A Pathway to Success
Referendum Information
WHEN TO VOTE: Consolidated Election will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Dear Parents and Community Members,
As many of you are already aware, there will be a referendum placed on the ballot for the Consolidated Election to be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. This referendum requests that that the voters of Tri-City Community Unit School District #1 approve the limiting rate to be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.07% above the limiting rate for school purposes for levy year 2019 and be equal to 3.92% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2021.
The goal of this referendum is to generate a stronger and more stable stream of revenue to support the growing costs of the technology and tools necessary to provide the best learning experience possible for the students of Tri-City, as well as to improve aging school facilities for both in-classroom and extracurricular activities. This referendum question was specifically designed to meet those needs while not having any significant increase in the property tax rate for the residents of the district. Existing bond obligations are ending, which are scheduled to provide a reduction to a different part of the total tax levy, which should completely offset taxes from the referendum (if passed). It is with a forward-looking and student-centered vision that the Tri-City Board of Education has made the decision to submit this proposal to our communities.
The following links contains factual information regarding this referendum, including enrollment, finances, and documents specific to Tri-City Schools’ plans for the approved funds. Again, the goal is to improve Tri-City schools at no additional cost to the district's taxpayers.
We appreciate the support of our families and communities.
WHERE WE ARE:
Tri-City Schools continue to provide students with excellent educational opportunities. The Board of Education, administration, teachers, and support staff work diligently to serve the students of our school community. This has never been more evident than during this recent pandemic environment, as the goal has been to provide as much in-person learning as possible in safe environments.
During this time, Tri-City CUSD #1 was one of the only districts in the area to open up at the start of the school year. Despite the challenges of safety concerns and scheduling obstacles, our staff rose to the occasion for the good of the students and the community.
Two of the major educational initiatives the Board of Education approved early this school year were:
· Annual technology rotation
· Annual curricula rotation
Both of these initiatives are designed to improve the educational opportunities of our students.
In addition, our staff developed, and Board approved, the following policies this year:
· e-learning plan, designed to promote continuity of learning during inclement weather days
· Accelerated Placement Policy, designed to promote student achievement and educational opportunities
WHERE WE WILL GO:
In order to continue providing the technology and curricular rotations, Tri-City Schools will utilize the additional funds from this limiting rate increase to help with the purchasing costs of these resources. It is estimated that increased limiting rate would generate approximately $300,000 in additional revenue for the district.
The technology rotation plan, as approved, allows for the purchase and updating of the following devices:
· New Chromebooks to be purchased for 1st, 5th , and 9th grades – Annually
- Students will be assigned the Chromebook for 4 years
- Estimated cost – 135 Chromebooks @ $240 each = $32,400
· 16 Staff Laptops or Desktops—Annually
- Years 1, 2, 3 – staff laptops
- Year 4 – 8 staff laptops and tech lab desktops
- Estimated annual cost – 16 laptops @ $900 each = $14,400
The curricula rotation plan, as approved, allows for the purchase and updating of our district curricula.
· Each subject area will ideally be updated every 6 years under this plan.
· The annual K-12 cost is estimated at $100,000.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SCHOOLS:
Visit www.tricityschools.org
Contact Superintendent Chad Colmone at 217-364-4811, or ccolmone@tricityschools.org