TTHS D205 approves $40 million sale in working cash fund bonds to advance school infrastructure

The Thornton Township High Schools District 205 board approved a sale of up to $40 million in bonds on Jan. 14 to make strides repairing school infrastructure.

The district has a borrowing authority total of $120 million in its working cash fund, it revealed in 2024. As with prior sales, the most recent sale will be used to pay for existing capital plans to renovate the district’s schools.  

Bonds operate like a long-term financing tool, allowing school districts to repay the loan to investors over time. The district’s decision to sell bonds are not in addition to the amount in its working cash fund, but rather come out of that fund. State law requires public hearings to be held prior to the move.

Toriano Horton, the district’s chief school business official, facilitated a public hearing prior to the board’s vote.

In August 2024, the district board approved the sale of $35 million in bonds. That same year, both Thornridge High School in Dolton and Thornwood High School in South Holland were closed as roof renovations were completed. Board meetings were held at Thornton Township High School in Harvey.

In June 2025, the district board approved the transfer of $25 million from its working cash fund to its capital fund, abating its total borrowing authority in its working cash fund by that amount. That same month, the district broke ground on football stadium renovations districtwide.

News from the schools

Tony Ratliff, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, gave a presentation highlighting recent events and student achievements across the district.

Thornridge High School participated in the National Alliance of Black School Educators conference in December 2025. Assistant principal Sean Smith presented a session titled “Chick-fik-A vs. Popeyes: Which One Are You?” where educators were challenged  to reflect on leadership practices and school and district culture.

“Through this national platform, Thornridge contributed to important conversations centered on excellence, intentionality, and Black educational leadership,” Ratliff said.

Thornridge students ArmaniRose Rice and Delilah Williams earned full scholarships through QuestBridge’s National College Match, an organization that matches qualifying students to one of 55 top institutions. They are also Gates Scholarship semifinalists alongside fellow students Aamarielle Hardiman and Jakye Bass.

Thornwood student Malik Oladokun was also named a QuestBridge scholarship finalist, earning a full-ride to the University of Chicago. The presentation also highlighted 16 Thornwood students who were named Illinois State Scholars.