Patrick Mainieri News Today

Voters approved the Unit 5 tax referendum on the second attempt – a decision that district leaders say will avoid painful budget cuts starting next school year.

Turnout across McLean County (including Bloomington voters) jumped to 25% on Tuesday, buoyed in part by high interest in the Unit 5 tax referendum and school board races.

Despite reputation and results, Unit 5 schools will make cuts to its highly regarded music programs this fall if a referendum aimed at closing the district's $12 million funding gap fails a second time. Here's a look at the broad impact of cutting fifth grade band and orchestra.

Budget cuts are partly responsible for animating many new influencers looking to shape public opinion on the Unit 5 referendum, expanding the political playing field to include school board candidate slates, student-led organizing, and PTOs.

In an interview with WGLT, new Yes for Unit 5 chairperson Corin Chapman and group spokesperson Patrick Mainieri explain what they think they has changed from November to now.

The Heartland Community College Foundation is hosting a night of standup comedy to support programs and schola...

Unit 5 leaders say tough days are ahead, after voters rejected a referendum that could have tackled the district’s nearly $12 million budget deficit.

Yes For Unit 5 signs were on display and available for pick up during Unit Five's informational meeting on the...

From Bloomington-Normal’s mayors to political parties and local unions, those with the power to influence votes on the Unit 5 referendum are starting to form their own opinions about it.

The pro-referendum community group calling itself Yes For Unit 5 stepped into public view Monday. It aims to sell the community on a referendum that would finally address Unit 5’s multimillion-dollar budget deficit.