Natalie Manley Celebrates Hufford Junior High Ribbon Cutting: 71.6 Percent Joliet Voters' Support

(The following press release is from State Representative Natalie Manley's Office.)

JOLIET, IL — State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel and Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse on Aug. 13 to cut the ribbon on the new Hufford Junior High School in Joliet.

The new Hufford building, along with the new Gompers Junior High School, were funded in part through a $99.5 million bond referendum approved by Joliet voters in 2023. The former Hufford and Gompers school buildings were each more than 69 years old.

“The overwhelming approval of this referendum reflects our community’s shared commitment to its students,” Rep. Manley said. “With 71.6% of voters in support, District 86 residents made clear that our children deserve schools that are built for learning, growth and opportunity.”

The new schools include larger classrooms and hallways, upgraded technology, improved ADA accessibility, increased safety and security, greater energy efficiency, and more. Geothermal systems at the schools will lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions while providing comfortable classrooms year-round. Beyond the replacement of Gompers and Hufford junior high schools, the referendum will support security and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, and restroom renovations at all 21 schools throughout the district.

“These facilities are a true testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community to invest in our youth,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors President Matthew Pritz, “The Board is deeply committed to providing exceptional learning environments that will empower our dedicated staff, inspire our students today, and serve as strong cornerstones for our entire community for decades to come.”

Manley Celebrates Hufford Junior High Ribbon Cutting

Joliet Public Schools District 86 serves 9,295 students across 15 elementary schools, four junior high schools, one early childhood center and one alternative school. Hufford Junior High is located at 1125 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet, and Gompers Junior High is at 1501 Copperfield Ave. in Joliet.