| Meeting Highlights - Dec. 12
Board approves turf field for GBN and GBS The Board of Education gave preliminary approval for the installation of artificial turf fields at both Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South. Turf installation is scheduled to occur at GBS during the summer of 2012. Due to water detention permits, GBN would receive its turf field over the summer of 2013. The district expects the new fields to increase usage from 4 percent to potentially 100 percent of allowable time* and would offer many more student groups the opportunity to utilize the outdoor facilities. The fields would be used for physical education classes, marching band, school and community athletic practices and competitions. "The cost of turf fields is approximately $34,000 more per year** than the current grass fields, however our field utilization increases dramatically and provides an opportunity for virtually all students," said Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Hillarie Siena. The estimated budget for the installation of artificial surfaces at both schools is $3.5 million and includes synthetic surfaces, irrigation systems, site work/drainage, running track replacement, water detention, and fees/contingencies. The project will be funded by a number of sources including: Athletic Booster Club Donations, Small Building Project allocations, School Community Donations, Capital Projects Reserve, and remaining Build America Bond Funds. The Board plans to complete the bidding process by late February, at which time they will vote on the actual work contracts. *Allowable time is defined as approximately ¾ of the calendar year and 3,500 total hours. ** Based on 20-years
Board approves tax levy following public hearing
The Board of Education approved a tax levy increase of 3.5 percent for tax year 2011. This represents 1.5 percent based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and 2 percent for the capture of new property growth.
Under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), Cook County school districts are limited to a property tax revenue increase of 5 percent or the current CPI (1.5 percent), whichever is less. In addition, school districts are allowed to gain additional revenue from new property introduced to the tax base. School districts commonly levy more than they will actually receive because at the time of levy, the equalized assessed valuation (EAV) for new property is unknown. Historically, District 225 has advertised 2 percent for new growth each year, but has received between 1.0 and 1.5 percent.
The 3.5 percent tax levy request represents total revenue of $99,636,235, (an increase of 2.60 percent from last year).
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