Politics & Government
UPDATED: D39 Referendum Passes
Voters approved a $6.375M tax hike to fill Dist. 39's projected spending gap.
Wilmette voters approved District 39's referendum Tuesday. After months of debate and presentations, the $6.375 million tax hike passed 5,632 'yes' votes to 3,293 'no' votes.
"I am thrilled and amazed by the level of support our community has shown for our schools. I am proud to be part of a community that values education in a big way," Superintendent Ray Lechner told Patch.
In a letter on District 39's site, Lechner also said that with, "the new voter-approved tax base, and the cuts we have already made, we are well positioned to manage our budgets for at least the next five years."
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Pro-referendum campaigners were positioned at polling places throughout Wilmette Tuesday, including Paul Gorney and his familly.
"We are very happy that the referendum passed and will keep Wilmette Schools great and the property values strong as they have always been," Gorney said.
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Vote For 1 % Votes YES 63.1% 5,632 NO 36.9% 3,293
The tax base increase, the district's first since 1998, translates to $58 per $1,000 of taxes paid. Without the measure, reserves would've been depleted by 2013 to 2014, . The district had already implemented budget cuts of $4.3 million to leave a deficit of $3.7 million for 2011-2012, according .
Meanwhile proposed tax hikes for neighboring districs, including West Northfield School District 31 and Township High School District 113 in Highland Park were denied.