District 88 has placed a $118 million bond referendum on the November 2026 ballot to address facility improvements at Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools.

District 88 seeks to address its highest priority capital facility needs at Addison Trail High School and Willowbrook High School, protecting these important community assets.

Funds would address safety and security upgrades, aging infrastructure, ADA accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act) and improvements to Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces.

Many systems are outdated and at the end of their useful life. Delaying repairs will result in increased costs due to construction inflation and emergency repairs.

Yes. The district can issue $118 million of bonds without a tax rate increase. This is possible because the district will be paying off outstanding debt. The size of the tax rate that is expiring soon is the same size as the tax rate associated with the new referendum. One cancels out the other, which is how the improvements can be done without a tax rate increase.

There are many anticipated benefits, including: Creating healthier, safer, and more secure schoolsExtending the useful life of existing facilitiesReducing costly and disruptive emergency repairsEnhancing ADA accessibilityImproving CTE areas to ensure spaces meet industry standards to prepare students for future careersEnsuring each District 88 student has access to a quality learning environmentImproving energy efficiency, saving taxpayer dollarsStrengthening our ability to attract and retain quality teachersProtecting property values

Public schools don’t just belong to those who use them, but to all residents within the district. High-quality local schools help attract new residents and businesses to the area, protect property values, and provide shared space opportunities for programs, activities, and meetings. Schools can be a source of community pride and play a vital role in an area’s local economy.

Proceeds from the bond referendum would address:Security: Improve secure entry vestibules; update door access control systems; replace outdated doors, frames, and hardware; add perimeter security film; and replace and enhance exterior building and parking lot lighting.Safety: Update building-wide egress and replace outdated fire protection systems, fire alarms, Bluepoint emergency response systems, standby generators and transfer switches, intercom systems, life safety equipment, railings and rail guards, and interior glass.ADA Accessibility: Upgrade elevators, restrooms, science lab stations, bleachers, auditorium seating, and ramps to improve Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accessibility.Infrastructure: Replace outdated electrical, plumbing, mechanical units, roofing, and flooring; address exterior tuckpointing and sealing; replace exterior windows and doors; improve deteriorating parking lots, sidewalks, and curbs; and update auditorium technology.Career and Technical Education (CTE) Spaces: Update construction trades and automotive technology spaces. Athletic Infrastructure: Replace outdated scoreboards, backboards, sound systems, public address systems, videoboards, backstops, fencing, windscreens, lighting, gym flooring, wrestling mats and wall pads; relocate varsity softball field; update girls’ athletic lockers; improve outdoor and indoor tracks; add storage; and address other aging infrastructure.

Willowbrook High School is 67 years old, and Addison Trail High School is 60 years old.

At both high schools, many systems and structures have reached the end of their useful life and no longer meet current safety, accessibility, or educational standards. Delaying repairs could lead to much higher costs in the future.

Yes. To minimize disruption to teaching and learning, most of the repairs and renovations would take place during summer breaks. Some projects may extend beyond summer months, but they would be carefully phased to avoid impacting instruction.

A bond measure allows school districts to borrow money for capital projects, much like a mortgage for homeowners. If voters approved the proposed bond measure, the bonds are repaid over time through property taxes.

District 88 has placed a 20-year, $118-million bond referendum on the November ballot.

Nineteen years ago, District voters approved a $104.7 million bond referendum to modernize and support improved learning environments at both high schools. Projects were completed on time and on budget and included technology upgrades, modernized science labs, enhanced art and music spaces, collaborative learning areas, student-centered common areas, and additional instructional spaces.

Yes. Delaying improvements by just five years could add more than $22 million to the cost, assuming 4% annual construction inflation. Additionally, continuing to defer maintenance and make emergency repairs to aging infrastructure and building systems would be increasingly costly and disruptive.

Yes, the projects supported by the district’s previous bond referendum were completed on time and on budget. The district continues to pursue grants, where available, to fund improvements.

District 88 strategically invests approximately $1-2 million annually in ongoing maintenance to keep schools safe, functional, and welcoming environments for students and staff. However, the scope and scale of the capital improvements now required far exceed what can be addressed through the district’s annual budget and reserves.

School district bonds are sold through a regulated process to get the lowest cost for taxpayers. The district works with financial experts, receives a credit rating, and sells the bonds either through competitive bidding or a negotiated sale. Investors buy the bonds, and the district receives the funds for the referendum projects.

There is usually very little risk. If market conditions are not favorable, the district simply waits for a better time.No money is lost.The voter approval remains valid.The only impact could be a slight delay in when construction begins. School district bonds are considered very safe investments, so long-term demand is almost always strong.

A wide range of investors typically purchase school district bonds, including:BanksMutual fundsPension fundsInsurance companiesIndividual investorsBecause school district bonds are considered very safe, they usually attract strong demand.

District 88 includes two high schools: Addison Trail High School in Addison and Willowbrook High School in Villa Park. Those schools serve students primarily from Addison, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace and Villa Park. The district has three associate elementary school districts - Addison School District 4, District 45 and Salt Creek School District 48 - as well as parochial schools.

District 88 currently serves about 3,800 students across two campuses.

District 88 consistently maintains a graduation rate above 90%, exceeding state averages.

Yes. In 2024-25, students earned 1,693 career certifications through 18 career pathway programs.

Students earned 5,574 college credits in 2024-25, providing families with a potential opportunity to save an estimated $2.6+ million in tuition through AP (Advanced Placement), dual-credit, and college partnerships. District 88 offers more than 30 AP courses and more than 50 dual-credit/college-credit courses.

Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools have earned placement on the prestigious U.S. News & World Report list of Best High Schools in America. District 88 schools also earn high ratings on www.greatschools.org, with Addison Trail receiving an 8/10, and Willowbrook receiving a 9/10.  In addition, District 88 maintains an ‘Aa1’ bond rating from Moody’s, reflecting exceptional fiscal responsibility and stability. The district also holds the highest financial recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.

The bond referendum will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Early voting and vote-by-mail options will be available.