Voters Approve $115M Bond Referendum To Expand Career Ready Technology Programs

PALOS HILLS, IL—Voters in 26 communities approved a $115 million bond referendum that will enable Moraine Valley Community College to “build, equip, renovate, and repair buildings” to accommodate the growth and expansion of the college’s career-ready programs.

With all 237 precincts in the school district counted, unofficial results showed 77,912 “yes” votes against only 30,338 “no” votes.

The new bond would replace the college’s current debt levy that is set to expire in December 2026. Over the past five years, Moraine Valley has claimed to experience double-digit growth in its career and technical education programs. Officials said the college has reached capacity and lacks the permanent space to allow for continued growth. Bond funds will enable the college to to expand the programs to industry standards.

The proposed improvements would create permanent instruction space designed to support at least 20 percent additional enrollment in career and technical education programs. Career paths that will directly benefit from the referendum include automation and engineering technology, fire science, emergency medical services, automotive technology, HVAC/refrigeration and welding.

Moraine Valley administration and the board of trustees maintain that the impact on homeowners’ tax bills will be about $1.50 per year for a $400,000 house and 62 cents for a $300,000 home. The tax bill for a $1 million home would be $3.57.