The future of DeKalb schools, and the effect a new subdivision could have on them, was discussed during Monday night’s school board meeting.

Mike Suhadolnik, CEO of Construx of Ill., spoke about his company’s plans to expand housing projects in DeKalb by way of Savannah Green, the 877-unit subdivision, and how its impact would be beneficial for the referendum.

“We plan on, by the end of the year, having built more streets and then begin the building of homes over what will be a five-year plan,” Suhadolnik said. “We couldn’t ask for a better location in terms of being near NIU.”

Suhadolnik added that a couple of the important school-related issues with his company’s project would be the availability of schools to new residents as well as other minor details included in the referendum.

“Students will be able to walk to school with new sidewalks,” Suhadolnik said. “The most important thing is that education will be available to those who move into these new homes.”

School board President Don Robinson summed up the project and the referendum issues brought forth by conveying his excitement with the Savannah Green project.

“The project is a real sign that DeKalb is really beginning to grow,” Robinson said.

The board also continued discussions regarding the $39.8 million referendum to help improve area schools.

DeKalb High School would receive $23.9 million, middle schools $3.9 million and $12.2 for the elementary schools. The referendum will be on the ballot in the Nov. 5 election. If approved, the average homeowner, with a home costing $125,000, would pay an additional $108 a year.

Lincoln Elementary School Principal Tom Burski said one of the important issues that needed to be reviewed in terms of the upcoming referendum was the lack of space the school is enduring.

“Our music department has no storage for instruments, our library has only enough room for our books and not for classes or tables,” Burski said. “The staff can’t all eat together, which on a larger level causes them to lack a camaraderie through eating and mingling together.”

Burski said these concerns resulted from the 308 students his school, which only accommodates 275, encompasses.

However, Burski did mention his school has seen improvements with the refurbishing of new rooms as well as little staff turnover.

Clinton Rosette Middle School Principal Kristen Ross echoed similar anxieties over her school’s lack of space.

“We’re using every nook and cranny available,” Ross said. Ross noted two comprehensive goals she thought were important regarding the referendum. One was to increase achievement and the other was to continue improving the overall atmosphere for the students.

“We want our school to remain a safe place to learn and succeed academically,” Ross said.