Purchase Provides Permanent Home for JTHS Transition Center

After the Joliet Township High School Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to purchase 128 Collins Street in November, Joliet Township High School closed on the property Jan. 31. The 7,540 square foot building will serve as the new location of the JTHS Transition Center, a program that serves students with disabilities from age 18 to the day before their 22st birthday.

The purchase of the building and associated renovations provide a savings to the district, while adding additional space for students. The current JTHS Transition Center, located in the strip mall on the corner of Collins Street, is leased at $92,182.00 annually.

“The Joliet Township High School Transition Center Program will have a permanent home with the purchase of this property,” said Dr. Illandus Hampton, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. “The additional space provides an environment where students can receive intense transitional supports that develop vocational, community and independent living skills.”

The $700,000 purchase of the building and renovations will be funded by state Evidence Based Funding (EBF).

“The primary focus of the JTHS Transition Program is to provide vocational and independent living instruction along with hands-on opportunities in the classroom, community and at vocational sites,” said Dr. Karla Guseman, Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent. “We are excited to provide a beautiful and functional space for our Transition Center students.”