Latest issueTazewell County rejects school sales tax; Pekin 108 weighs its next moveRead now

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ElectionsThursday, November 5

Pekin District 108 faces $40 million in building needs after Tazewell County voters reject a school sales tax

The Daily Peoria teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 3 sources

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If you're in Tazewell County, the extra 1% school sales tax won't take effect. According to unofficial results, 27,173 voters opposed it and 22,443 voted in favor. The county-wide referendum would have paid for school facilities, school resource officers and mental health professionals.

More Tazewell County voters said no to the school sales tax

Source: 1470 & 100.3 WMBD

View as table
Value
Against27,173
For22,443

Pekin Public Schools now has to cover about $40 million in needed improvements. Superintendent Leonard Ealey says the district isn't planning to cancel projects, but may spread them over a longer period. Student safety, operational compliance and critical repairs such as roofing top the list.

$40 millionin needed facility improvements at Pekin District 108

Ealey says the district will stretch out and prioritize its list rather than cancel projects.

“We're just going to have to change that timeline a little bit, stretch that out and prioritize that list.”

Leonard Ealey, Pekin District 108 superintendent
  • Result: 54.8% voted no, 43.3% voted yes
  • Property taxes: not in the plan, but Ealey can't guarantee that
  • Other money: state maintenance grants and a look at the existing budget
  • Enrollment: declining, with an expenditure reduction plan in place

Sources: WEEK 25 News Now, Central Illinois Proud, 1470 & 100.3 WMBD

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