Parent-led awareness effort for District 45
D45 kids deserve the support they need to learn, grow, and believe in themselves.
District 45 is facing cuts that could affect teachers, class sizes, reading and math support, student services, programs, extracurriculars, and neighborhood schools. The last vote was close. If the referendum returns to the ballot, our community needs to understand what is truly at stake.
The referendum failed narrowly. The impact will not be narrow.
The March referendum was opposed by a narrow margin, with District 45 reporting preliminary results of 51.72% no to 48.28% yes. After the failed vote, the district said it would need to address a projected $3.5 million budget deficit for the 2026–27 school year.
That means this is not over because the community does not care.
It means too many people may not have understood what was at stake.
This reaches the classroom.
Budget cuts can sound abstract until they show up in a child’s school day. District 45 has identified impacts that include teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, reduced programming, extracurricular cuts, possible future redistricting, and possible school closures.
Teachers
Fewer teachers can mean less individual attention and more pressure on every classroom
Class sizes
Larger classes make it harder for students to get help before they fall behind.
Reading and math support
Early support can change a child’s confidence, progress, and long-term relationship with school.
Programs & Extracurriculars
Reduced programming means fewer opportunities for students to explore, grow, and stay engaged. Activities help kids build confidence, friendships, discipline, and belonging.
Neighborhood schools
Future closures or redistricting could affect families, transportation, routines, and neighborhood identity.
The right help at the right time can change everything.
"Our D45 first grader received extra help in reading and math this year. That support did more than improve her test scores. It changed her confidence. She started raising her hand more. She started believing she was capable. She started seeing herself as a strong student. By the end of the year, her scores reached the 99th percentile. That is what support can do. I can't imagine another child needing that same help next year and not getting it because the resources are no longer there."
The cost is real. So are the consequences of doing nothing.
The Facts
District 45 estimated the referendum would cost about $299 per year for a $350,000 home.
That's about $25 per month, $5.75 per week, or 82 cents per day.
No one is pretending that cost does not matter.
But it is worth putting in perspective.
For many households, that is roughly one less coffee per week, one fewer takeout meal per month, or less than a dollar a day.
For students, it could help protect the teachers, reading and math support, manageable class sizes, programs, extracurriculars, and school stability they rely on every day.
This is not just a parent issue.
For Parents
For Homeowners
For Homeowners
This affects your child’s classroom, support, programs, and daily school experience.
For Homeowners
For Homeowners
For Homeowners
Strong schools help protect stable, desirable neighborhoods.
For Local Businesses
For Grandparents and Neighbors
For Grandparents and Neighbors
Families support local businesses. Strong schools help keep families in the community.
For Grandparents and Neighbors
For Grandparents and Neighbors
For Grandparents and Neighbors
A community is measured by how it shows up for its children.
If this goes back on the ballot, we need to be ready.
The first vote was close. If District 45 gets another opportunity in November, the community needs clear information, real stories, and honest conversations before people cast their ballots.
This effort exists to make sure voters understand what a “yes” vote protects.
A yes vote would be a vote to protect:
- Student support
- Teachers and class sizes
- Programs, activities, and school stability
How you can help right now
Follow updates
Follow the campaign Facebook page and invite other District 45 parents, neighbors, and residents.
Talk to five people
Personal conversations will matter more than posts alone. Start with five neighbors, friends, or family members in the district.
Share your story
Stories about reading support, math help, teachers, programs, activities, and school community help people understand the stakes.
Distribute flyers
Help get flyers into local businesses, school pickup areas, community spaces, and neighborhood events.
Ask a business
Ask local businesses to display flyers, coasters, QR codes, or window signs.
Attend meetings
Show up at board meetings and community conversations so decision-makers see that families are paying attention.
The first vote was close. The next one can be different.
If the referendum goes back on the ballot, District 45 voters deserve to understand exactly what is at stake and why student support matters.
Help us reach more parents, taxpayers, neighbors, and local businesses before the next vote.
Share this site and join our Facebook group!
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