Indian Prairie board votes to place $420 million bond referendum on Nov. 5 ballot

The Board of Education for Community Unit School District Number 204 voted unanimously to place a $420 million bond referendum on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot to finance building repairs, safety and security improvements and other infrastructure work.

Administration recommended the measure, labeled “Safer, Stronger, 204,” and told the board the borrowing would be restricted to capital projects identified in the district’s Master Facility Plan. Mr. Shipley, speaking for administration, said the district estimates the borrowing would correspond to an annual debt‑service payment of about $25.5 million and a debt service tax levy of $0.37 per $100 of assessed valuation — a rate administration said is intended to replace current bond payments and not increase taxpayers’ bond and interest rate.

The resolution read into the record lists projects that would be eligible for funding if voters approve the proposition: secure entryways and access controls, intrusion detection and cameras, roofing and mechanical/plumbing/HVAC replacement, updates to classrooms, science labs, libraries and media centers, and energy‑efficiency improvements. Administration said safety and security is the top priority, and work on security‑specific items would begin in summer 2025 with substantial completion of that work anticipated by summer 2026; broader projects at several large schools would be phased over multiple years within an eight‑year spending window.

Public speakers at the meeting urged support for the referendum. Jamie Scheffler, a Naperville resident and parent, said, "Investing in our schools means investing in our community's future." Michael Amato, a recent Neuqua Valley graduate and current college student, told the board, "We cannot continue to underfund our schools." Michael Razak, a former board member who spoke during public comment, urged the board to let voters decide and said the board could fulfill duties to both students and taxpayers by placing the question on the ballot.

Board members raised questions about alternatives and impacts on operating budgets. Administration said the proposed $420 million amount targets the highest‑priority capital needs identified in the master plan and that a smaller package would not be sufficient to address critical infrastructure and safety issues. The presentation noted Indian Prairie spends less per pupil than several comparable districts and that deferred maintenance over many years has increased capital needs.

At roll call the board recorded the following votes: Miss Donahue — Yes; Miss Demming — Aye; Miss Jain — Yes; Mr. Rising — Yes; Ms. Fosdick — Yes; Ms. Genc — Yes. The motion passed. Administration will file required paperwork with DuPage and Will county clerks to place the proposition on the November ballot and continue community outreach about the ballot language and the projects the bonds would fund.

The board was explicit that district resources cannot be used to advocate for or against the referendum; administration said it will provide factual information to voters but will not use district time or funds for campaigning, consistent with state law.

The board's approval sends the question to voters; the referendum's approval by a majority at the election would authorize the district to issue bonds for the projects listed in the ballot language.