(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Parents and residents of a North Shore school district let their school board know Thursday night how opposed they are to a proposed tax referendum.
Voters in the Avoca School District 37 will get a chance on March 19 to formally weigh in whether they want to see the district borrow nearly $90 million. The money would be used to close Avoca West Elementary School in Glenview and build a new school in Wilmette.
"We are not a community that turns their back on one geographic area," said a parent that was adamantly opposed. "Your referendum essentially says, ‘Too bad, Glenview, those are the breaks.’ I’m here to remind you that is not who we are."
Another parent also expressed opposition.
"That debt’s going to take 25 years to pay off," he said. "What happens when our kids grow up, graduate college, move back to Wilmette with their families? They’re the ones still paying it, as well."
One of the few parents to speak out in favor of the referendum said: "It’s time for Avoca to invest in our kids and the future of our community."
If the referendum passes, taxpayers in the school district would see their property tax bills increase.
The group of parents against the referendum has grown to more than 100 people, according to CBS 2. The referendum question will be on the March 19 ballot.
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