Significant Renovations Underway at Indian Prairie School District 204

With school resuming in a little over two weeks, many students from Indian Prairie School District 204 will return to classrooms markedly different from how they left them in the spring. Due to a 2024 referendum that allowed the district to issue up to $420 million in bonds for a comprehensive facility overhaul, major renovations are in progress. These bonds will be financed by continuing an existing 37-cent property tax per $100 of equalized assessed value which would have expired at the end of 2026. This means resident tax rates for capital projects remain unchanged.

Since the referendum’s approval, Indian Prairie has been gearing up for extensive projects across district buildings, projected to continue through 2032. This summer’s work includes notable renovations at Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley High Schools and secure entryways at various district schools. Some projects aim to be finished by the school start date of August 17, while others will continue into the academic year.

According to District 204 Chief School Business Official Matt Shipley, this summer marks the first and potentially most significant phase of the referendum-funded construction. Both this summer and the next are anticipated to be the busiest, with substantial work also happening during the school year. Included in this summer’s plans are renovations to Waubonsie and additions to Neuqua to eventually move freshman students into the main Neuqua High School building. For over 20 years, freshmen have attended classes at the Birkett Freshman Center, located close to the main campus.

John Robinson, District 204 Director of Building Operations, noted that Waubonsie’s summer projects include a renovated stadium, cafeteria, atrium, and classroom spaces. Previously, the school received an auditorium overhaul, given it is the district’s oldest high school. Neuqua is undergoing similar work, including an addition for student and staff resources and new classrooms and science labs.

These two schools account for more than half of the district’s total bond funds. Metea Valley, opened in 2009, is getting a secure entryway and resurfaced track. All three high schools will receive turf fields. Waubonsie will also get a second turf field for soccer and physical education, with costs offset by a usage agreement with Galaxy Soccer Club.

Beyond just the high schools, 11 district schools are installing new secure entryways this year, including six of the district’s seven middle schools. Eleven school entryways were upgraded last year, seeking to ensure a single, secure visitor entry requiring interaction with the main office. Other initiatives include flooring work, new playgrounds, solar panel installations, and LED lighting.

Shipley shared with The Beacon-News that nearly every district school is undergoing projects this summer. Since January 2025, the district has spent about $59 million on upgrades, with plans for an additional $100 million by next summer. Most projects have stayed on or under budget, allowing some work to finish earlier. Last bond issues will occur in 2027 and 2029, with all projects aiming for completion by 2032.

Shipley expressed enthusiasm about the progress and anticipated student reactions in the fall. However, not all work will be finished by the first day of school. Waubonsie’s cafeteria is expected to wrap up by December, with its atrium projected for completion in 2027. Neuqua’s work will extend into the 2026-27 school year.

This transitional period presents unique opportunities. Waubonsie and Neuqua had student interns involved in construction management. Some classes toured the sites, meeting the construction teams, with added viewing areas for students to observe their school’s transformation. Shipley described it as a rare opportunity for students to gain meaningful experiences.