School Dist. 129 is hosting a series of pre-referendum facts forums for residents to find out about the district’s operations and financial condition. 

This spring residents will vote on whether to approve a temporary increase in the district’s operating tax rate. At the forums, residents will have an opportunity to talk directly with Supt. Jim Rydland about the needs of the district 18 schools and 12,500 students.

The forums are at 7-8:30 p.m.:

• Thursday, Feb. 15, Jefferson Middle School, 1151 Plum St., Aurora;
• Thursday, Feb. 22, Freeman Elementary School, 153 S. Randall Road, Aurora;
• Thursday, March 8, Jewel Middle School, 1501 Waterford Drive, North Aurora; and
• Monday, March 12, Herget Middle School, 1550 Deerpath Road, Aurora.

The Dist. 129 operating budget for 2006-07 (excluding fire prevention/safety, site and construction funds and debt service) is $99.9 million. The projected shortfall is estimated to be approximately $1.9 million for this fiscal year.

Specifically, the school board has placed on the April 17 ballot a request that the extension rate limitation be increased .50 percent to 3.52739 percent and held constant for the 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 levy years. This adjustment would amount to a $167 increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000. This amount would increase if home values appreciate.

For further information, call Randi Ochsenschlager at 630-301-5033.