendingExtended equipment life — routine, timely maintenance preserves assets and delays costly replacementsNo more surprise failures — forward planning eliminates the conditions that lead to sudden, widespread breakdownsSmarter resource allocation — annual investments in infrastructure are identified and budgeted in advance, replacing the cycle of deferred costs By investing consistently and strategically in our facilities, we are building a system where maintenance needs are anticipated, funded, and addressed on schedule, protecting both our buildings and the taxpayers who support them.

Elementary SchoolsProposed improvements to the elementary schools include: Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systemsStronger safety and securitySensory and intervention spaces for students with specialized needsSeparation of gym and cafeteria spaces for two schools using shared spaceUpdated flooring (less carpet and more washable hard-surface flooring)Junior High SchoolsProposed improvements to the junior high schools include: Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systemsStronger safety and securityRepurposed computer labsCollaboration spaces with visibility and supportDesign improvements to promote inclusivity and student choiceUpdated flooring (less carpet and more washable hard-surface flooring)High SchoolsProposed improvements to the high schools include:Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systemsStronger safety and securityUpdated science labs (OHS)Targeted upgrades to CTE and specialized learning spacesImproved athletic fields (turf surfaces in stadium and ball fields)Renovated bathrooms and enhanced building aesthetics308 Extension ProgramProposed improvements to the 308 Extension Program facility include:Infrastructure upgrades to more efficient systemsStronger safety and securityAdditional intervention and resource spaces for individualized supportCalming areas and sensory spaces for studentsDesign improvements to maintain a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment

The 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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.