Oswego Schools: Bond voters approve $317 million plan

Oswego School District 308 has secured voter approval for a $317 million bond measure, with officials planning to recruit a community committee to rank the district's most urgent repairs. Superintendent Andalib Khelghati announced the move in a letter to residents, stating that the district will distribute a community interest form within the coming weeks.

The committee will draw from parents, local business owners, and professionals with backgrounds in construction, finance, or facilities management. Khelghati noted that the district wants diverse perspectives to guide the allocation of funds. The application form will appear on the district website, social media pages, and in upcoming newsletters.

The vote took place Tuesday, where the proposal passed by a wide margin. The district serves all of Oswego and portions of Montgomery, Aurora, Plainfield, Joliet, and Yorkville, ranking as the seventh largest school district in Illinois. A facility assessment of the district's 22 schools found that nearly 70 percent of the buildings were constructed between 2001 and 2008. Officials say these structures are now reaching an age where major systems require replacement.

The bond allocation directs 79 percent of the funds to critical infrastructure upgrades. These projects include replacing HVAC systems and roofs, as well as updating flooring, plumbing, electrical systems, and building exteriors. The remaining funds include $38 million for safety and security enhancements.

Security improvements will feature secure entrances where doors remain locked and visitor interactions occur outside student areas. The district plans to install modern access controls that trigger alerts if a door is left open or unlocked. These systems will also lock and unlock on set schedules. Upgrades will also include updated camera systems and digital intercoms capable of reaching every classroom and outdoor space for weather alerts and emergencies.

Despite the new debt, homeowners will see a reduction in the debt service portion of their property taxes because the district is retiring existing long-term debt simultaneously. For a home with a fair market value of $300,000, residents will pay approximately $100 less per year starting in 2028. An additional $56 annual decrease will begin in 2036, according to district officials.

Khelghati stated that the bonds will allow the district to update aging infrastructure and strengthen safety measures for decades to come. The district has committed to maintaining transparent communication as the plan moves forward.