CHAMPAIGN, Ill -- When it comes to recent working cash bonds, the Champaign Unit 4 School District has yet to spend a dime, but it's been a controversial issue in the community.
Monday's school board meeting revisited the issue after board member Jamar Brown proposed discussing it again.
The board voted unanimously in late February to borrow $14.5 million in working cash bonds for building improvements throughout the district. That means raising property taxes about $25 per year for $150,000 homeowners.
Some bond money will go towards installing air conditioning at Franklin and Jefferson middle schools. Board members say the renovations must happen because conditions in those classrooms can be unbearable.
"[It can be] over a hundred degrees every day for weeks on end," said board member Kristine Chalifoux. "Kids don't learn, teachers can't teach. It's unfair working conditions."
Community members collected 2,300 signatures, asking the board to put the bond issue on the November ballot.
The board said they don't have to spend all $14.5 million, but they cannot abandon their original vote's action.
Brown said he wants to change his vote because all improvements cannot happen before next school year.
In order to get some renovations started, the school board must act fast. They're calling a special meeting next Monday to review contracts.
