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More than 100 St. Charles-area parents, staff, and community members have spent the past four months digging into one of the biggest questions facing District 303: how do you fix aging schools and district buildings?
That's the focal point of the D303 Communitywide Education Facilities Committee, which wrapped up its fifth of seven scheduled meetings on February 10 and is now heading into its final two meetings.
Here's what to know:
The issue at hand: D303 has identified more than $400 million in facilities needs across its buildings, many of which date to the 1950s and 1960s. The list includes millions in roof replacements, mechanical and electrical system upgrades, bathroom improvements, and accessibility work.
Why funding is tricky: According to the committee, Illinois law requires school districts to keep different funding buckets separate. The money used for teacher salaries, buses, and utilities can't legally be redirected to fix roofs or build additions — even if the district wanted to do that.
What funding options exist: According to a committee presentation, the district has two main tools. Health and Life Safety bonds could cover some of the work, but for larger projects, a voter-approved referendum bond could be needed.
What comes next: The committee's final two meetings are March 10 and March 24. The group will use those sessions to finalize its priority recommendations before presenting a report to the D303 School Board in April.
The committee has also toured several schools in person, including Davis, Bell Graham, Wild Rose, and both high schools, getting a firsthand look at crowded hallways, accessibility barriers, and aging infrastructure.
For more information, visit the D303 Facilities Committee website.
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