09/03/2026
Our schools are the front porch of our communities.
That is why school districts in Tazewell County, including ours, have united to bring a question to voters on November 3, 2026.
Voters in Tazewell County will consider a 1% Illinois County Schools Facility Tax (also known as the "One-Cent Tax"). The tax would fund critical facility upgrades and safety improvements in our schools while easing reliance on local property taxes.
What is on the ballot?
If approved, the revenue would directly benefit all public schools across the county, including ours. Revenue would be controlled locally, distributed based on student enrollment, and could be used for:
*Erase Existing Bond Debt to reduce our reliance on property taxes moving forward.
*Eliminate Registration Fees, saving families, per student, each year:
$110 for Grades K-4 • $140 for Grades 5-6 • $165 for Junior High • $230 for High School
*Safety Upgrades, including School Resource Officers and security technology at entrances and access points to provide students and staff with the safest learning environments.
*Support Growing Student Wellness Needs through additional mental health professionals and other resources.
*HVAC Replacement for units at end-of-life to protect our community’s investment in our buildings and prevent more costly emergency repairs in the future.
Do other communities have this?
Yes, a majority of counties in Illinois have this type of tax in place, including every county that borders Tazewell (McLean, Peoria, Mason, Woodford, Fulton, and Logan). When Tazewell County residents shop and dine in those communities, you are supporting those local schools through this tax.
Would people outside of Tazewell County contribute?
Yes, in fact, a majority of the funding would come from visitors and commuters, not Tazewell County taxpayers. Nearly 60% of this new revenue is estimated to come from visitors that make qualifying purchases in our communities, according to research of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This would bring in an estimated total of over $12.5 million annually from visitors alone.
Why is this request important, and why now?
With an understanding of the financial stresses that many people in our communities experience, this request aligns with our responsibility to address aging areas of our school buildings that require significant updates to meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. As business and production costs continue to rise, delaying or deferring these projects would likely mean higher costs in the future.
The majority of school boards in the county have approved a measure to place this question before voters. This One-Cent Tax would provide a dedicated funding source for these needs without raising property taxes.
How can I learn more?
TazewellForStudents.com is a dedicated website that features all frequently asked questions regarding this proposed One-Cent Tax.
We will continue to share information through e-mail, via phone, through our website, on social media, and at school and community events leading up to Election Day. We will also be welcoming families and community members to information events during the fall, and will share those invitations through the channels listed above.
You are also always welcome to contact the superintendent’s office directly by e-mail or phone with any questions. (Use the "Got Questions" form in the comments.)
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our students, staff, and communities.
