Oswego Voters Approve $317 Million Bond for School Upgrades
The district will form a citizen committee to prioritize infrastructure projects and safety improvements across 22 schools.
By Aaron Foster ·
Oswego School District 308 serves as the seventh largest district in Illinois, covering Oswego and parts of five neighboring towns. On Tuesday, voters approved a $317 million bond referendum by a wide margin.
Superintendent Andalib Khelghati announced that the district will create a facilities subcommittee composed of community members. This group will help decide which infrastructure projects receive funding first. The district plans to distribute an interest form to residents in the coming weeks. The form will be available on the district website, social media pages, and in newsletters.
Khelghati stated that the district welcomes input from parents, long-time residents, business owners, and professionals with experience in construction or finance. The bond allocates 79% of the total funds to critical infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades include replacing HVAC systems and roofs.
Proposed projects also cover flooring, plumbing, electrical systems, and building exteriors. The referendum includes $38 million specifically for safety and security improvements. District officials plan to install secure entrances that remain locked at all times. This design moves visitor interactions away from student areas.
Modern access controls will be installed to alert staff if any door is left open or unlocked. Doors will also lock and unlock automatically on a set schedule. The district will update camera systems and install digital intercoms that reach every classroom and outdoor space for emergency alerts.
A facility assessment of the district’s 22 schools found that nearly 70% were built between 2001 and 2008. Officials noted that these buildings are reaching an age where major systems require replacement. Khelghati said the bonds will allow the district to update aging infrastructure and strengthen safety for decades.
Because the district is retiring existing long-term debt simultaneously, property tax costs will change. Officials stated that the debt service portion of taxes will decrease even with the new bond approved. For a home with a fair market value of $300,000, residents will pay about $100 less per year starting in 2028. An additional $56 annual reduction is expected beginning in 2036.
