Dupage Policy Journal

A Forest Glen homeowner is one of many parents concerned that the potential construction of a new elementary school by the Glen Ellyn School District 41 would lead to the rezoning and have a negative impact on their property values. 

During a Sept. 21 Referendum Information Session, District 41 Superintendent Dr. Melissa Kaczkowski said the district would propose new boundaries to move students to the new school that would be located on its Spalding property on the north side of the town.

“I agree we have a capacity issue and a solution is needed, but this particular solution will most definitely lessen my property value if we are, in fact, rezoned,” the parent told DuPage Policy Journal. “I encourage everyone to watch the presentation and make up their own opinions and pay attention to what's coming up. To me, there is a real gravity to a rezoning plan, especially in today's housing economy.”

The district is expected to present a boundary proposal at a special meeting on Oct. 5.

“All districts have to address enrollment and boundary issues from time to time, and District 41 is no different,” Kaczkowski said at the session. “We'll continue to talk about boundary changes.”

Kaczkowski noted that the estimated tax impact for owners of a $400,000 home would be $276 per year. She also mentioned that around 65 people tuned in to watch the information session.

The District 41 website highlights the positives of the proposed referendum: If the referendum is successful, class sizes in schools will be small, and the district will be able to offer full-day kindergarten at each of its schools. In addition to the construction of a new elementary school on the district's Spalding property, the district would add a new early learning center to its Churchill School.

The referendum question will be on ballots on Nov. 8. The question will read, "Shall the Board of Education of Glen Ellyn School District Number 41, DuPage County, Illinois, build and equip a school building on the Spalding property, build and equip an early learning center addition to the Churchill Elementary School Building, alter, repair and equip existing school buildings, including constructing improvements to provide full-day kindergarten, additional classrooms, additional space for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities, updated infrastructure and collaborative learning spaces, improve sites and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $49,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?"

Residents who plan to attend upcoming information sessions can RSVP at D41.org/referendumsessions or to Erika Krehbiel, chief communications officer at (630) 534-7218, ekrehbiel@d41.org.

Residents can calculate the estimated tax impact a successful referendum would have on their property using the tax calculator linked here.