Deer Creek-Mackinaw CUSD #701 invites all district residents to attend upcoming open houses and public informational sessions regarding the 1-cent County School Facilities Sales Tax (CSFT) referendum on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot.
District Superintendent Brian Maloy will lead presentations at each session to explain how the sales tax works under Illinois law, how revenue would be allocated to our district, and the rules governing how those funds can be spent.. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the school buildings, observe current facility conditions, and ask questions.
Open House Dates and Informational Meeting Times and Locations
Date | School | Open House Time | Informational Meeting |
Wednesday September 30, 2026 | Dee-Mack Intermediate School | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | 6 p.m. Gym |
Wednesday October 7, 2026 | Dee-Mack High School | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | 6 p.m. Gym |
Wednesday October 14, 2026 | Dee-Mack Primary/Jr. High School | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | 6 p.m. Gym |
Understanding the Referendum Proposal
The Tazewell County School Facilities Sales Tax referendum asks voters to consider a 1% sales tax on qualifying retail purchases made across Tazewell County. If approved by a simple majority, revenues will be distributed to Tazewell County school districts on a per-student, enrollment-based formula.
Key features of the tax structure include:
What is Taxed: General retail merchandise, restaurant dining, gas station purchases, and online orders.
What is Exempt: Groceries (unprepared foods), prescription and over-the-counter medications, motor vehicles (cars, trucks, ATVs, RVs, boats, mobile homes), farm equipment, parts, and agricultural inputs such as seed and fertilizer.
Non-Resident Tax Support: It is estimated that nearly 60% of the sales tax revenue would be generated by non-residents and visitors shopping in Tazewell County, helping spread financial responsibility beyond local homeowners.
Impact for Dee-Mack Schools
By Illinois law, CSFT revenue is strictly restricted. Funds can be used for building security and safety upgrades, facility improvements/repairs, School Resource Officers (SROs), student mental health professionals, or paying off existing facility debt to reduce local property taxes. Funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, teacher salaries, instructional supplies, or textbooks.
If approved, Deer Creek-Mackinaw CUSD #701 is projected to receive approximately $1,045,000 annually to address capital facility needs, enhance school security, and support student mental health services.
Community Questions and Additional Information
Additional educational resources, frequently asked questions, and countywide information please visit, TazewellForStudents.com.