Deerfield school board revises referendum proposal for March ballot

Mike Simeck Superintendent of Schools
Mike Simeck Superintendent of Schools - Deerfield Public Schools District 109
0Comments

The Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Board of Education has decided to present a revised referendum question on the March 17, 2026 ballot. This decision was made during their regular meeting on December 18, 2025. The updated proposal comes after extensive community feedback and discussions about facility needs and financing options throughout the fall.

The revised plan increases the district’s financial contribution while reducing the project’s scope, resulting in an $87,780,000 referendum amount. This represents a 33% reduction in tax impact compared to the previous proposal. More than 60% of the total project costs will be covered by district resources such as fund balance and alternate bonds.

The updated proposal includes new construction for Walden and Wilmot schools and renovations for Kipling and South Park schools. It aims to address infrastructure priorities, accessibility, safety, security needs, and improvements to learning environments across the district.

To inform voters, Deerfield Public Schools District 109 has organized several information sessions where community members can ask questions. Additionally, schools will offer discussion opportunities for families in the coming weeks. Details about these sessions, along with a tax-impact calculator and answers to frequently asked questions, are available at dps109.org/redefine.

The website serves as a central source of factual information for voters. The district emphasizes that it will not advocate for a specific vote but encourages everyone to engage with the facts before making their decision at the polls.



Related

Annette Lidawer - Councilmember

City of Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals met Jan. 15

City of Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals met Thursday, Jan. 15

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rick Heidner, whose campaign surged with hundreds of thousands in high-dollar donations after a Dec. 12 fundraiser, faces growing skepticism from grassroots conservatives.

Darren Bailey campaign coordinator on Heidner’s GOP gubernatorial bid: ‘I would question his financial contributions’

Roni Quinn, a Quincy-based conservative activist and Darren Bailey’s Region 7 campaign coordinator, said Rick Heidner’s late entry into the Republican governor’s race and rapid petition effort raise concerns for grassroots conservatives.

Annette Lidawer - Councilmember

City of Highland Park Cultural Arts Advisory Group met Jan. 13

City of Highland Park Cultural Arts Advisory Group met Tuesday, Jan. 13

Trending

The Weekly Newsletter

Sign-up for the Weekly Newsletter from Lake County Gazette.