By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – The District 87 school board took a step in the direction of creating more parking spaces for Bent Elementary staff members Wednesday night.
The board unanimously approved the purchase of properties on both 907 and 909 N. Roosevelt, an area that is currently occupied by soon to be vacant homes. Superintendent Barry Reilly said the plan is to create new parking spaces by the beginning of next school year.
“We likely will not come forward with a recommendation to the board to do anything with those for awhile,” Reilly said. “I would imagine we would do something similar with what we’ve done with the other properties, which is level the buildings and put a parking lot there.”
Reilly estimated 35 to 40 new parking spots will be added, something he hopes will be a positive for the entire Bent Elementary community.
“It’ll go a long way to help the staff and the parents,” said Reilly. “It’ll create some better safety around that building. It’ll also help the neighbors. We’ve had a lot of communication with the neighbors and we’ve received very supportive feedback.”
As for the ongoing budget stalemate, Reilly said a recent meeting with State Rep. Keith Sommer about the need for a state budget went well. However, he feels nothing has changed. The key to change, Reilly said, is continued pressure on state legislators.
“Our universities are starting to put the pressure on the state,” Reilly said. “I also think there are some things going on behind the scenes that we’re not aware of. I’m hopeful that as we continue to put the pressure on, which takes a lot of us and this is us wanting to do our part, legislators will see how much we want this budget to be completed.”
Reilly said he’s been happy with local legislators willingness to meet and discuss the district’s needs, but said he’s no more optimistic about a state budget than he was months ago.
Illinois is currently in its tenth month without a budget.
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
