The results of a survey about the Niles Community Schools bond issue were released during Monday’s school board meeting.

A total of 220 people took the survey, which was placed on the school district’s website Nov. 20.

Following is a summary of the results of the four questions asked about the district’s bond proposal:

Question 1: Please rank the four scenarios presented in terms of which you feel is the most appropriate recommendation for the future:

The 208 people who answered the question overwhelming indicated their support for the first scenario, which included the closure of Westside, Cedar Lane and James Ellis Elementary. Thirty-seven percent “strongly agreed” that it was the best choice, while 29.84 percent “agreed” it was the best choice. Only 11.52 percent “strongly disagreed,” while 6.81 percent “disagreed.” Just over 16 percent were neutral.

The least popular choice was the third scenario, which included building a new administration center and closing Westside, Cedar Lane and James Ellis. More than 65 percent strongly disagreed with that option.

Only 13 percent of people “strongly agreed” with the second scenario, which included the closure of Cedar Lane and Ellis and additions to Oak Manor, Ring Lardner and Howard.

Nearly 17 percent of people strongly agreed with the fourth scenario, which included closing Cedar Lane and Ellis and adding on to Ring Larder and Howard.

 

Question 2: Choosing from the list of additional projects, are there items you believe, and would support, that should be part of the bond proposal. People could check more than one item.

The majority of the 190 people who answered the question indicated their top three additional projects to be window replacement, plumbing replacement and upgrades to classroom finishes, including casework where necessary.

As a result of the survey, board members added window replacement to the first bond proposal. Plumbing replacement, new furniture and upgrades to classrooms were included in the second bond proposal.

Here is a complete roundup of the results:

• Window replacement — 152 (80 percent)

• Plumbing replacement — 120 (63 percent)

• Upgrades to classroom finishes, including casework where necessary — 99 (52 percent)

• Site traffic improvements — 96 (50 percent)

• Door replacement — 92 (48 percent)

• New furniture where necessary — 86 (45 percent)

• Asphalt replacement — 86 (45 percent)

• Cost for demolition of closed buildings — 52 (27 percent)

 

Question 3: How likely are you to support a bond program?

Nearly 80 percent of the 214 people who answered the question indicated they were either “very likely” or “likely” to support a bond program. Just under 10 percent of respondents fell into the categories of “unlikely” or “definitely will not support.”

Here is a complete roundup of results:

• Very likely — 125 (58.41 percent)

• Likely — 43 (20.09 percent)

• Not sure — 25 (11.68 percent)

• Unlikely — 7 (3.27 percent)

• Definitely will not support — 14 (6.54 percent)

 

Question 4: If you are likely to support a future bond program, what is the maximum amount of additional monthly property taxes you are willing to pay to fund the upgrades?

The majority (26 percent) of respondents said they are willing to pay between $12 and $13 extra a month. The next most popular choice (25 percent) was between $20 and $21 a month. Almost 10 percent of all respondents said they are unwilling to see their property taxes go up at all.

Here is a complete roundup of results:

None — 19 (9.41 percent)

$4-5 — 18 (8.91 percent)

$8-9 — 33 (16.34 percent)

$12-13 — 58 (28.71 percent)

$16-17 — 23 (11.39 percent)

$20-$21 — 51 (25.25 percent)