Despite the aftermath of the storm and power outage, dozens of people attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the new Gompers Junior High School on August 12, 2026. The new 142,700-square-foot facility will welcome staff and students back to school on August 19.
The new school, along with the new Hufford Junior High School, were funded in part by a $99.5 million bond approved by Joliet voters in a 2023 referendum. The former school buildings were both more than 69 years old.
The new schools offer a host of benefits for students and staff, including larger classrooms and hallways, upgraded technology, improved ADA accessibility, increased safety and security, greater energy efficiency, and more. The new geothermal systems at the schools will lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions while providing reliable, year-round classroom comfort. They will also improve indoor air quality through fresh ventilation and operate much more quietly than the previous heating and cooling units that were in the original schools.
“The new schools are truly amazing,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “They would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community, school board, and referendum committee."
“This week, we proudly celebrate the ribbon cuttings for the new Gompers and Hufford Junior High Schools. These state-of-the-art 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."