Meeting Briefs

L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs

Special Education District Update: The fence installation around the playground at Lincoln Way Area Special Education District 843 has been completed except for one gate section that will allow equipment access for repairs. Extended school year programming is underway with appropriate staffing and transportation. District officials are still awaiting details on new state reimbursement opportunities for private special education facilities.

FOIA Request from Ethiopia: The district received an unusual Freedom of Information Act request from Ethiopia, prompting brief discussion among board members about the international origin of the request.

Policy Updates: Board members approved second reading of policy changes primarily involving Title IX updates dating back to 2020, with most changes consisting of footnote and reference updates rather than substantive language modifications.

Meeting Schedule Change: The August 2025 board meeting was moved from August 21 to August 18 to meet the 30-day public notice requirement between tentative and final budget presentations.

Capital Projects: The board approved a $4.5 million transfer for summer 2025 capital improvement projects, an annual accounting exercise that allows payment for current construction work from the next fiscal year’s budget.

Investment Strategy: The district is working with PMA Financial Network on additional investment opportunities as spring tax revenues are received and life safety bond proceeds are managed until needed for summer 2026 projects.

Latest News Stories

Meeting Briefs

Will County Public Health & Safety Committee July 3 Meeting Briefs

Grain Dust Complaint Prompts Investigation: Will County resident Tracy Henning of unincorporated Peotone addressed the committee about health problems she attributes to grain dust from a neighboring facility. Henning, who...
Will-County-Legislative-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County Seeks Asian Carp Provision in Federal Legislative Agenda

Will County Board member Julie Berkowicz is pushing to add specific language addressing Asian carp invasion to the county's federal legislative agenda, citing the ongoing threat to local waterways as...
MH VB 7-1

Manhattan awards $1.9M contract for Eastern Avenue rebuild

The Village of Manhattan Board approved a $1.94 million contract with PT Ferrell Construction for the reconstruction of Eastern Avenue from North Street to Smith Road during their July 1...
Will-County-Legislative-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

State Legislative Session Update: Transit, Energy Bills Stall Despite Democratic Control

Illinois lawmakers failed to advance major transit funding and comprehensive energy legislation during the recently concluded spring session, leaving key issues unresolved despite Democratic supermajorities in both chambers, according to...
Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County’s Major Capital Projects Hit Key Milestones, VAC Buildout on “Aggressive Schedule”

Will County is making significant headway on several major capital improvement projects, with the new Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) & Support Center in Joliet on an “aggressive schedule” for a...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Board Approves 2026-2031 Transportation Plan Despite Project Opposition

Will County board members approved a contested five-year transportation improvement plan Tuesday after heated debate over a controversial Homer Glen road project that has drawn sustained community opposition. The Will...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Contentious I-3 Rezoning for DuPage Township Storage Yard Narrowly Advances

A proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural to the county's most intensive industrial classification narrowly earned a recommendation for approval from the Will County Planning...
MH VB 7-1

Manhattan modernizes investment policies, check-signing procedures

The Manhattan Village Board approved three separate ordinances and resolutions Tuesday night to update the village's financial management policies and bring them in line with current best practices. The board...
Meeting Briefs

Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs

Federal Budget Impact: Will County could face significant funding challenges if federal budget reconciliation measures reduce Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The county health department and social services rely heavily on...
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County Moves Forward with $200.8 Million Bond Refinancing Plan

Will County Finance Committee members on July 1 approved moving forward with a comprehensive bond refinancing ordinance that could save taxpayers more than $716,000 over the life of the bonds...
Will-County-Public-Works-Transportation-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Program Sees Record Growth, Eyes Expansion

Will County's dial-a-ride transportation service for seniors and disabled residents reached record ridership levels while officials plan major expansion to cover all county townships. The Access Will County program served...
Will-County-Capital-Improvements-IT-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

Will County to Launch New Public Meeting Agenda System in August Amidst Data Conversion Concerns

Will County is set to launch its new public meeting agenda and records software, Granicus “OneMeeting,” in August, but the transition will see over a decade of historical records converted...
Will-County-Planning-and-Zoning-Commission-Meeting-July-1-2025

Green Garden Township Poised for First Major Subdivision in Years After Rezoning

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended a rezoning that could pave the way for the first major residential subdivision in Green Garden Township in nearly two decades....
MH VB 7-1

Village approves street lighting, water line extensions

Manhattan trustees approved two infrastructure improvements during Tuesday's meeting, including new street lighting installation and a water main extension to serve the historic Round Barn renovation project. The board authorized...
Will-County-Finance-Committee-Meeting-July-1-2025

County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges

Will County's Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability. Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee...