Eighteen months, endless caffeine-fueled one-on-ones, a twenty-three-resident (including one of our own) task force, four meetings, three options (none of which flew initially), a new approach, new consultant, (re)new(ed) architect, and new resolve to deliver a taxpayer tolerable, referendum-passable plan for the maintenance, repairs and critical upgrades the District says it needs to support the educational excellence Winnetka expects.
On Tuesday, February 22nd the Winnetka School Board unveiled its Downsized Capital Improvement Proposal – a 35% downsized version of its 2019 failed $90.6M Referendum.
Did they get it right? Righter than last time? Right enough to go to referendum in the Fall?
Reboot. Revise. Re-Ref?
They said they’d be back.
In 2007, the Winnetka School District asked for $47.3M to "address imperative building needs in a fiscally responsible manner." Voters said yes. All five schools got health and life safety fixes and upgrades like ventilation, plumbing, lighting, and ADA accessibility, wi-fi. Some got new classrooms, cafeterias, resource centers, science labs, new gyms. Others didn't.
In 2019, the District asked for $90.6M to finish the job. And then some. Voters said no. Said too complicated, too costly, too big picture. Oh, and no Skokie School? Not a good move in a town that's been battling to keep its sentimental favorite for, like, decades.
To address maintenance issues that couldn't wait, the District found $14.2M in reserves. Called it a Three Year Critical Facility Plan.
Then went to work on the rest of the ask.
For 18 months, the District went all green shades and sharp pencils. Focused on needs over wants. Got that $90.6M down to $59.4M. Felt it balanced critical educational and facilities needs with "physical equity" (Translation: all kids get the same educational experience, regardless of where they go to school) and tax tolerance. Ran it past the Task Force who said, yeah, but don't forget Skokie School.
[Drill down here.]
So what's in it now?
What would it look like?
How does it Compare to 2019’s Ask?
$31.2M less. Almost 35% less.
2019 Referendum·
$90.6M ask
Total cost: $100.6M with $10M contribution from reserves
$1,352/$1M in HH fair market value
Additions, renovations, maintenance, repairs & critical upgrades for all 4 schools
5-8 grades at Washburne
Skokie School decommissioned
2022 Proposal
$59.4M ask
Total cost: $68.4 with $9M contribution from reserves
$832/$1M HH fair market value
Maintenance, repairs & critical upgrades for all 5 schools
Additions for Crow Island & Hubbard Woods, reno for Greeley
5-6 grades at Skokie School – 7-8 grades at Washburne
Why Now?
Short answer: the District says its buildings are three years closer to can't wait any longer. And that its finances are in good shape. Check it out.
The average lifespan of a public school building in Illinois is 42 years old. After 60, they’re usually 86'd. Three of our five buildings are 100-years-plus. Crow Island’s getting there, and the core of Washburne is 53 and counting. The District says the longer we wait, the more expensive our buildings will become. Exponentially.
Debt. The District has none. They closed the books on the last bond issue, December 21, 2021. Pop the cork.
Straight A's. When it comes to Bond Rating, can't have enough. With three, the District looks better-than-good to lenders, a two-fer while rates are for now at near historic lows.
Reserves. The District's got 'em. Its policy sets the level at 50% to 60% of Operating Expenditures. Way beyond the “no less than two months of regular general fund operating revenues or regular general fund operating expenditures” urged by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The District’s CFO says we can go down to 40%. Comfortably.
What's Next?
The District's done its homework. It's hoping that by the time it's time to make a decision, nobody will know nothing about this ask.
The Plan for the Plan –
23 targeted group presentations to approximately 500 residents.
Neighborhood meetings at Crow Island & Hubbard Woods.
3 informational mailings.
2 Zoom presentations.
2 in-person presentations.
Newsletter – Sign up here.
On-demand small group informational sessions with local organizations/residents. Want one for your group? Contact the District at 847-446-9400.
Right Stuff? Right Sized? Hopefully the Right Questions. Check Your Mailbox.
They told you it was different this time. The people, the proposal, and the process. Part of the new process – a community-wide survey – should have hit your mailbox by now. The District says don't hold back. Questions, comments, concerns – log in or ignore it at your own expense. Didn't get yours? Call 847-446-9400.
It's Their Thinking, but it’s Your Money.
Want more? You should. Eighty percent of you do not have kids in the School District. But we all have skin in the game. The Resource Center is now open
Ref's Website – bookmark. If and when you need to know, it'll be here.
Master Facilities Plan At-A-Glance – the post-2007 Big Picture.
Three-Year Critical Facilities Plan (AKA: $14.2M Plan)
Super Kocanda's Memo to the Board detailing the options and how we got there.
All things School Board. Meetings, agenda, video.
Still curious?
School Facilities Maintenance Taskforce – issues facing public school buildings and best practices.
Right at School Program – Winnetka's before and after school program.
BTW – Thinking of piping up at upcoming Board Meetings? It's good to know the rules of engagement.