Darien-Area Junior High Here To Stay

DARIEN, IL – Center Cass School District 66 has indicated no plan to replace its nearly 50-year-old Lakeview Junior High, the district's superintendent says.

Earlier this month, Patch asked Superintendent Andrew Wise whether the district intended to keep Lakeview, which opened in 1975.

In an email, Wise said the district has upgraded the intercom and fire alarm system at the school during previous summers.

Next summer, Center Cass plans to improve some of the school's flooring and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, he said.

In summer 2026, the district will upgrade the roof and repair exterior items such as paneling, Wise said. A year after that, the district plans to replace Lakeview's sidewalks and blacktop.

By a 29-vote margin, Center Cass voters approved a referendum in 2022 that was expected to increase property taxes by nearly 20 percent.

The district said it needed more money because it was in financial trouble.