Future Focus Asked & Answered

To build a high school, Troy Community Consolidated School District would first need to restructure its district type, as we are currently a PreK–8th grade district. Currently, our graduates transition to either Joliet West or Minooka High School. Because these are separate high school districts, both would have to formally approve releasing Troy students from their boundaries. This change would result in a loss of enrollment and corresponding tax funding for those high school districts, making their approval a significant hurdle.

Troy 30-C does not have adequate fund balance to build a new school. That being said, the potential limiting rate increase could afford the District the opportunity to issue alternate revenue bonds in order to build a new school. This approach would allow the district to build a new school, and allow for the increase in operational costs to run the building.

The village of Shorewood is annexing us 14 acres of land in the new development at River and Black

As for the areas slated for solar farms, this remains a point of heavy contention at village board meetings. It is our understanding that residential developers are already eyeing that land, which adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.

The floorplan of TMS wasn't addressed until now as we have made instructional decisions to alter the movement of student throughout the building including early dismissal from classes in one area of the building to allow for passing time to another area of the building. However, these decisions impact instructional time and now, with the growing needs of our students and special populations, we need to address the issue to gain instructional time back.

Regarding the Rock Run apartments in Joliet: while the city’s initial projections suggested an increase of only about 11 students, we are already seeing a much higher impact. We currently have students enrolled from these new buildings, and given the inclusion of two- and three-bedroom units, we expect enrollment numbers to climb significantly as Phase 2 is completed.

With the construction of the new early learning center, all Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms across the district will be centralized into this single, state-of-the-art facility. This means all Kindergarten students will attend this new center rather than their neighborhood elementary buildings.

While we understand change can bring questions, this transition offers incredible benefits for our youngest learners. Currently, many of our existing Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms do not meet state standards for modern, developmentally appropriate early learning spaces. This new building is specifically designed for their age group, ensuring a safer and more enriching start to their education.

Additionally, moving these programs to a centralized hub creates a wonderful 'domino effect' for our neighborhood schools: it frees up vital classroom space, allowing us to offer extra classes and smaller class sizes for 1st through 4th graders across all five elementary buildings.

Troy 30-C seeks to address high-priority operating and capital facility needs, focusing on alleviating overcrowding, improving facility circulation, maintaining small class sizes, and protecting student programming.

Yes. Troy 30-C will be paying off long-term debt in 2027, reducing the debt service tax rate and offsetting the net tax impact of the limiting rate proposal by approximately 64%.

Housing developments are expected to drive growth, adding an estimated 240 to 330 students over the next four years and bringing total enrollment above 4,000.

Residents can attend Board and public information meetings, participate in an upcoming community survey, follow District communications, and review website materials.

A final decision whether to place a referendum question on the November 2026 ballot will be made in August 2026, providing time for additional public input.

All registered voters within Troy 30-C boundaries would be eligible to vote.

The limiting rate referendum would appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot, if pursued.

The District would provide regular updates on spending and project progress through its website, social media, and other existing communications channels.

Residents may contact Sarah Wells at swells@troy30c.org.

Yes, funds from the proposed limiting rate would go toward operating and properly maintaining the new Early Childhood Center.  

Funds would support maintaining small class sizes and preserving existing programming.  

Small class sizes allow teachers to provide individual attention, support, and connection to their students, allowing every child to excel. It’s an important reason why the District has high-performing schools.

Strong public schools support property values, community appeal, and local economic stability.

Delaying construction of the PreK/K Early Childhood Center or making the planned Middle School improvements would likely increase costs due to ongoing construction inflation.

The District has taken steps to control costs, including purchasing its bus fleet, maximizing space, completing targeted improvements, and reducing operational expenses where possible.

Routine maintenance is ongoing, and the District has worked hard to address space pressures, maintain class sizes, and preserve programming within existing budgets. However, maintenance alone cannot resolve long‑term capacity needs that require larger facility investments.

The District has made several improvements in recent years using existing funds, including HVAC replacements, parking lot improvements, solar installations to reduce utility costs, and playground updates.

A variety of steps have been taken to offset rising costs, including:

• Purchasing buses rather than leasing
• Making modifications to maximize space
• Extending facility lifespans and reducing emergency repairs through routine maintenance
• Recycling computers
• Improving transportation staffing to avoid outsourcing

Voters approved additional funding 20 years ago to support construction and additions still in use today. Since then, the District has focused on maintenance and targeted improvements rather than comprehensive, voter‑approved facility investments.

Troy 30‑C operates seven schools: five elementary schools, one intermediate school, and one middle school.

The District serves portions of Shorewood, Joliet, Channahon, and nearby unincorporated areas.

Current enrollment is approximately 3,900 students.

Troy 30‑C is recognized for:

• Strong academic programming
• A highly regarded preschool
• Family and community engagement
• Small class sizes