The Plano School District 88 board approved the 2027 fiscal year budget that includes $6.3 million for expansion of an elementary school and a $2 million tax abatement that the district said provides “direct property tax relief to local taxpayers.”
The spending plan also includes $1.5 million for overall facility improvements.
After approving the budget at its Sept. 21 meeting, the School Board said in a news release the budget achieves the priorities of taxpayer relief, program continuity, fiscal contingency, and facility enhancements and maintenance,
District 88 is planning a $6.3 million, eight-classroom expansion at P.H. Miller Elementary School and will also include a new library and cafeteria.
The school district said once the construction is completed for the 2027-28 school year, the students attending the Plano Early Learning Center at the YMCA will be relocated back to P.H. Miller.
Superintendent Tracy Thurwanger said these plans for P.H. Miller represent an investment in the community’s “youngest learners and in the future of District 88.”
“This additional space will strengthen our early childhood program, expand opportunities for students and families, and build upon the community partnerships that continue to play an important role in serving our youngest learners,” he said in the news release.
The $1.5 million in facility improvements includes safety upgrades, roof repairs, and ceiling tile replacements. It also includes parking lot enhancements west of the football field at Plano High School.
Automated, accessible door operators are also being installed at every school to increase safety, the release said.
The budget projects $50,133,134 in total revenue, against $49,577,997 in expenditures, according to the school district.
The $2 million abatement in property taxes means the district will collect $2 million less in property tax revenue on taxes collected in 2027.
Each year, the district adopts a property tax levy, determining the amount of property tax revenue the district requests to support its schools and programs.
District 88 said it has abated nearly $17.5 million in property taxes since 2015.
“Responsible financial stewardship means finding the right balance, providing meaningful relief to our taxpayers while continuing to invest in the schools, facilities, and learning environment our students deserve,” Board President Tim Campbell said in the release from District 88.
The district spends $17,000 on average per student, according to the Illinois Report Card.
Plano 88 contains five schools, including two elementary schools, an intermediate school, a middle school, and Plano High School. P.H. Miller Elementary School also houses pre-K and kindergarten. The district serves a little more than 2,400 students.
To learn more about the 2027 budget and upcoming board meetings, visit plano88.org.