Why is District 45 asking for more funding?
District 45 costs have been rising faster than revenue in areas such as transportation, insurance, staffing and student support, and supplies and materials.
The district has already made reductions, but those cuts have not fully closed the gap.
For the 2026–27 school year, District 45 implemented $1.695 million in reductions and still projects a deficit of about $140,000.
In short:
The district has already cut costs, but it says more reductions will be needed without additional funding.
WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN CUT?
This is not only about what could happen in the future.
Approximately $1.695 million in reductions for 2026–27 included areas such as:
- Reading support
- Advanced academics
- Clubs and activities
- Choir
- Musicals
Those reductions would not be reinstated if additional funding is not approved.
What happens if it's not approved?
The reductions already made for 2026–27 would remain and approximately $1.7 million in additional reductions would be needed for 2027–28.
Those possible reductions include:
- Certified staff reductions
- Larger class sizes
- Additional extracurricular and co-curricular program reductions
- Redistricting
- Possible school closures
The district also projects another $800,000 in reductions between 2028–29 and 2030–31.
What does this mean for students?
This is where the numbers become real.
For students, changes like staffing reductions, larger class sizes, fewer programs or activities, redistricting, or school closures can affect their everyday school experience.
School is where students spend a large part of their day. It's where they learn, build friendships, participate in activities, and develop relationships with teachers and staff.
For some students, school is also one of the most consistent and supportive places in their lives.
Possible changes could affect:
- The size of their classes
- The programs available to them
- Their access to reading support or advanced academics
- Fine arts, clubs and extracurricular opportunities
- The teachers and staff supporting them
- Which school they attend
What exactly will I see on my ballot?
On November 3, voters will be asked whether District 45's limiting rate should be increased by 0.2670% for school purposes, including instructional programming, student support and services, operations and maintenance, and safety and security improvements.
In plain English:
Voters are deciding whether District 45 should be allowed to increase its operating tax rate by 26.7 cents to provide approximately $4.4 million more each year for district operations.