District 128’s Financial Challenge Is Clear:
Enrollment Has Grown, But Funding Has Not Kept Pace.
District 128 has placed a limiting rate referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to help address growing financial pressures and protect the programs, teachers, services, and educational opportunities students rely on every day.
Why Vote Yes
Costs are increasing in large part because enrollment is increasing. However, state funding is NOT tied to enrollment. The end result is an operating deficit of about $2 million. Voter approval of the District's referendum would help address this critical funding gap and help temper cuts to staffing, programming, and support services.
The Need is Real
Enrollment has grown by 28% over the past decade, while funding has not kept pace.
The Spending is Responsible
District 128 has the lowest tax rate, lowest revenue per student, and lowest spending per student among peer districts.
Protects Teachers, Programs, & Services
Helps avoid reductions to teachers, staff, academic programs, student support services, transportation, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Maintains Small Class Sizes
Supports personalized instruction and helps maintain reasonable class sizes.
Keeps Local Control
Helps keep decisions about District 128 schools in the hands of the community.
Reduces Risk of State Intervention
Supports local financial stability and reduces the risk of state intervention or future district consolidation.
Timing Reduces the Impact
An existing bond payment is declining, reducing the net impact of the referendum.
Protects Property Values
Strong schools contribute to a strong community and help protect local property values.
Facing the Financial Facts
More Students. More Costs. Stagnant State Funding.
In Illinois, school funding (state and local) is not tied to enrollment. The District’s costs keep rising with every new student; its revenue doesn't.
Enrollment has increased 28% over the past decade.
District 128 faces an approximately $2 million annual operating deficit.
District revenue growth is limited by Illinois tax-cap laws.
The District receives the lowest Evidence-Based Funding per student among comparable districts.
Financial reserves have helped bridge funding gaps, but that is not sustainable long-term.
Spending Less While Delivering More
Compared to nearby districts, District 128 has the lowest property tax rate, lowest spending per student, and lowest revenue per student, and lowest Evidence-Based Funding per student.
What New Funding Would Support
A $0.59 limiting rate referendum is on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved, it is estimated to generate approximately $2.4 million in recurring annual operating revenue to help address District 128's ongoing funding challenges.
Funding would help support:
Quality teachers and staff
Reasonable class sizes
Academic programs
Student support services
Transportation services
Extracurricular opportunities
What's at Stake
District 128 will continue pursuing efficiencies regardless of the referendum outcome. However, approximately $1 million in reductions are already planned, and without additional funding, another $1 million in reductions may be needed, resulting in up to $2 million in potential reductions over two years.
Without additional funding, the District could face:
Larger class sizes
Fewer teachers and staff
Reduced student support services and transportation
Reduced or eliminated academic and extracurricular opportunities
Continued reliance on reserves (which is not sustainable)
Less local control through state intervention or consolidation
Voting YES Benefits Students, Schools, and the Community!
A YES vote helps:
Retain quality teachers and staff
Maintain current class sizes
Preserve programs, athletics, and extracurriculars
Maintain transportation services
Support long-term financial stability
Reduce the risk of state intervention or consolidation with another district
Preserve local control of District 128 schools
Protect property values
Timing Reduces the Net Tax Impact
District 128's existing bond payment is declining, which helps reduce the net impact of the proposed 59-cent limiting rate referendum.
To calculate your tax impact, visit the District's tax calculator: D128 2026 Budget Matters Plan | Palos Heights School District #128
A successful referendum would help preserve local control and keep decisions about District 128 schools in the hands of the community.
Stay Informed.
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