WASHINGTON, Ill. – In the upcoming election, some Washington residents will be asked to make a choice between keeping the current Lincoln Grade School building, or building a new school.
The grade school is north of downtown Washington. Only residents of District 52 will vote on whether to build a new elementary school, at the cost of $23 million in bonds.
Community members put a similar bond issue on the ballot a few years back.
“Unfortunately it did not succeed, we lost by 68 votes. There were a number of reasons, when we look back at it, why we weren’t successful. I think having the referendum at the same time as spring break was a deterrent, and it really affected the turnout,” Kyle Varnold, a member of the referendum committee, tells 25 News. He was involved with the previous effort in a different capacity.
This April, the referendum is not during spring break. Election Day is April 1.
School Superintendent Pat Minasian supports building a new school and says there are concerns about the building the community should be aware of.
“I would say air quality is definitely an issue, smaller classroom sizes, narrow hallways, the ADA concerns, and accessibility for our kids,” Minasian says.
Lincoln Grade School was built in 1949 and has several sets of stairs, but only one wheelchair lift.
According to 25 News, critics of the referendum oppose the property tax increases it would cause, especially for farmers. The district estimates paying off the bonds would cost roughly $35 more a month for a home worth around $300,000.
Proponents argue that the current school building needs so many renovations that property taxes may increase regardless of the vote. Those renovations could cost $19 million, but the bonds would have different repayment plans that advocates argue could cost more.
The new school building would be located near Washington Middle School, putting all the District 52 schools on the same campus.
If the community votes “yes,” the current school building might be purchased by Washington Park District.
Lincoln Grade School is offering tours, so voters can see building conditions for themselves. Anyone interested in taking a tour can sign up online.
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