In 2017, District 186 embarked on an ambitious two-year journey to create a comprehensive master plan, paving the way for a successful sales-tax referendum. This endeavor required the coordination and cooperation of numerous entities – each with their own unique mission – uniting for a common goal: shaping a brighter future for the district.
Through extensive community engagement, the district harnessed the power of input, opinions, and feedback to shape a master plan grounded in the strongest possible information.
Over the course of nine community meetings, six facilitation team meetings, and ten ward meetings, a vision for the future of District 186 took shape. More than 1,000 stakeholders played an active role in this process, ensuring diverse perspectives influenced the final plan.
The resulting plan offers a comprehensive roadmap for the district's future. It carefully considers the cost/benefit analysis of proposed improvements for every building, ensuring each dollar will be spent judiciously.
View the Implementing Vision presentation here to learn more.
The district faced numerous challenges, including a pressing need for a comprehensive understanding of building needs across its 34 aging facilities. As a large urban district, infrastructure was crumbling, and a lack of equity in resources was evident. There was an urgent need to create future-focused learning environments, moving beyond the reliance on portable classrooms that dotted many buildings. Addressing these issues was critical to providing students with the modern, equitable educational spaces they deserved.
The successful passage of the 1% sales-tax referendum marked a major triumph, generating over $200 million in funding for the district. This influx of resources paved the way for transformative improvements, addressing long-standing challenges and shaping a brighter future for students and the community alike.
A Community's VISION
The resulting plan not only helped identify a clear path for addressing all areas of need, but it was also an essential piece of building support for public funding to implement the plan. Following the completion of the plan, Sangamon County overwhelmingly passed a referendum to implement the 1% Facility Sales Tax for school facilities, which had failed in previous elections. The district began implementation in 2019.
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Passage of a 1% county-wide sales tax referendum, generating 200+ million in funding for the district.
The district first partnered with BLDD in 2010 to develop a comprehensive facilities assessment and improvement strategy that addressed both immediate challenges and long-term aspirations. This partnership came at a crucial time as the district implemented its “Righting the Ship” initiative, a strategic plan designed to ensure fiscal stability while maintaining educational excellence.
Founded in 1846, the City of St. Charles School District has been a cornerstone of the community, contributing significantly to the city’s rich history. As the district prepared to renew an upcoming proposition, it recognized the necessity of developing a comprehensive long-range facilities master plan to ensure the prudent allocation of district funds.
Through a $100 million bond referendum, the Edwardsville School District can provide 21st century learning environments throughout their facilities.