Special Referendum Update

In November of 2022, 71% of the residents of Homewood approved a referendum in support of our schools. The referendum was expect to generate an additional $4.2 million in revenue, money we need to eliminate a decades-long structural deficit, increase our fund balances (i.e., our savings), and improve our aging buildings. Due to an unprecedented drop in EAV, however, the referendum only generated $2.5 million in revenue. This shortfall makes it difficult- if not impossible- to meet the 3 goals described above.

Since we found this out, we have been working with our legislators- Rep. Will Davis and Sen. Napoleon Harris- to approve legislation that will help us capture the full $4.2 million that our community overwhelmingly approved. This legislation- HB 4284- has been passed by the House and is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate next week.

We are asking for everyone to make your opinion and support of the bill heard by filling out a Witness Slip online. You don't need to have a student in the school district to submit a witness slip. You don't need to be a resident of Homewood. You don't even need to be a resident of Illinois to support our bill. This will only take 30 seconds but is very important!

Click the button below to go directly to our bill's page. Also below are instructions for filling out your witness slip.

Thank you, all, for your continued support of our schools. We take your trust in us to be good shepherds of your money seriously, and with your help we will be able to continue to provide the best education for our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. McAlister

Superintendent