Community Unit School District 200 is striving to ensure that when students graduate they aren’t only leaving with a good education, but as upstanding citizens.
Students have the option to participate in 50 clubs and athletics options at both high schools as well as AP classes, career and technical education (CTE) courses, and more. The district’s commitment to providing growing opportunities for students is part of its goal to create well rounded learners.
The student-focused district is located in DuPage County and mainly serves the communities of Warrenville and Wheaton.
1. Overview of Community Unit School District 200
- Phone number: 630-682-2000
- Number of schools: 21
- Number of students: 11,493
- Pupil to teacher ratio: 13:1
- Operating cost per student: $16,703
- Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
- Claim to fame: District 200 has a 95 percent graduation rate and 79 percent of its staff has earned a master’s degree or higher. Students have many sports and clubs options and can choose to participate in more than 20 CTE programs as part of their high school curriculum.
2. Referendum on November ballot
If passed, the referendum on this year’s November ballot would impart two major changes: lowered property tax rates for residents and improved security and safety in three middle schools.
The average homeowner would save about $71 in property taxes annually, thanks to a reduction in the Bond and Interest Fund tax rate for residents. Plus, the district plans to pay off those bonds in 15 years, saving taxpayers $85 million in interest compared to other financing options.
Changes would also be made to three district middle schools (Edison, Franklin and Monroe) to create a more secure learning environment. Updates would include improved sight lines in hallways, upgrades camera systems and better door entry systems.
3. Updating district facilities
Thanks to a 2017 commitment to invest at least $7 million per year in facilities renovations, the district has continued to improve its buildings where students learn.
This past summer, the Board of Education approved a $7.7 million budget for necessary repairs to a host of buildings. Changes include a roofing repair and bathroom remodel at Wheaton North High School, fire device replacements at Wheaton Warrenville South High School, new exterior doors at Edison Middle School and Pleasant Hill Elementary School as well as updates to HVAC systems, paving, lighting, and boiler replacements at other buildings.
Updates to playgrounds and equipment at Hawthorne, Pleasant Hill and Sandburg Elementary Schools are also underway.
4. Award winning early learning center
The Jefferson Early Childhood Center was completed in 2020 and has been recognized as one of the state’s best education environments. The center was designed by top Illinois architectural firm Legat Architects.
The building is home to the district’s three- to five-year-old students and was designed with special education students in mind. The 43,000 square foot center features engaging colors, plenty of natural light and views to the outdoor learning spaces.
5. Recommitment to violence free schools
After parents and community members expressed concerns over a violent incident involving three students at Wheaton Warrenville South High School earlier this year, the district has made changes to increase safety for students.
Some changes to South High School include an increased police presence on campus, stricter hall pass rules, and surveillance camera updates, among other changes.
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