How Thornton Township High Schools District 205 is shoring up funds for long-term infrastructure upgrades
Thornton Township High Schools District 205 board members as shown August 14, 2024. HWH / Nicole Johnson
Thornton Township High Schools District 205 is making strides toward financing capital improvements across the district.
The District has a borrowing authority of $120 million, and sought to seek public input on their plan to sell $35 million of the debt. This summer, they closed both Thornwood and Thornridge High School campuses to complete some of these projects. The board held a public hearing earlier this month to authorize the sales.
State law allows school districts to “establish a fund to be known as a ‘working cash fund’ for the purpose of having sufficient funds at all times to meet demands of ordinary and necessary expenditures for educational purposes.”
D205 infrastructure planning dates back to 2016. Renovations include building tuck pointing, roof replacements, bathroom renovations, elevator repairs, and stadium upgrades.
“The district completed its first phase of financing for capital improvements in December 2023, which generated approximately $12 million of working cash bond proceeds,” reported Toriano Horton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations. “The second phase of financing began in July 2024, which will issue $35 million of projects for the district.
So, are Thornton Township residents looking at a tax hike from the district? No, according to Horton. “The overall financing plan will not increase the amount of property taxes a homeowner will pay for the district’s principal and interest payments. Rather it will extend the existing annual payment for up to 20 years.” The District anticipates having the proceeds by October 7, 2024.
Horton also presented the tentative 2025 fiscal year budget.
The tentative budget includes a starting balance of $112 million. Nearly $185 million in revenue and $182 million in expenses put the ending balance near $115 million, according to the district’s presentation.
Most of the district’s anticipated revenue—43 percent—stems from real estate property taxes, up nearly $1 million from the prior year.
“This is a direct result of the board’s decision to give property tax relief to Thornton Township taxpayers,” Horton said. The relief is made possible by the Illinois State Board of Education Property Tax Relief Grant. Through these grants, the state effectively pays the district to reduce its tax levy so the total amount charged to the community is reduced by that very amount.
Thirty-one percent stems from evidence-based funding, the state financing model that directs dollars to local schools based on necessary funding to help meet achievement goals.
According to the district’s presentation, federal grant dollars have quadrupled since the 2021 fiscal year. In 2021, the district received six million in federal funding, which increased to $25 million for the 2025 fiscal year. That’s, in part, due to a jolt in federal funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed budget will be made publicly available for viewing at the district’s administrative office in South Holland, as well as in a print newspaper. A public hearing will be held September 11, 2024, at Thornridge at 6:30PM.
“My Influence Matters”
A student with the My Influence Matters program present at the August 14, 2024, board meeting during public comment. HWH / Nicole Johnson
Leadership development and enrichment campaign My Influence Matters (MiM) made the case for expansion beyond Thornton Township High School.
The campaign, founded by Jason Clark, Class of 2003 Thornton graduate, offers a “holistic approach to mental well-being and personal growth”. The campaign serves students through weekly sessions, student led issue based campaigns, community service projects, exploration trips, and retreats.
“I want to show you don’t have to be part of a group, and anyone can make a difference no matter where they are,” reflected Keshaun McPherson, a rising senior at Thornton, where the program is currently housed. Students hope to expand the program to the Thornwood and Thornridge campuses.
D205 Student Board of Education President Oluwami Femi Ajayi told the board she hopes “that you take it into consideration and make this known among all District 205 students.”
International teacher exchange
William Hedden and Mr. Arvidsson, a Swedish science teache as shown August 14, 2024. HWH / Nicole Johnson
Earlier in the school year, Thornton science teacher William Hedden reached out to schools in Sweden to begin a learning and best practice exchange across the two countries.
Hedden spent time in Sweden exploring their schools. Mr. Arvidsson, a Swedish science teacher, spent the last week exploring Thornton science classrooms.
“I went to universities, elementary schools, high schools, or they were called the gymnasia, and Högstadium are middle schools,” Hedden said. “We have a lot of notes to share and compile. Our goal is to connect with Al Llorens, the Illinois Education Association President, which is an affiliate of the National Education Association and publish our findings.”
“I’m taking so much with me back to my school to improve the education there,” Arvidsson said, echoing Hedden’s sentiments. “The optimal goal is to broaden the horizon and deepen the learning for the kids.”
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Brett Fickes presented both educators with Medals of Distinction.