Middle School Tours, Town Halls Planned Amid District 200 Referendum

WHEATON, IL — Community Unit School District 200 will host a series of middle school tours and town halls to give residents a chance to learn more about the $151.5 million bond referendum question that will be presented on the November ballot.

The board of education approved the bond referendum question in August, with the aim of addressing "significant infrastructure needs" at Edison, Franklin and Monroe Middle Schools, per a letter from Superintendent Dr. Jeff Schuler.

The following town halls and tours have been scheduled:

• Sept 10 at 6:30 p.m.: Town hall and tour of Edison Middle School, 1125 S. Wheaton, Ave., Wheaton
• Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.: Town hall and tour of Monroe Middle School, 1855 Manchester Rd., Wheaton
• Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m.: Virtual town hall
• Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m.: Town hall and tour of Franklin Middle School, 211 E. Franklin St., Wheaton

Below is how the bond referendum question will appear for voters:

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

If the bond referendum question is approved, the average taxpayer will see a $71 annual decrease in their bond and interest payments, per CUSD 200.

The school district aims to pay off the $151.5 in bonds within 15 years.