Richland District 88A school referendum fails, administration says ‘difficult decisions’ ahead

Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election show voters rejecting Richland School District 88A’s referendum request for an increased tax rate. The district, located in Crest Hill, was asking voters to increase the limiting rate tax by 0.39%.The limiting rate, under Illinois law, is the maximum amount a school district can increase its tax rate in a given year without going to a vote. Revenue from these taxes is used to pay for day-to-day operating expenses within the district, as opposed to new construction or facility improvements.Results showed the referendum losing by 56.69% to 43.31%.“We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the election and took the time to learn about our financial needs,” said District 88A Superintendent Phil Robb. “This does not change our priority to provide a quality education to every Richland student, but we are still facing financial challenges,” said Robb.Prior to the election, district officials said the referendum is nece