$18.5 million school bond goes to voters November 3; district says no tax increase

What happened

The board put an $18.5 million general obligation bond on the November 3, 2026 ballot. It would pay for a new wing at McCormick High School with a 380-seat auditorium, arts and band space, and career-technical labs. The district plans to repay it over about 20 years, around $1.25 million a year, from its existing debt-service levy, which brings in about $1.5 million a year. On that basis it calls this a no-tax-increase bond.

Why it matters to families

Voters decide whether the district borrows $18.5 million. In August a board member noted that because the bond would be approved by referendum, the state's 8% limit on millage increases would not apply to repaying it. Officials have also given the debt-service rate as both 24.3 and 24.7 mills.

The evidence

June 8, 2026: the board adopted the bond resolution and ballot question. August 10: discussion of the 8% limit. September 14: the county auditor's millage figures. October 12: repayment math. All from board meeting recordings on the district's YouTube channel.

The source