Governor awards $434,000 to schools in Northeastern Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced over $434,000 in grants for projects benefiting eight school districts in the Chicagoland area.  The projects range from improved accessibility for the disabled to roof repairs. 

 

"I'm proud to provide appropriate resources to our schools to ensure a safe environment in which all of our children, can have an opportunity to learn," said Governor Blagojevich.    

 

The grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions are listed below:

 

Dolton School District #148 (Cook County), $100,000 for replacement of the heating system at Franklin School, 14701 Chicago Road. "This project will give our students a safe and comfortable learning environment," said State Representative David Miller who sponsored the project.

 

Arbor Park School District #145 (Cook County), $15,000 for two solar-powered crossing warning systems at the intersection of 159^th Street and Oak Avenue in Oak Forest.  "I would like to thank the Governor for funding this innovative project" said and State Representative William Davis.  This project was originally sponsored by State Senator Maggie Crotty.

 

Community Consolidated School District #59 (Cook County), $106,520 for roof repairs at the Forest View Elementary School at 1901 Estates Drive in Mount Prospect.  This is the final installment of a $250,000 grant for this project.

 

"This project is going to ensure the long term viability of this school in providing a safe environment for its students," said State Representative Carolyn Krause who sponsored the project.

 

Community Consolidated School District #15 (Cook County), $39,711 for expansion of the multi-purpose room at Hunting Ridge School at 1105 W. Illinois Avenue in Palatine.  This is the final installment on a $100,000 grant for this project.            

 

"I want to thank the Governor for approving the funds for this project which is helping to alleviate a serious overcrowding problem and will improve the education environment at the school," said State Representative Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi who sponsored the project.

 

Fairmont School District #89 (Will County), $56,950 for debt service on a loan used to pay for a new boiler system in the south wing of the Fairmont School in Lockport.

 

"This project was a key part of the reconstruction of this school to better serve the community and I want to thank the Governor for recognizing its importance," said State Senator Larry Walsh who is the current sponsor of the grant.  This project was originated by Senate President Emil Jones, Jr.

 

Palos Community Consolidated District #118 (Cook County), $110,000 for playground equipment that meets requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Palos East School in Palos Heights and Palos West School in Palos Park.  This is the final installment on a $190,000 grant for this project. "This project will make our school more accessible for children with disabilities," said State Representative Kevin Joyce, current legislative sponsor of this project.  It was originally sponsored by former State Representative Ann Zickus

 

Winthrop Harbor Grade School District #1 (Lake County), $1,400 for demolition of a condemned building on school property that will be replaced by a native species garden.  The garden will commemorate the victims of the September 11^th terrorist attacks on the United States.  These funds are part of a $50,000 that has a remaining balance of $23,600.

 

"We are getting rid of an eyesore and replacing it with something that will beautify the school campus while reminding us all of one of the most tragic events in our nation's history," said State Representative JoAnn Osmond who sponsored the grant.  "I appreciate the Governor's ongoing support of this project."

 

Lyons School District #103 (Cook County), $5,000 for installation of a ramp at Thomas A. Edison School in Stickney which will make it easier for the disabled to enter the school.

                                                                                                                       

"This school is not just a place of learning for our kids but it also hosts a number of community events and so it's important that access is made easier for everyone," said State Senator Louis Viverito who sponsored the project.