Gov. George Ryan presented Elgin-based Unit School District 46 with a check for $45 million Thursday to help pay for new schools in the state’s second-largest school district.
The state funds, part of the Illinois FIRST public works program, will be added to $200 million that voters approved in a referendum for the construction of six new elementary schools, a middle school, a high school and additions to existing schools.
Ryan delivered the check during an afternoon ceremony held at Abbott Middle School in Elgin.
“It’s been no secret my top priority as governor has been education, your education,” Ryan told 7th and 8th graders gathered in the school’s auditorium. “When I was running for governor, I pledged to dedicate 51 percent of all new revenues to education and job training. In the fiscal year 2000 budget, 52 percent of new revenue goes to schools.”
A wave of excitement ran through the crowd of students as Ryan’s helicopter touched down in a grassy field behind the brick school, built in 1932 during the height of the Depression. Students clamored for Ryan’s attention after the event, getting him to sign notebooks and Harry Potter novels.
Supt. Jim Feuerborn said the new construction is badly needed. The district has gained 1,000 students each year in recent years, he said.
Enrollment grew by 1,663 students last year, and school officials predict another 1,800-student increase for the next school year, he said. The district, which has more than 36,000 students in 50 schools, serves 11 towns.
The state money is part of a five-year, $2.2 billion school construction program funded under the governor’s grant allocation for public facilities. Eligible school districts must secure their local share of construction funds before receiving the state money. Only projects that address crowded classrooms, old buildings and emergency situations are being funded.
The district’s new elementary and middle schools are scheduled to be ready for the 2003-04 school year. The high school should open for the 2004-05 school year.
The first phase of additions and remodeling at existing schools is scheduled for completion in time for the 2001-02 school year. All construction projects are expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2005-06 school year.
