District 200 $151M Bond Referendum Likely To Pass: Unofficial Results

WHEATON, IL — With 100 percent of precincts reporting as of 10:30 p.m., the majority of voters had favored a $151.5 million bond referendum question presented by Community Unit School District 200.

The referendum questioned seemed likely to pass, with the district planning to use the funds to make upgrades to Edison, Franklin and Monroe Middle Schools.

The unofficial vote totals are listed below.

Yes: 28,328 (67.9 percent)
No: 13,407 (32.1 percent)

Below is how the question appeared on the ballot.

Shall the Board of Education of Wheaton Warrenville Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois, construct additions to, alter, repair, equip and improve the sites of the Franklin, Edison and Monroe middle school buildings, including constructing safety and security improvements, updating infrastructure and mechanical systems to improve efficiency, improving special education spaces and accessibility, updating science lab classrooms, improving music spaces, completing technology improvements and renovating instructional spaces, and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $151,500,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

Among these infrastructure needs, CUSD 200 listed:Safety and security upgrades

• More secure entrances
• Upgraded surveillance systems
• Improved sight lines in hallways

Accessibility improvements

• Increased ADA compliance
• Safety improvements

Modernized learning environments

• More contemporary science labs
• Larger classroom spaces
• Renovated music, library, gym spaces

Improved utilities

• Upgrades to roofing, plumbing, HVAC systems
• Improved lighting
• More energy efficient electrical systems

The school district aims to pay off the $151.5 in bonds within 15 years, as opposed to 20 years. This leads to a taxpayer savings of up to $85 million in interest, according to the district's FAQ page. It's estimated the average taxpayer will see a $71 annual decrease in their bond and interest payments over the next 15 years, per CUSD 200.

Residents can click the link to get their estimated change in tax payments.