Image: Boreal Community Media files

From Cook County School District 166 - June 14, 2024

Cook County Schools has updated its facilities planning website – VikingsVision.org – to provide district residents with information about a bond referendum on the ballot this November. The site will serve as the primary source for information and updates about the district's three-question proposal to residents. 

School Board members unanimously approved the resolution to move forward with the referendum during their meeting on June 6th. The referendum asks voters to consider three questions which, if approved, will authorize funding to improve safety and security, educational adequacy, and complete deferred maintenance at the district’s PreK-12 building. 

• Question One requests $24 million for upgraded spaces at the district’s PreK-12 school building, including additional common/flex space, classroom renovations, an additional gymnasium, improved accessibility, building security, and the completion of deferred maintenance. 

• Question Two requests $9 million for improvements to the school’s grounds, athletics, and arts spaces, including artificial turf for athletics fields, a running track, and updated theater equipment and seating.

• Question Three requests $3.5 million to add an additional gymnasium station to support physical education, athletics, and community recreation. 

Question Two is contingent upon Question One passing, while Question Three is contingent upon both Question One and Two passing. If approved by voters this November, the district will hold additional community/stakeholder work sessions to inform the final design of renovations and additions to our building and grounds.

VikingsVision.org includes details about the challenges each question seeks to address, how each question would support students, the tax impact, and how residents can vote. 

Starting in 2023, assessments were completed to determine the quality and educational adequacy of the district’s school buildings to help prioritize what type of investments would best serve students and staff while using taxpayer dollars wisely. The results of these assessments were shared at nine different community listening sessions with students, staff, and community members, who offered their own feedback on what improvements should be prioritized.

“Keeping our community updated about the steps we’re taking has been a top priority from day one of this process,” said Superintendent Chris Lindholm. “The website offers a great opportunity for our community to learn more about what this plan aims to achieve for our students and to give them the information they need to vote confidently this November.” 

The website will be updated with additional information as it becomes available, including details about voting, tax impacts, and more about the proposed investments. Answers to frequently asked questions from residents will also be added regularly. The district encourages all community members to learn about the plan and ask questions.

“This plan was directly informed by community feedback,” said Lindholm. “We want to prioritize investments that improve the health, safety, and well-being of students and staff and also ensure our extracurricular activities and community programs are properly supported with the necessary infrastructure and equipment.” 

Residents with questions about the investment plan and referendum are encouraged to visit VikingsVision.org/connect or contact Superintendent Lindholm at [email protected].