Manhattan School District 114 Logo Graphic

School District 114 Meeting Briefs

Budget Display Scheduled: The district’s fiscal year 2025 amended budget will be on public display from May 15 through June 17, with board approval scheduled for the June 17 meeting. The budget remains in good financial shape according to district officials.

Graduation Set for June 3: Manhattan Junior High School graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held outdoors on the track area. If inclement weather occurs, two indoor ceremonies will accommodate all families.

Staff Recognition: Multiple staff members received recognition for achievements including Word Masters Challenge results where sixth grade finished fifth nationally, seventh grade placed third nationally, and eighth grade finished 11th nationally. The district’s music programs received superior ratings at recent contests.

Technology Positions: The board approved posting for a district technology assistant and four part-time summer technology interns to support ongoing technology needs.

Board Candidate Interviews: The district will conduct a special board meeting on June 2 at 5:30 p.m. to interview candidates for two vacant board positions. Multiple applications were received for the open seats.

Administrative Costs Waiver: A public hearing will be held at the June 17 meeting to waive fiscal year 2025 administrative cost limitations due to expenditures exceeding the 5% threshold. This represents the fourth year requiring such action, though officials expect to avoid this requirement next year due to administrative reconfiguration.

Professional Development: All district teachers participated in mathematics training while students enjoyed reward activities including carnival games and activities at each building.

Safety Committee Update: The district’s safety committee, working with police and fire departments, responded to several unique situations in recent weeks, demonstrating the value of strong first responder partnerships.

Latest News Stories

Net negative migration is harmful to the economy, economists say

Net negative migration is harmful to the economy, economists say

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Though the economy and immigration were issues that helped President Donald Trump secure the White House, some economists have said that too steep a decline...
Details pending on billions in foreign investments coming from trade deals

Details pending on billions in foreign investments coming from trade deals

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square When President Donald Trump announced a string of trade deals with key U.S. trading partners recently, he touted pledges for billions of dollars in U.S....
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.1

Will County Health Department Seeks $1 Million to Avert ‘Drastic’ Service Cuts from Expiring Grants

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Health Department is requesting an additional $1 million in county funding for its 2026 budget to prevent the elimination of 11 critical staff positions, warning...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.1

Will County’s “First-in-Nation” Veterans Center to House Workforce Services, Sparking Debate

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The new Will County Veteran's Assistance & Support Center will also become the home for the county's Workforce Services department, a move officials say will save approximately $250,000 in...
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.2

Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Sheriff’s Office is facing a more than $1.2 million shortfall in its budget for inmate medical services, a problem officials attribute to an ironic cause:...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.1

Will County Public Works Committee Unveils 25-Year Transportation Plan, Projects $258 Million Gap

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials have presented "Our Way Forward 2050," a new long-range transportation plan that provides a 25-year vision for infrastructure projects while forecasting a $258 million shortfall in...
WCO-Public-Safety.4

Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis

Article Summary: Will County Animal Protection Services is seeking approval for a new facility, telling a county committee that its current building is critically inadequate for housing animals, leading to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.2

Board Confronts Animal Services Crowding, Explores Future Facility Options

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials are grappling with an ongoing animal housing crisis that has overwhelmed the county’s Animal Protective Services facility, prompting discussions about expansion, new construction, or even repurposing...
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.3

Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A debate over transparency and process erupted at the Will County Board’s Finance Committee meeting regarding the distribution of local cannabis tax revenue. Board members called for more...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.2

Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a "tentative agreement" is in the...
WCO-LEG-8.5.1

Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
WCO-Public-Safety.3

Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”

Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.3

County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
WCO-PZ-8.12.2

Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...