WINNEBAGO — Is the third time the charm? Winnebago School District officials hope that's the case.

District voters are scheduled to visit the polls March 20 to decide whether to allow the district to borrow $7.5 million to pay for building improvements mandated by the state. Two previous borrowing initiatives failed.

Public information sessions about the question that will appear on the March ballot are scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 17 and 18 in the cafetorium at Winnebago High School, 200 E. McNair Road.

“I just want to provide the facts,” Superintendent John Schwuchow said. “I’m really leaving the decision in (the community's) hands.”

Voters rejected a $25.6 million borrowing request in November 2016, and then said no to a $12 million request in April.

The rejections came even after school officials said they needed new money to pay for repairs the state wants finished.

The money is needed to pay for asbestos removal and to repair bleachers and flooring, among other projects.

The board voted unanimously late last year to put a borrowing referendum before the voters again. Whether the measure passes or not, property owners can expect a tax decrease because of some retiring debt.

If voters reject the proposal, owners of homes valued at $100,000 would pay 60 cents less per year in property taxes. Approval would mean a 23-cent decrease.

“Our schools are falling apart,” said Christopher Schoeneweiss, president of the Winnebago School Board. “We need the money for the safety and health of everybody who enters our grounds and our buildings.”

School officials said they are keeping the state updated on mandated repairs. The district has completed some roof and boiler repairs at Dorothy Simon Elementary School. Schwuchow said the next step is to address some window problems.

Susan Vela: 815-987-1392; svela@rrstar.com; @susanvela