Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025

Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved a tentative property tax levy for 2025 estimated to raise approximately $92.5 million in operating funds, a 4.57% increase over the previous year’s extension, with the majority of the increase attributed to new property growth.

2025 Tentative Tax Levy Key Points:

• The total operating tax levy is projected to increase by 4.57% over the 2024 extension.

• Existing taxpayers are expected to see an average increase of 2.90%, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

• The remaining portion of the increase will be captured from an estimated $76.6 million in new construction added to the tax rolls.

• The district’s operating tax rate and per-pupil spending remain among the lowest when compared to other Will County high school districts.

NEW LENOX — The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, November 20, 2025, unanimously approved a tentative tax levy determination for 2025, projecting a 4.57% increase in operating funds collected compared to the prior year.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback explained that while the overall increase is 4.57%, the impact on existing taxpayers is limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.90%. The remainder of the increase is expected to come from taxes on new properties, with preliminary estimates showing $76.6 million in new construction within the district’s boundaries.

“We always levy higher to make sure that we capture that [new growth], because if we don’t, that’s disproportionately pushed back, that tax burden is pushed back onto existing taxpayers,” Duback stated. “Whatever we are eligible to receive, that is all we receive.”

The total 2024 operating tax extension, collected in 2025, was $88,155,906. The 2025 levy is projected to generate approximately $92.5 million for the district’s capped operating funds. The board passed a resolution determining the amounts needed for each fund, including $66,300,000 for the Education Fund, $16,450,000 for Operations and Maintenance, and $4,950,000 for Transportation.

Because the projected increase is below 5%, the district is not required to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing. The board will vote on the final levy in December.

Duback emphasized that local property taxes account for 70% of the district’s operating revenue. He also presented data showing Lincoln-Way’s financial efficiency compared to neighboring districts. For 2024, Lincoln-Way had the lowest operating tax rate (1.5802) among comparable Will County high schools. Additionally, its fiscal year 2024 operating expenditure per pupil was $18,540, ranking it second lowest among area high school districts, just above Lockport at $18,537.

The board approved the tentative levy with a 5-0 vote. Board members present were Dana Bergthold, Catherine Johnson, Richard C LaCien Jr., Deadra W. Stokes, and President Aaron P. Janik