Superintendent John Price told the Indian Prairie School District 204 board Monday, July 13, that construction funded by the $420 million bond referendum voters approved in 2024 is "on schedule" across the district. It was Price's first report to the board since starting the job July 1.
The update covered bond-funded work at Scullen Middle School, Still Middle School, and Metea Valley High School, where crews are installing secure entrance vestibules this summer. Flooring, playgrounds, and large-scale renovations are underway at other campuses. All three District 204 high schools are getting new artificial turf fields before the 2026 football season.
At Neuqua Valley High School, a $96 million renovation continues, with freshmen slated to return to the main building from the Birkett Center for the 2027-28 school year.
$1.5 million building purchase
The district purchased a building on Prairie Lake Court near the Crouse Education Center in Aurora for $1.5 million earlier in 2026, Price told the board. The IT team began moving staff and storage into the space the week of July 14.
Summer programs and staff training
Summer Bridge, the district's transition program for rising ninth graders, launched the week of July 14. Price previewed the program's start at Monday's meeting. Camp Invention, a STEM summer camp, wrapped up a two-week session for nearly 200 students.
On the staff side, 595 employees enrolled in online courses through "IPSD Academy," the district's professional development platform. Another 55 staff completed training in restorative practices through the Healing Illinois grant, focused on discipline and student behavior. New-hire orientation is underway, and Price said administrators are in "high gear" planning a districtwide institute day on Thursday, August 13.
Academic review underway
The district completed phase one of an "Academic Return on Investment" process with consultant District Management Group, identifying more than 200 initiatives to study. Phase two focuses on cost data analysis, Price said. Administrators are also reviewing a draft school climate report tied to the strategic plan.
Price came to District 204 from North Chicago School District 187, where he served as superintendent from July 2017 through June 2026. During that tenure, the district maintained annual budget surpluses, strengthened teacher retention, increased graduation rates, and secured a $40 million gift from AbbVie that funded a new middle school.
The next major date for District 204 families: the districtwide institute day Thursday, August 13, when staff prepare for the fall semester.
