October 3, 2025
Dear Meridian CUSD #223 Community,
Thank you for your incredible engagement and participation in our recent Community Survey. We received 822 responses, which provided the Board of Education with crucial feedback as we plan for the future of our district's facilities. This letter is to share the key results with you and outline the path forward based on what we learned from our community.
First, we want to share how proud our community is of the work we do and the education our students receive. The survey showed that 84% of residents rate the district as "Great" or "Good" at delivering a high-quality education. This places us in the 70th percentile compared to other districts, a testament to the hard work of our staff and the support from our families.
The primary focus of the survey was to gather feedback on our facility needs, including state-mandated Health/Life Safety (HLS) updates and potential larger projects that would require a voter-approved bond referendum. The results provided a clear message: at this time, our community is not prepared to support a tax increase for major new construction projects.
When asked for advice, only 34% of all resident respondents favored exploring a bond referendum to complete more projects.
A weighted analysis that reflects the community's demographic breakdown (including parents, staff, and non-parents/non-staff) showed overall support for exploring a bond at just 27.2%.
A specific proposal to build a new PK-5 elementary school through a bond referendum garnered a weighted support of only 25.6%.
Based on this direct feedback, the Board of Education will not pursue a bond referendum at this time. Instead, we will move forward with the necessary, state-mandated Health/Life Safety (HLS) projects across the district. These projects are required by Illinois law to ensure our learning environments are safe and secure for all students and staff. This work includes HVAC, roofing systems, interior renovations, and site work.
We are committed to being responsible stewards of our community’s resources while ensuring our schools are safe and well-maintained. Moving forward with these HLS projects allows us to address our most critical facility needs while honoring the valuable feedback you provided.
Thank you again for your partnership and dedication to our schools. We will continue to keep you informed as we begin the planning and implementation of these important projects.
Please find the community results at the following link: https://youtu.be/UqslDbxtWVA?si=fiBj29GhJE0lxHgZ
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Plourde
Superintendent of Schools