Students of Indian Prairie School District 204 will soon return to classrooms featuring notable changes. These transformations come after a referendum passed in 2024, permitting the district to sell up to $420 million in bonds to revamp facilities district-wide.

The funding for these bonds stems from the extension of an existing 37-cent property tax per $100 of equalized assessed value, preventing any increase in tax rates for residents related to capital projects.

Preparations for major renovations have been ongoing since the referendum’s approval, with full completion anticipated by 2032. Specific schools like Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley, and Metea Valley High Schools, along with the Birkett Freshman Center and Gregory and Hill middle schools, are the primary focus of these renovations. District-wide safety enhancements, LED lighting, and other infrastructure upgrades are also included.

This summer marks a significant phase for these projects, featuring substantial renovations at Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley High Schools. Some updates will be ready by the school start on Aug. 17, while others will continue as classes commence.

According to District 204 Chief School Business Official Matt Shipley, this summer is the busiest period for construction funded by the referendum.

At Waubonsie Valley, renovations include updating the stadium, cafeteria, atrium, and commons, along with classroom spaces. Last year, the school saw a major auditorium overhaul, being the oldest among the district’s high schools.

Neuqua Valley, as part of the facilities overhaul, is receiving additions for student and staff resources at the front of the building and additional classrooms and science labs at the back. These improvements are part of a significant allocation of bond funds towards Waubonsie and Neuqua.

Metea Valley High School, opened in 2009, will gain a secure entryway and a resurfaced track. All three district high schools will receive turf fields as well.

Waubonsie Valley is scheduled to receive a second turf field, intended for soccer, physical education, and other activities. This project is funded through a usage agreement with Galaxy Soccer Club, aiming for completion by spring.

Beyond high schools, secure entryways are being added to 11 district schools, including six middle schools. Others were upgraded last year to ensure single secure entry points requiring visitor interaction with the main office.

Additional efforts include flooring work, playgrounds, solar panel installations, and LED lighting, per Shipley.

From January 2025 to June 2026, Indian Prairie spent approximately $59 million on these efforts, planning nearly $100 million more by next summer. The work is largely within budget, allowing acceleration of certain projects.

Shipley stated excitement about completed works and welcoming students back to see improvements.

However, some work remains, with Waubonsie’s cafeteria and atrium scheduled for completion by December and 2027 respectively. Ongoing renovations at Neuqua are expected to continue into the 2026-27 school year.

This ongoing work offers unique opportunities. Shipley highlighted intern involvement from district students, tours of construction sites, and additional viewing areas for student engagement.