CHAMPAIGN, IL- The Champaign School Board's decision to use cash bonds for school improvements has been causing controversy in the city because the bonds will raise property taxes.
Over 2,300 people signed petitions asking for the bond issue be put on the November ballot. But the district says repairs to schools need to happen now.
The board approved a $9.6 million contract to start building repairs at four schools Monday night.
This comes two months after the board approved borrowing $14.5 million dollars in working cash bonds, raising property taxes by about $25 on a $150,000 home.
Before next school year Edison Middle School will have window air conditioning units and new lights, Jefferson Middle School will have geothermal heating and cooling and new windows, and Central High School will have new lights.
Also, part of Franklin Middle School's geothermal system may get started, but it may also get pushed back to 2013.
The district says just over $9 million of the working cash bonds will be used in this round of repairs. Almost $600,000 is being funded by a sales tax.
