District 200's Facility Shortcomings Could Lead to 2017 Referendum

A laundry list of structural improvements needed throughout local schools is leading officials down a path toward another referendum.

Voters said no in 2013 to a $17.6 million plan to replace Wheaton-Warrenville Community Unit School District 200's Jefferson Early Childhood Center, which serves students with special needs in compliance with federal mandates. A secure entry, wheelchair accessibility and additional classroom and office space are among improvements still needed there, according to My Suburban Life.

But that's not the only district building hungry for renovation, the story says.

"At the July 13 board meeting, members are set to receive revised cost estimates for work at three middle schools – Franklin, Edison and Monroe – along with Sandburg Elementary School and Jefferson," the publication reports. In addition to those schools, an estimated $42 million worth of work has been identified at the district's elementary schools, along with $13.7 million worth of work at the district's two high schools."

Board members will have until Jan. 11, 2017 to make the call on whether to include a referendum on the April ballot.

To learn more about the process and plan afoot, look to My Suburban Life.