From the Editors
With the April 7 school referendum just a month away, the Champaign Unit #4 School District is opening its doors to the community to help inform them about the issues they will see on the upcoming ballot.
“In order for (voters) to make a fully informed decision about the needs of our building, we want them to have the ability to see our building,” said Jill Trentz, Principal of Dr. Howard Elementary School in Champaign.
Starting March 10, Central and Centennial High Schools and Dr. Howard Elementary School will host weekly community tours every Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. up until the April 7 election.
During the tours, community members can speak with school administrators and students and observe how students and staff are utilizing the current facilities.
School tours were offered to community members before the November 2014 election but Central High School Principal Joe Williams said not many people took advantage of the opportunity. Williams is hoping more people will come out to see the buildings this time around.
“We want to highlight our facilities in light of the referendum,” Williams said.
The referendum includes a $144 million proposal to build a new Central High School and Dr. Howard Elementary School; expand Centennial High School; and renovate the existing Central High School to allow for the consolidation of several district programs and administrative facilities.
Anyone unable to make it on the scheduled dates (March 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7) can schedule another time by contacting the school principals. All visitors are advised to check in at the main office by 9 a.m. to start the tour.
Joe Williams, Central High School: williajo@champaignschools.org; 217-351-3911
Greg Johnson, Centennial High School: johnsogr@champaignschools.org; 217-351-3951
Jill Trentz, Dr. Howard Elementary School: trentzji@champaignschools.org; 217-351-3866
For more information about the April 7 school referendum, please visit the Champaign Unit #4 Future Facilities website.