Mission
The Thornton Township Treasurer’s Office provides centralized financial services to support the operational and educational goals of our member school districts. We are committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and partnership.
History
The Township School System was formed in 1818 in Illinois. Federal policy set aside Section 16 in every township for educational purposes. In 1819, the Illinois General Assembly responded to this federal framework by establishing a system of School Trustees for each township. This made each township a basic unit for public education governance. In 1837, citizens were allowed to incorporate their township for common school purposes. Township trustees were empowered to oversee schools and appoint clerks/treasurers for financial management. The trustee system continued and was codified in the Illinois School Code (e.g., what became 105 ILCS 5). Trustees of schools held powers over school finances, title to school property, and oversight of township school business. A major reform in 1962 significantly reduced the system’s footprint. Township trustees of schools and township school treasurers were abolished in all counties except Cook County, due to statewide reorganization of school governance. After mid-20th-century reforms, the trustee system persists mainly in Cook County. Township Trustees of Schools now act as independent public bodies responsible for consolidated financial services for multiple school districts, including the investment of pooled funds and holding legal title to school property in trust for districts under their jurisdiction. While the specifics vary by locality, historically township trustees of schools have had these core duties:
Financial Administration
Holding and investing school tax funds
Appointing and supervising the township school treasurer
Auditing and reporting on school financial transactions
Property and Title Management
Holding legal title to school lands, buildings, or sites
Transferring property or rights when districts opt out of trustee jurisdiction
Oversight and Support
Acting as a consolidated financial agent for school districts that choose to remain within our authority.
Under this system, the Township School Trustees have been empowered with the responsibility of appointing a qualified person to act as Township School Treasurer. Since the beginning of public education in Illinois, Township Trustees of Schools and Township School Treasurers have played a vital role in the development, growth, and success of our schools.
Our Office
16333 South Kilbourn Avenue
Oak Forest, IL, 60452
Contact Us
We look forward to hearing from you!
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed