Burr Ridge District Mulls Tax Hike For Early Childhood Center

BURR RIDGE, IL – The board for Pleasantdale School District 107 is considering a sizable increase in property taxes for an early childhood center.

Voters may decide on the hike as early as the March election.

For a $500,000 house, the property tax increase is expected to amount to about $700. For a $300,000 house, it would be just under $400.

The money would allow the district to borrow $38.2 million for an early childhood center and another $1 million for improvements to the existing elementary and middle schools.

The 53,000-square-foot building would consist of 22 classrooms, a gym, a lunchroom, a library and meeting spaces.

The district now has about 50 children in its pre-kindergarten program, but that could increase to 180 with the new building, according to the district.

The district already has an agreement to buy a $2.6 million property on County Line Road between German Church Road and 87th Street. Its sale is contingent on a successful referendum.

Constructing the building, officials said, would allow the district to offer early childhood education for free to all 3- and 4-year-old residents.

As part of a larger plan, the district plans to move fifth graders into the elementary school from the middle school. And the early childhood center would include preschoolers as well as kindergartners and first graders.

Officials are touting what they say are the long-term benefits of preschool – fewer end up on government assistance and they make at least 5 to 10 percent more in lifetime earnings.

They also say studies show that for every $1 spent on pre-kindergarten, society gets a return of $4 to $9.

They also cite statistics showing that for each $1 in annual spending on high-quality pre-kindergarten, local property values go up by an estimated $13.

The district has formed a citizens committee to look into the issues related to a referendum to raise taxes.

"It's a little premature to say when it's going to be on the ballot. It could be never," Superintendent Dave Palzet said in an interview with Patch. "There are people who are for or against. Everyone is going into this with good intentions."

Now, Pleasantdale has the lowest property tax rate among elementary school districts in Lyons Township, according to District 107 data. Even with the increase, the district will remain in the lowest position, Palzet said.

Some are already opposing the idea of a tax increase. Among them is Tom Arra, a Willow Springs trustee and a member of District 107's citizens committee.

He noted a Change.org petition against a tax increase. As of Wednesday, 152 people had signed it.

"I appreciate the schools' recent accomplishments as a top feeder school to (Lyons Township High School) and the elementary school becoming a 'Blue Ribbon School,'" Arra said in a statement. "I also support the 'What' they are suggesting should be done next, but I’m not in favor of the current 'How.' Once again they want feedback, but their narrative doesn’t change, thus I’m concerned about the referendum they want to push for Spring 2024 primary election."

He also addressed the assertion about home values

"Another part of the narrative is saying residents' home values will increase," Arra said. "While that is important to some people, that isn’t a requirement for other residents who enjoy living here and don’t want higher taxes."

Gower School District 62 and Burr Ridge School District 180 also cover parts of Burr Ridge.