Oak Park and River Forest High School is moving toward finalizing its tax levy for the new year. This is an annual process leading to approval of its property tax levy in early December.
It is typically a routine function as most taxing bodies impose the maximum tax hike allowed under the state’s tax cap laws. The calculus is based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.
OPRF has been swimming in cash the past couple of decades and eroded the trust of its constituents in the process of building up unconscionable reserves. In recent years its board and administration have become more frugal and thoughtful. That included intentional decisions to levy less than the maximum allowed. And the board rightfully boasted about those choices.
This year there are four scenarios being considered. Three of them include a plan to “recapture” $2.1 million in previously foregone tax revenue. Fair enough. Their call. But it needs the context that the district had been intentional in not maximizing its levy. This is a direct reversal of that choice.
