DuPage High School District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente presented details of the district’s proposed $118 million bond referendum during the Aug. 20 Lombard Village Board meeting.

The referendum, which will appear on the November ballot, would fund improvements at Willowbrook and Addison Trail high schools. District officials say the projects would address safety and security, required life-safety work, accessibility, aging infrastructure, and improvements to career and technical education, performing arts, and athletic spaces.

Barbanente noted that more than 20 percent of District 88 students live in Lombard. She also said the proposal is structured so it would not create a net increase in the district’s bond-related tax rate because bonds approved in 2007 are scheduled to be paid off after the 2026 levy year.

Additional information and a detailed project list are available at DuPage88.net/Proposal.

Other Village Board Updates

Trustees also took action on several additional matters:

• The board gave first-reading approval to proposed changes strengthening Lombard’s regulations for massage establishments. The amendments would address features and activities that village officials believe could be associated with prostitution, human trafficking, or other unlawful conduct.
• Trustees approved an agreement involving Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and the Glenbard Wastewater Authority concerning the possible future development of a fire training tower near Hill Avenue. The project has not yet been funded or designed. Glen Ellyn would be responsible for the facility’s costs and has received a $50,000 grant commitment toward the project.
• The board approved an $800,000 economic incentive connected with planned improvements to Lilacia Park. Proposed additions include more gathering areas, a new children’s play space, an outdoor classroom, and an event lawn. The improvements are expected to attract more visitors to downtown Lombard and support events such as Lilac Time and Holiday Lights.
• Decisions involving D.R. Horton’s proposed Lakepointe Townhomes development on the former Northern Seminary property were postponed until the Village Board’s Sept. 3 meeting.