SYCAMORE – A proposed new sales tax to benefit DeKalb County schools would not tax groceries, prescription drugs or cars, according to Sycamore Community Unit School District 427.

In November, voters will be asked in a referendum whether they support a proposed school tax for DeKalb County that officials say could raise about $10 million for all of the county’s school districts. Sycamore District 427 has set up a website to inform voters about the proposal, which, if passed, would create a new 1% sales tax in the county.

“It is important to note that a product or service that is not currently subject to sales tax will not be taxed under this proposal. Items such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, cars and trucks, farm equipment, unprocessed foods (groceries), and services will not be taxed,” the website states.

DeKalb, Sycamore, Sandwich and other school districts in the county approved the referendum plan earlier this summer.

Officials have said the tax revenue collected could be used to purchase new school buildings or fund building renovations, land purchases and building demolitions, according to Sycamore district documents. Improvements to technical infrastructure, parking, roofs and other aspects of school facilities could also be funded through sales tax revenue.

Tax revenues would be collected by the Illinois State Department of Finance and paid monthly by the State Treasurer to the Regional Office of Education, which would be responsible for distributing the revenues to school districts.

At a Sycamore School Board meeting on August 27, School Board member Christian Copple asked officials how the district will communicate information about the referendum to the public.

Sycamore Superintendent Steve Wilder said he has coordinated with other districts within the county about distributing a referendum flyer, but how each district communicates about the referendum will be decided on a district-by-district basis.

“I just discussed this (messaging) this afternoon, through additional messaging, some public meetings where I present some information and then answer questions,” Wilder said. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it a town hall meeting, but something like that. I actually have two of those meetings tentatively scheduled. Those will be announced through the communications department.”

Wilder said he is also considering giving a talk about the referendum to the Rotary Club of Sycamore, but he cannot use that platform to influence voters.

“We are limited to sharing information. There are laws in place that do not prevent us in any way from encouraging voting. My goal is to share as much information as possible, but also to get the opportunity to answer some questions from the public. We will see how some of the other communities do as well,” Wilder said.