Union School — Not Only Tops, But Free
Continuing to excel despite the odds, Union School District 81 has been ranked by recognized school-ranking service NICHE as performing in the top 1 percent of all elementary schools in the United States.
The district also ranks in the top 1 percent of all schools in Illinois, with district teachers ranking in the top 2 percent in the United States and top 1 percent in Illinois.
Additionally, Union School District 81 continues to excel financially as well. Union School District 81 is debt-free and has reimbursed homeowners 100 percent of their school taxes paid in 2023. This financial accomplishment means the homeowners of Union School District 81 are the only residents in Illinois to receive a totally free public education!
This is the ninth straight year homeowners have received a tax rebate. The total rebated to residents through this program is over $3 million. For the eleventh straight year, Union School District 81 received the highest financial rating possible in the State (Recognition). Just 13 years ago, this District was on the
Financial Watch List and performed in the bottom 10 percent academically of all schools in Illinois.
“We are pleased to be able to reimburse homeowners 100 percent of the property taxes they paid to the
school district” stated Superintendent Tim Baldermann in a press release.
“Although we are not legally required to do so, we believe this money should be returned to the taxpayers. Additionally, our families pay no registration or field trip fees, we provide one to one technology for our students, and they all receive free breakfast and lunch.”
Board President Patrick Sweeney stated, “The Superintendent and Board of Education are pleased to provide a great education for our students while providing fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers.”
Union School District 81 serves parts of New Lenox and Joliet.
(Story and photos provided by Union School District #81)