School Board Approves $4.9 Million in Working Cash Bonds Amid Public Criticism

By Andrea Arens

The Peotone School Board unanimously approved the issuance of nearly $5 million in working cash bonds this week, despite criticism from residents who questioned the district’s financial priorities.

The board approved the issuance of $4,965,000 in working cash bonds to cover current operating expenses, along with action items to prepare the district’s tentative 2026–2027 budget.

During public comment, resident John Maxedon criticized the district’s financial approach, pointing to funds currently held for future baseball and softball field projects. Maxedon suggested those funds could be used to retain teachers being let go through the district’s reduction in force.

“But the fact of the matter is the financial decisions you made like borrowing an extra million dollars than more than you need to tonight when you’ve got money sitting there for a softball field you’re not building is the reason these people are being affected. You’re playing chess with people’s lives. I’ve been standing here looking at you in the face for 15 years, telling you where you’re headed. And you can sit there saying that you’re doing a good job. You cannot create a problem, solve the problem, and then call yourself a hero. Shame on you,” said Maxedon.

Superintendent Brandon Owens responded that the district must make fiscally responsible decisions and cannot justify maintaining small class sizes, including some with as few as three students.

Maxedon countered that the district follows “the same playbook,” accusing leadership of borrowing millions of dollars, cutting teachers, and later using those cuts to justify asking taxpayers to approve future referendums.

Board member Tim Stoub said he respected Maxedon’s concerns but explained that the athletic field funds are restricted and cannot be used for general operating expenses. Stoub noted that the field projects are currently on hold, but the funds could be applied to future construction projects.

Stoub added that the working cash bonds approved by the board are intended to cover current expenses and provide financial flexibility for the district.

Despite the public criticism, the board approved the issuance of the bonds, preparation of the tentative 2026–2027 budget, and related financial action items without further discussion. All measures passed unanimously.