(Additional District 203 information can be found at News Releases)

Referendum is March 19 -- Do You Know These District 203 Facts?  

District 203 faces a cumulative deficit of $15.5 million for the 2001/02 school year, increasing to $65.3 million by June 30, 2006.  There are no cash reserves.

$5.3 million of cost reductions have already been implemented over the past 3 years, and all program enhancements have been put on hold indefinitely.

A state-legislated tax cap has limited school revenue sources since 1991.  

Third-party organizations (both within and outside the state) have determined the following:

Ø      District 203 provides a top-quality education while efficiently using tax dollars.
Ø      High-quality teachers with pay scales at the midpoint of comparable districts
Ø      Student test scores exceed 97 percent of the schools in the nation
Ø      Curriculum programs are nationally recognized
Ø      8^th grade science scores are #1 in the world  (1999 TIMSS)
Ø      Operating expenses are far below other high performing districts
Ø      Our operating cost per pupil is below state average

The new teachers’ contract keeps our pay scales competitive, and maintains us at the midpoint of comparable unit school districts.    

Maintaining the tradition of high-quality educational programs is critical to our community.

The Board of Education has approved a March 19^th referendum on an Educational Fund tax rate increase of $.53 per $100 equalized assessed valuation (EAV).

Ø      For a taxpayer with a $200,000 home who itemizes deductions on their federal return, the tax increase would be about $20 per month

The tax increase will not fund new programs.  It will maintain current programs and quality, pay down the deficit, and make District 203 solvent through at least the 2005–2006 school year.

If the referendum is approved, District 203 taxes will still remain below those in neighboring comparable districts and well below the state average.

District 203’s financial well being is a critical issue facing this community.

You have a voice in the future of your school district.

Educate yourself and voice your opinion at the polls on March 19^th.

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REVISED: Tuesday, January 15, 2002   

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