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Superintendent outlines ICE protocols, annexation tax estimates and opposing quarry rezoning
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Wood updated the board on guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education about federal executive orders and described local development proposals, including a Trammell Crow industrial annexation that the district says could add more than $3 million a year to its tax base and a nearby quarry rezoning opposed by residents.
Superintendent Dr. Wood told the Plainfield SD 202 Board of Education on Jan. 22, 2025, that the district had just received guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education on how to respond to recent federal executive orders and that district protocols require staff to contact central office when Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives at a school building. "In general, if ICE comes to a building, they are to contact you. That's the short answer again. We don't let them in," Dr. Wood said, summarizing the guidance the district will circulate to administrative staff.
Wood also briefed the board on two local development issues the district has engaged. He said the village will vote in February on annexing land near 143rd and Steiner Road for an industrial development tied to a Trammell Crow project. "All the taxing bodies get about $24,000 a year in tax" now from that area, Wood said, and if the industrial development occurs those taxing bodies “will get over $4,000,000 a year and district 202 will get over $3,000,000 per year.” He told the board the taxing bodies collectively will pay about $7,000,000 to widen and extend 143rd, and that District 202's share of that roadwork will be about $5,000,000 spread over the next 10 years.
Separately, Wood reported on a proposed rezoning for a quarry near Essington and 127th, across from Liberty Elementary. He said more than 150 residents and multiple local officials spoke against the rezoning at a Will County Board meeting and that the county had postponed its decision until March 20. Wood said the district has incurred costs tied to prior blasting near school construction — citing thicker windows and foundation work at Liberty Elementary — and that the district opposes the quarry rezoning.
Wood framed these items as part of the district's broader obligation to create a safe learning environment while protecting financial interests tied to local development. He said the district will continue to follow state and federal guidance on Title IX and related Executive Orders and will update staff and the community as further guidance arrives.
