AMBOY – The community group, 272 KIDS (Knowledge, Infrastructure & Development for Students), was on-hand Tuesday, Jan. 16, to lead tours of the Amboy Junior High building for residents of Amboy CUSD #272. The tours were designed to give a full picture of why 272 KIDS is supporting the construction of two additions to the high school and the March ballot referendum that would fund them. The two additions would include a new, separate Junior High area, on the east side of the High School, and a new entrance, media center and gymnasium for the High School, on the west side.

The group gave around 20 tours during the two-hour open house. A partial list of the areas of concern pointed-out were inefficient and/or non-working windows, a heating system that is so outdated that repairs are frequent and costly, water damage to ceilings caused by burst pipes and other leaks, a gym air handler that is so old repair parts must be custom made, buckling hallway floors and gym flooring in desperate need of replacement. Asbestos in floors and in the insulating wrap on exposed pipes would require expensive abatement to safely remove it. A lack of access to adequate electrical outlets required for current technology is apparent throughout the building. According to 272 KIDS, the nearly 100 year-old building no longer meets code requirements and making improvements would not be cost-effective.

The March 20 ballot referendum will ask district voters to approve a $15.8 million General Obligation Bond that will increase taxes for 20 years. The tax increase on a home valued at $100,000 is estimated to be $246 per year.

For more information on 272 KIDS or the proposed project, call Nichole Stenzel at 815-757-0815 or email her at d.stenzel1@comcast.net.