Oswego voters approve $317 million bond to replace aging school systems
Residents in Kendall, Will, and Kane counties backed the measure by wide margins, citing the need for infrastructure repairs and safety upgrades in schools built between 2001 and 2008.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Oswego School District 308 voters have approved a $317 million bond referendum to address infrastructure failures and safety gaps across its 22 schools. The measure passed with strong support in Kendall and Will counties, with early results in Kane County showing a similar trend.
The district, which serves portions of all three counties, faces a unique challenge. It expanded rapidly from six schools to 22 between 1990 and 2013 to meet population growth. Enrollment surged from roughly 4,000 students in 1992 to over 17,000 by 2013. District officials note that nearly 70% of these buildings were constructed between 2001 and 2008 and are now reaching the point where major systems require replacement.
Superintendent Andalib Khelghati thanked residents of Oswego, Montgomery, Aurora, Plainfield, Joliet, and Yorkville for their support. He stated the funds would allow the district to refresh spaces with new flooring, prevent further water damage in classrooms, and ensure students and staff remain safe with updated technology.
With all precincts reporting in Kendall County, 3,212 residents voted yes, accounting for 64.30% of the total, while 1,560 voted no. In Will County, the margin favored approval by 67.3% to 32.69%. In Kane County, early voting showed 163 residents voting yes and 52 voting no.
Seventy-nine percent of the bond funds are dedicated to critical infrastructure upgrades, including HVAC systems, roof replacement, flooring, plumbing, electrical work, and building exteriors. The remaining funds, totaling $38 million, are allocated for safety and security improvements. These include secure entrances where doors remain locked and visitor interaction occurs away from student spaces. The district also plans to install modern access controls that alert staff if doors are left open or unlocked, as well as updated camera systems and digital intercoms reaching every classroom and outdoor area.
Despite the new debt, officials say homeowners will see a decrease in the debt service portion of their property taxes because the district is retiring existing long-term debt simultaneously. For a home with a fair market value of $300,000, residents would pay approximately $100 less per year starting in 2028. An additional $56 reduction would take effect in 2036.
The bond approval allows the district to begin addressing the physical deterioration that has accumulated over the last decade of rapid expansion. The funds will be used to modernize the aging infrastructure that supported the district's growth from the late 1990s through the early 2000s.
