Champaign Will Vote on School Referendum in November
Voters will decide on a $192 million plan for school construction and renovations on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed $192 million bond plan to expand and renovate local middle schools?
Champaign voters are set to cast ballots on a $192 million school construction and renovation referendum on November 3, 2026. The proposal aims to address middle school overcrowding and update aging facilities.
Why it matters
The district reports consistent enrollment growth and identifies the need for improved security, accessibility, and specialized education spaces in its aging infrastructure. If passed, the plan utilizes expiring bonds to fund these updates without raising annual tax rates.
The plan includes the demolition of facilities built in 1953 and 1958 to make way for new structures. Funding is structured to follow the 2016 debt service bond cycle.
The players
Franklin STEAM Academy
This is a local school facility constructed in 1953 that is currently slated for potential demolition and reconstruction.
International Prep Academy
This educational institution features a middle school building from 1958 that is included in the proposed expansion plan.
Garden Hills Academy
This local school is designated for infrastructure improvements including new geothermal system upgrades under the referendum.
The details
The project targets several sites including Franklin STEAM Academy and International Prep Academy for demolition and replacement, while other locations like Garden Hills Academy are slated for geothermal upgrades. The district is actively hosting community tours to display the conditions of existing buildings ahead of the vote.
Timeline
Franklin STEAM Academy was originally built in 1953.
The International Prep Academy middle school building was built in 1958.
Voters previously approved a school district bond issue in 2016.
A community tour was held at Franklin STEAM Academy on September 20, 2026.
The school renovation referendum election takes place on November 3, 2026.
Roadmap
This referendum follows the financial pattern set by the 2016 school district bond approval by timing new debt issuance to match the expiration of older obligations. It reflects a broader trend of districts managing long-term infrastructure needs through bond-replacement strategies.
Residents should anticipate potential changes to local school facilities and site logistics if the referendum is approved. The district maintains that property owners will not face an increase in their annual tax rates due to the bond issuance structure.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to evaluate the facility conditions firsthand during scheduled district tours before heading to the polls. The proposal highlights a fiscal strategy aimed at modernizing aging schools while maintaining current tax levels.
Further reading
For more information on local facilities, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Illinois Newsroom.
Live Poll
Do you support the proposed $192 million bond plan to expand and renovate local middle schools?
