Group makes pitch for new school in Harvard

HARVARD – A group running a referendum campaign – backing the proposed construction of a $20 million school – is trying to explain what impact the new school will have on property taxes. Calling themselves "Citizens Caring For Kids," the group asks that the owner of a $200,000 home in Harvard School District 50 consider paying $92.50 more next year in real estate taxes so that a new school can be built. The referendum question will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Bonds would be issued to pay for school construction, officials said. The bonds would be paid back with interest with a 15-cent increase for every $100 of equalized assessed valuation in the property-tax rate. The owner of a $200,000 home now pays about $2,637 a year to the school d