Where does the money come from? Where does it go?
Property taxes provide most of the money for schools
More than 80% of D41’s funds comes directly from local property taxes; since education is a people business, about 80% of our money goes to salaries and benefits. Most of the rest goes to operate, maintain and supply our buildings. Compared to less affluent districts, D41 receives little from state or federal sources but the district does vigorously pursue grants from public and private sources.
Rate increase phase-in complete
The spring 2005 property tax bill includes the final phase-in of D41’s 2001 referendum in which voters approved a $0.55 rate increase. Since then, D41 has levied at or below the approved rate. The funds were used to hire teachers to maintain class sizes, provide programs to give students a curriculum equivalent to what peer districts offer, and to add services needed by our increasingly diverse student body. At the time of the referendum, D41 ranked near the bottom of DuPage County elementary districts for per pupil spending; the district continues to provide value in education, achieving high academic results while spending less than many of our peer districts do.
How the Tax Cap affects referenda
Normally, tax revenues increase only slightly each year, regardless of property appreciation, because the Tax Cap limits the increase to the rate of inflation or less. During a referendum phase-in, school districts can receive more due to appreciation. In the 2001 referendum campaign, D41 explained the levy process and estimated the cost to taxpayers; however, it did not anticipate the surge in property values fueled by appreciation, new construction and redevelopment of established areas. This increase has meant more revenue than expected. If D41 had levied the entire increase in one year rather than phasing it in, it would not have received additional funds due to appreciation. D41 has been able to balance its budget, maintain its buildings, and hire teachers needed due to a significant enrollment growth.
D41 is grateful for the support the community has provided its students over the years and strives to provide an exceptional education to its children. |
