What is the Strengthen 45 Referendum?

Dr. Brian Graber describes the Nov. 3 referendum proposal, its purpose, and the approximate $4.4 million in additional yearly revenue it would provide.

Join us August 3

Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber invites the community to attend the district’s first referendum town hall and explains what residents can expect.

Why is the Referendum on the Ballot?

Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber shares why District 45’s growing funding gap requires action, how savings have helped in the short term, and why the Board of Education placed a referendum on the
Nov. 3 ballot.

How District 45 is Funded

District 45 receives less state and federal funding than the average Illinois school district. This makes local property taxes an important source of operating revenue. Dr. Brian Graber explains how these funds support schools and how the proposed referendum would provide additional revenue to help maintain current programs and services.

D88 Board Meeting D45 Presentation

District 45 Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber presents to the DuPage High School District 88 Board of Education on August 10, 2026.

Making the Most of Limited Funding

District 45 has taken steps to reduce costs, including cutting administrative positions, adjusting staffing and delaying some technology replacements. Dr. Brian Graber explains how these efforts have helped control spending while an ongoing
funding gap remains.

Why School Costs Have Increased

Rising costs for staffing, student transportation, utilities, insurance, classroom materials and building operations have created an ongoing funding gap for District 45. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber explains how the referendum is intended to provide more reliable annual revenue to help maintain staffing, programs and essential student services.

Tax Impact on Homeowners

For a home with an estimated market value of $350,000, the projected impact of the Nov. 3 referendum is approximately $299 per year, or about $25 per month. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber explains why the actual amount will vary by property and how District 45’s online calculator can help homeowners get a more personalized estimate.

What Has District 45 Already Done to Reduce Costs?

District 45 has taken steps to reduce expenses, including eliminating positions, adjusting staffing, reducing technology costs and making reductions to student programs and services. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber explains why these measures have not fully closed the district’s ongoing funding gap and how the referendum gives residents the opportunity to decide whether to provide additional annual revenue or make further reductions.

What Would the Referendum Provide?

If approved, the Strengthen 45 referendum would provide approximately $4.4 million in additional annual operating revenue for District 45. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber explains how the funding would help restore student programs and supports and maintain reasonable class sizes through appropriate staffing. He also discusses how reliable yearly revenue would support ongoing school operations, reduce reliance on savings and lessen the need for deeper future reductions.

Early Voting and Voter Information

Early voting for the November 3 election is scheduled to begin September 24. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber shares information about voter registration and the options available to DuPage County voters, including voting by mail, early in person or on Election Day, as well as where to find current voting locations, dates and hours.

Where Can I Find Answers to Referendum Questions?

District 45 has created a frequently asked questions section to help community members learn more about the Strengthen 45 referendum. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber highlights the information available, including why the referendum is on the ballot, how District 45 is funded, the estimated tax impact, previous budget reductions and what would happen if the referendum passes or does not pass. The FAQ is updated as additional questions are raised.

Student Programs and Support

District 45’s reading support, advanced academics, fine arts, clubs and intramural sports help students receive additional support and appropriate challenges while building creativity, confidence, teamwork and a stronger connection to school. Several of these programs were reduced for the 2026–27 school year due to budget cuts. Dr. Brian Graber explains how the proposed referendum would allow the district to begin restoring these opportunities and how additional reductions would be needed if it is not approved.

Maintaining Reasonable Class Sizes

Class size is closely connected to school staffing. Superintendent Dr. Brian Graber explains how District 45 determines staffing needs based on student enrollment, how funding limitations can affect class sizes and how an approved referendum would provide reliable yearly funding to help maintain appropriate staffing and reasonable class sizes.