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Questions and Answers

Fenton Superintendent shares information about the Facility Referendum
 
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Below are a list of frequently asked questions and answers relating to Fenton High School's proposed $65 million facility referendum. We still strongly encourage residents to visit the school and ask questions in real time. Please note that this list will likely be updated as the process continues. Check back often!


Q: Why is this referendum necessary?
A: We make do with what we have in our 1950s building, but our second-rate facilities are keeping our students from reaching their full potential.

Our infrastructure has been extended well beyond its useful life. Mechanical systems, plumbing, and electrical systems need to be addressed to keep the building safe and healthy. Our classrooms and learning areas are small and outdated. Our security system needs improvements. Air flow is inconsistent with some kids sweating in one room and others freezing in another, and the smell in our science and social studies wing is notorious.

This holds our students and teachers back in academics and extracurriculars. It creates significant safety concerns for everyone in our school. 


Q: When did this process begin?
A: Fenton initiated a facilities audit in 2019 to evaluate the conditions, uses, and anticipated future uses for all learning spaces.


Q: How was this plan developed and what is included?
A: Members of our community came together in a comprehensive community engagement process. In addition to information gained from our facility audit, students, parents, staff and community members worked together sharing our ideas and passions, as we created a roadmap for the future of Fenton.

This $65 million plan to renovate and modernize Fenton High School is part of that community-driven planning and will appear on our ballots to approve as a referendum in the upcoming election on March 19, 2024. If the referendum is successful, we will be able to:

  • Renovate Our School to Make it Safer for Students and Teachers
  • Improve Our Programming and Career Learning Spaces
  • Modernize Our Classrooms for 21st Century Learning

Fenton High School was named the 2019 AP District of the Year by College Board.

Q: What was the Community’s role in developing this plan?
A: This was a true community-driven plan. Fenton hosted 11 in-person forums, two scientific phone surveys, and three online surveys throughout six months. Across all vehicles, we received more than 1,000 responses that helped mold the plan that’s now on the ballot.


Q: When is the referendum vote?
A: In-person early voting begins on February 8 at the Addison Township Office (401 N. Addison Road, Addison). The traditional in-person election day is on March 19.


Q: Where can I vote?
A: Click HERE to find your election day polling place location. However, DuPage County is deploying new technology that allows polling places to print a voter’s ballot no matter where in DuPage County they live. Residents can choose to visit a polling place near their work or on their way home as long as the polling place is located in DuPage County. Click here to read more about this new voting technology.


Q: How much would the referendum cost me if it were approved by voters?
A: Approximately $222 per year for a house valued at $229,000, which is the average home value in District 100 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Construction would occur in phases and debt would accrue as the each individual construction phase occurs – that means tax payments would be lower at first and gradually build up. More information and an interactive tax estimator can be found on our Referendum Tax Information webpage (click here).


Q: How did Fenton come up with the price?
A: Our construction management company used a database of past and present school construction projects to match our concepts with other projects of similar scope and circumstances. Information from that database was combined with industry trends to generate these estimates.


Q: Is Fenton using any of its cash reserves (savings account) for these projects?
A: Fenton is currently using $10 million of its cash reserves for a water mitigation project, which is nearly complete. The district also sold $32 million in non-referendum bonds to build a modified version of the STEM Wing. All schools and municipalities are strongly encouraged, and in some instances required, to keep a percentage of its annual budget in a reserve account just in case Illinois does not distribute or is delayed in distributing regular revenues. Fenton High School District 100 intends to continue this practice, but has followed the wishes of voters and used other resources to start this modernization process.


Q. Will bonds approved by the referendum be used to cover salaries and benefits?
A. No. Bonds will only be used to fund needed infrastructure projects. By law, these funds must only be used for that purpose because referendum language is legally binding. We will continue to fund salaries and benefits out of our standard operating budget. Any funds approved by the community for their school will be 100% invested in improving our school infrastructure.


Q: When was the last time Fenton had a referendum?
A: Prior to the two unsuccessful referendums in 2022, the last referendum was in 1975 and it resulted in the construction of the auditorium, the neighboring two-story classroom wing, the fieldhouse, and the adjoining Career & Technical Education classrooms.


Q: When was the current Fenton High School building constructed?
A: The main, central portions of today's Fenton High School were constructed in 1955.