District 64 could finalize $10 million expansion plan Thursday

The Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 board could vote Thursday to borrow $10 million to expand Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge.

If approved, the loan likely will result in bigger tax bills for residents.

The board meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the district’s Jefferson Early Childhood Center, 8200 Greendale Ave., Niles.

The proposed addition would create space for a specialized program for students on the autism spectrum that’s now only offered at Washington Elementary School in Park Ridge. Spaces for students needing emotional support and additional traditional classrooms are planned, too.

If the district borrows $10 million, the owner of a house valued at $500,000 would pay about $29 more in taxes to the district the first year, officials have said.

School board members unanimously voted Dec. 12 to declare their intent to borrow $10 million. Final action is needed.