School Construction
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on enrollment and needs of the district.
To qualify for School Construction Program entitlement, school
districts must meet minimum enrollment requirements and have
available their local share of funds. Minimum enrollments
are 200 for elementary, 200 for high school, and 400 for unit
districts. The state share of grants ranges from 35 to 75
percent eligible construction costs, determined by an index
adjusted annually to reflect changes in the district's overall
wealth. Districts with local property wealth at or above the
99th percentile are ineligible.
Before any funds are awarded, districts have to raise their
local share, or matching funds. A referendum is not required
to participate in the program. However, a referendum is required
to obtain voter approval to construct a new building or to
issue building bonds. NOTE: Districts must submit an application
and receive grant entitlement from ISBE before holding a referendum.
|
