The Board of Education has voted to place the renewal of the Oak Park USD Parcel Tax before the voters in a special all-mail election to be held on May 2, 2017.  This measure generates approximately $900,000 per year for our schools.  These funds are used to pay for additional teaching positions and so are responsible for creating lower class sizes at all levels, K-12.  Specifically, these funds pay for six elementary teachers and five secondary teachers.  The loss of these funds would negatively affect class sizes at all levels. 

 

The parcel tax was first approved by voters in 2004 for a period of five years, and then voters renewed it in 2008 for eight more years. Both times it passed with over 80% support. It expires on June 30 and requires a 66.67% YES vote.  The amount is a simple $197 per parcel in Oak Park. Senior citizens (65+) who live in their homes may file for an exemption from the tax.  This time the measure also allows people with disabilities to file for an exemption.  Also, a provision was included that will only require a single exemption with an automatic annual renewal for our senior citizens and the disabled.  

 

The parcel tax is entirely different than bond funds.  The bond that was passed in November will be used to pay for facilities, equipment, and technology only.  Bond funds cannot be used for ongoing expenses such as class size reduction.