SPRINGFIELD -- On Nov. 3, the Springfield School District hopes its $50 million bond issue won't get swept up in sour economic times. It is a no-new-tax $50 million bond.  School officials say it's necessary to be able to tap federal stimulus money, although some still believe the district is overreaching.

The bond issue would finish up the district's decade-long project to air condition all schools, upgrade technology in classrooms and pave the way for major renovations and construction projects at Hillcrest High School, Hickory Hills Elementary/Middle School and others.

"With the addition of the $5 to $10 million in stimulus money, we were able to take a $40 million bond for no tax to a $50 million bond, no tax," said Springfield school board president Gerry Lee.

"Beware of anybody that's telling you a $50 million bond issue won't raise your taxes," said community activist Carl Herd.

Herd flipped the argument and said, if the total bond amount were smaller, the district could lower its property tax levy. He favors the $17 million dedicated to air conditioning, but believes other renovations and technology can wait.

"We're in tough times; this is a wish list that the school has, not a needs list," said Herd.

The bottom line for the district is approval will allow it to tap interest-free bonds that will benefit most corners of the district, while providing a construction spark economically.

"On Nov. 4, they won't pay any higher tax rate than they are on November 2," stressed Lee.

There is some concern that this no-tax-increase bond issue will appear on the same ballot as the controversial police and fire pension sales tax.  Lee thinks the public will be able to keep the two separate.

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