The Judah Christian School finally has a new home.
The Champaign City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday in front of a relatively large crowd, which mainly consisted of journalism students and supporters of the relocation of the Christian school.
Tim Hays, head of the school and Champaign resident, said his school has been well accepted in its current surroundings and will continue to do so at its new location.
“(We have been) user-friendly, neighbor-friendly at our current location, and we will continue to be that at our new location,” Hays said.
Judah Christian School is currently located on North Prospect Avenue in North Champaign and will move to Jacob’s Landing near Kirby Avenue and Rising Road. The school would receive approximately 50 acres north of Valalla Drive.
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The school serves nearly 600 students from age three through high school, according to its website.
Kyle Harrison, District 3 council member, said he believes the relocation of the school will be beneficial to the community.
“I do think this is an excellent opportunity for economic growth,” Harrison said. “I just wanted to thank Judah Christian for investing money.”
The proposal was rejected at the Jan. 3 meeting but was widely discussed last week.
Another topic of discussion, which was brought up by Champaign resident Martel Miller, was the transparency between the city and its residents. He said he wants the city to hold officers accountable after he discovered that a Champaign police officer was driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content double the limit during work.
Miller also asked Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart to hold a debate against his contender when his term finishes.
“He hasn’t been challenged in the last two terms,” Miller said. “We need to see if he still should be the mayor of this town.”
In addition, a resolution concerning the authorization of City Manager Steve Carter to execute grant agreements with non-profit organizations, such as Community Elements and United Way of Champaign County, was approved.
The Champaign City Council will convene 7 p.m. next Tuesday at Champaign City Hall, 102 N. Neil St.
