School facility updates seem to be one of the hottest topics among Illinois administrators in recent years as money is more available for improvements thanks to green energy developments and sales tax expansion in some places.

Clinton Schools this summer are embarking on a needed renovation of its kitchen and commons area and of the gymnasium. Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles also points out they have done a lot behind the scenes not many know about.

According to Nettles, there are communities with what he terms 'fast cash' as they can tap into one-cent sales tax figures. He points to Tolono Unity as a community that is doing good things with those dollars.

The Alta Farms II wind farm project went live last month and Nettles indicates the windfall from that operation will be significant for the district as well.

The topic of the one-cent sales tax proposal has come up at the School Board level as recently as late last year. For now, that is not something they are actively pursuing. 

Administrators at Clinton Schools remain optimistic the work being done this summer will be done in time for the start of the school year on Aug. 16.