District 88 is evaluating a funding proposal that could appear on the November ballot to address facility improvements at Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools, including safety and security upgrades, addressing aging infrastructure, ADA accessibility and improvements to Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces. The potential proposal would fund these essential updates at both facilities without a net tax rate increase.
More information can be found at www.dupage88.net/proposal.
For details, see the list of frequently asked questions below.
District 88 is considering a $118 million bond referendum for the November 2026 ballot to fund critical facility improvements at Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools.
Funds would address safety and security upgrades, aging infrastructure, ADA accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act) and improvements to Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces.
The proposal totals $118 million over approximately 20 years, but there will be no net tax rate increase.
No. The new bonds would replace expiring debt, leaving the applicable tax rate the same.
Many systems are outdated and at the end of their useful life.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.
Healthier, safer and more secure schools; improved energy efficiency; extending the useful life of existing facilities; and protecting property values.
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.
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.
Willowbrook High School is 67 years old, and Addison Trail High School is 60 years old.
Proceeds from the proposed bond referendum would fund the following improvements:
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.
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.
In 2025, the district completed a Long Range Master Facility Plan in collaboration with ARCON Associates and CS2 Design Group. The process included a comprehensive assessment of building needs and surveys of students, teachers, staff, and the broader school community to help identify current and future priorities at both schools. The assessment analyzed:
In 2025, the District also completed a health, life, and safety facility assessment, a state-mandated review conducted every 10 years.
There are many anticipated benefits, including:
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.
District 88 is considering placing a 20-year, $118-million bond referendum on the ballot.
Yes. 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.
No.
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.
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:
Because 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.
District 88 is committed to ongoing transparency and public input. Residents can:
Late winter-early summer 2026: Community information sharing and feedback (mailings, meetings, survey, and more)
August 2026: Board of Education decides whether to pursue a referendum
All registered voters who reside within District 88 boundaries would be eligible to vote on the bond referendum, if pursued.
The bond referendum would appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, if pursued.
Yes. If the referendum were approved, the district plans to provide regular updates, including funding and construction details, through its website, social media, and other communications channels to ensure transparency and accountability.
For questions or more information, contact District 88 Director of Community Relations Dani Brink at dbrink@dupage88.net or 630-530-3989.