Waukegan School District Approves Urgent Tax Levy Increase

UPDATE: The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board has just approved a significant property tax increase of 4.9998%—the first hike in six years—amounting to approximately $55 million. This decision, made during a heated board meeting on Tuesday, reflects urgent financial pressures impacting local education amid rising inflation.

The tax increase was necessary as inflation continues to outpace revenue growth, according to district officials. Board member Christine Lensing emphasized the need to prioritize the quality of education for students: “Unfortunately, we need to understand the biggest hardship is on our students. We have a responsibility to these kids to give them the best possible future we can.”

As the district faces uncertainty about federal funding—projected at around $30 million—administrators voiced concerns about balancing rising costs with available revenue. Gwen Polk, the district’s associate superintendent for business and financial services, stated that the exact tax amount will not be finalized until late March or early April, when assessment extensions are complete.

The board voted 5-1 to approve the levy, with one member absent. Polk noted that if the tax hike is implemented, a homeowner with an assessed property value of $103,205 would see an increase of about $155 annually. Senior citizens would incur a slightly higher cost of $170 due to their reduced overall tax burden.

Despite the board’s decision, Anita Hanna was the sole member to oppose the levy, advocating instead for budget cuts. “We knew this was coming. I just wish that there had been a plan that we could look at what we could reduce in spending,” she stated.

Board President Michael Rodriguez highlighted the board’s moral obligation to the community. “We swore an oath and we don’t have a choice in that matter. We have to make sure for our children the funds are there especially in light of all the uncertainty that exists in this modern day and age,” he explained.

As the district moves forward, all eyes will be on the upcoming assessment extension. Many board members believe that the tax hike is essential to cope with increasing operational costs and to secure the future of education in Waukegan. “We’re at the point where we can’t hold back and we’ve left a lot of money on the table,” Carolina Fabian remarked, reinforcing the necessity of the increase.

As these developments unfold, the community waits with bated breath for the final figures that could impact their financial futures. The board’s decisions will undoubtedly resonate through the district, shaping the educational landscape for years to come.