Joliet Public Grade School District 86 asked voters to support a $99.5 million bond issue and on Tuesday, the voters delivered a resounding yes. With 100% of precincts reporting, unofficial results posted on the Will County Clerk’s website show 71.6% of voters in favor and 28.4% against the measure. The results will be certified by the Will County Clerk’s office on April 25, 2023.
“On behalf of District 86, I truly want to thank the voters for supporting us. We are very grateful to our families and community members for recognizing the needs we have across our buildings.” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “My gratitude to Tony Contos and J.D. Ross who chaired the Citizens in Support of District 86 Referendum group. The committee members spent endless time getting information out to Joliet voters.”
Funds from the bond issue will be used to build replacements for Gompers and Hufford Junior High Schools and will add classrooms and multi-purpose space to relieve overcrowding at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. All 21 district schools can receive security and safety upgrades, improvements in technology infrastructure, and restroom renovations.
Grade School District 86 is the third largest elementary school district in Illinois. School officials emphasized that the referendum will not increase taxes of residents.
“We will continue to expend funds in a fiscally responsible manner.” Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse added. “All District 86 schools and students will benefit from the work.”
For additional information on the plans, voters can visit https://www.joliet86.org/facility-improvement-planning-information/.
In a much narrower victory, an advisory referendum in Plainfield passed 1,558 to 1,527 in favor of allowing cannabis businesses to operate within the village. Despite the win, the advisory is not binding; the question was placed on the ballot to gauge voters’ wishes and provide guidance for future business development. The Plainfield Village Board will likely make future decisions based on whether the residents vote up or down on cannabis dispensaries in their community.
In the Joliet Township High School 204 Board election, newly elected members Thomas Fitzpatrick (5,834 votes) and Angela Huntington (5,565 votes) join incumbents Dan Coffey (6,517 votes) and Michelle Stiff (6,004 votes). The newly elected members will serve four-year terms. Incumbent Matthew Kennedy was re-elected as he ran unopposed for the one two-year seat on the board.
Three District 204 incumbents lost their reelection bids: Garrett Beene (3,514), Frank Edmon, Jr. (4,661) and Damon Zdunich (3,713).
