Dear D45 Community,
Eight weeks ago, voters in our community opposed District 45’s limiting rate referendum by a margin of 193 votes.
While many families and community members were aware that reductions would be likely if the referendum was unsuccessful, that does not lessen the significance of the decisions now being made in preparation for the 2026-27 school year.
Facing a lack of additional operating revenue, District 45 must reduce operating expenses by approximately $1.5 million next year to avoid continued deficit spending. Some reductions were approved at board meetings immediately following the election, with additional measures finalized at the Board of Education meeting on May 5. In total, the Board has approved cost-saving and revenue-enhancing measures totaling an estimated $1,695,800 for the 2026-27 school year.
These measures include reduced maintenance, a transition in HR and finance software, bringing occupational therapy services in-house, increased facility rental revenue, increased school fees, reductions to stipends and extracurricular activities, and staff reductions. The largest reduction is in certified staffing, which includes 17.5 full-time equivalent positions. These reductions include eight learning specialist positions, 2.5 advanced academics positions, one special education position, and six classroom positions that will result in increased class sizes.
The Board also approved approximately $100,800 in stipend and extracurricular reductions. These reductions affect several clubs, activities and student programs, including conservation club, drama, student council and Builders Club, talent and fine arts shows, intramural sports, Artsonia, webmaster stipends, after-school choral programs, elementary flex clubs, the district art show, and district STEM Day coordination.
The stipend reduction recommendations are currently limited to the fall. If voters approve a future referendum, the district hopes to restore many, if not all, of these stipends, activities and opportunities as soon as possible. Some events normally scheduled for the fall, such as the middle school musical, may still be able to take place if spring dates can be secured.
Several student programs and activities will remain in place, including instrumental music, interscholastic athletics and grant-funded programs such as D45 Foundation clubs, Frida activities, and student unions. Safety patrol will also continue, as eliminating it would increase costs for adult crossing guards.
These reductions will have a significant impact on our students, staff and school community. We recognize the loss of valuable programs and student supports, as well as the loss of highly qualified and dedicated staff members. Unfortunately, the referendum fell 193 votes short of passage, and without additional revenue, the district must follow the plan shared during last fall’s community engagement and this winter’s town hall informational sessions to reduce expenses and address its financial challenges.
Without additional revenue, the district anticipates needing approximately $1 million in additional reductions for the 2027-28 school year. Recommended reductions would likely include co-curricular and extracurricular activities, such as instrumental music and interscholastic sports, as well as additional certified staff positions.
Over the past several weeks, many community members have expressed support for pursuing another referendum in November. At its May 5 meeting, the Board of Education committed to deciding on a November referendum at its next meeting on May 19. While that decision may not include all details of a potential referendum, such as the exact amount or specific community engagement process, it will be an indication of the Board’s commitment to a long-term solution that allows the district to restore critical supports, programs, and opportunities for students while avoiding further reductions in key areas.
District 45 remains committed to limiting the impact of current and future reductions whenever possible. We also remain committed to operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and working alongside staff, families, and the broader community to pursue long-term financial stability for our schools.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, families and one another during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian Graber, Superintendent
School District 45, DuPage County
