Unit 40 Board Considers Classroom Construction Options

Unit 40 school board members and Superintendent Andy Johnson Monday discussed moving forward with classroom construction plans.

The discussion followed action by the Illinois General Assembly to not require a referendum if a building would increase pre-kindergarten or kindergarten classroom space. The governor signed the measure into law June 7.

Johnson asked the Board whether he should gather requests for quotes from architects and from construction managers. 

Chad Thompson, who chaired Monday's meeting in the absence of Board President Jill Wendling, said he would like Johnson to make recommendations on both topics at a special meeting being called for July 8, with the Board then voting on the items at their regular meeting on July 22.

In the meantime, Unit 40 residents should be receiving a survey as to what they would like the district to pursue. The findings from that survey can be used by the school board in deciding how to proceed.

In general terms, the board Monday discussed a Grades Pre-K to 2 facility, but no final decisions, including a location for the facility, have been reached.

While no referendum would be required, the building would still have to be paid for. If property taxes would finance the project, taxes would increase appreciably. If the sales tax referendum on the November ballot passes, those funds could pay for the project.