CUSD 201 leaders outline $68 million referendum to replace two elementary schools with one

District officials detailed a plan to build one new elementary school to replace two aging buildings, asking voters to approve a roughly $68 million bond measure. The district said consolidation would house about 600 elementary students — up from roughly 200 at Miller — and deliver operating savings and modern safety and accessibility features.

The superintendent noted the district has held close to 30 community meetings over nearly two years and described a history of failed referendums, including one that lost by a single vote on about 7,000 cast ballots. "We went too quickly," the superintendent said, adding the district listened to concerns about the previously unspecified location and financial clarity. Officials said renovation of existing buildings carries large unknowns and that certain repairs, such as a complete HVAC replacement at Manning, could approach $10 million alone.

District staff emphasized the fiscal framing: the $68 million figure reflects current market conditions and a projected life span of 40–50 years for a new building, while renovation estimates for Manning alone were cited around $35 million and a broader renovation forecast has been reported in the district's materials at roughly $45–60 million in today's dollars. "The longer we wait the more expensive it becomes," the business manager said.

Officials said the proposed bond would be structured over about 30 years, which they described as standard practice in Illinois, and that consolidation could generate approximately $600,000 to $700,000 in annual operating savings. District representatives also pointed to potential revenue benefits if the Manning site were sold and redeveloped into taxable property.

The district committed to publishing detailed facility plans and line-item cost documents online and answered audience questions during a Q&A period. A traffic study and additional community design input were described as forthcoming next steps.