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District 87 approves tax levy, hires new assistant superintendent

Diane Wolf
Colin Hardman
/
WGLT
District 87 assistant superintendent Diane Wolf, left, shakes the hand of Nicole Rummel, who will succeed Wolf when she retires next year.

The District 87 school board on Wednesday approved a 2023 tax levy that increases educational funding while essentially keeping the property tax rate flat.

The district anticipates taxable property values will grow by 7.1% this year, a more dramatic change than usual that is expected to fill out the increased levy.

The projected tax rate of $5.1749 per $100 assessed valuation (EAV) compares with the current rate of $5.1724. Some property owners will pay more due to higher property assessments fueled by housing demand.

Michael Cornale
Colin Hardman
/
WGLT
District 87 chief financial and facilities officer Michael Cornale presented the district's proposed 2023 tax levy on Wednesday.

The $48.5 million levy marks an 8.24% increase over the current levy. The board voted 6-0 in support, expressing the hope that it will help produce positive student experiences.

“We’re hoping that the impact will go straight to the classroom. We want to make sure it includes safety for our students, as well as taking care of our teachers and the rest of our staff … so that we provide the best education for our students,” said board member Veleda Harvey.

Board member Fitzgerald Samedy, who awaits sentencing on felony drunk driving charges, did not attend the meeting.

New assistant superintendent

The board also announced the hiring of Nicole Rummel as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. Rummel has worked in education for 23 years and currently serves as the assistant superintendent at the Mahomet-Seymour school district. Rummel will start next July.

Current assistant superintendent Diane Wolf will retire July 1, finishing a 29-year career in education.

Colin Hardman is a correspondent at WGLT. He joined the station in 2022.
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