International Prep Academy is one of the facilities included in the proposed Building Better Schools plan.
IPA is an aging facility with major building systems approaching the end of their useful lives. The district also faces required repairs and improvements that must be addressed no later than 2029. Rather than continuing to make significant investments in an aging facility, the proposal calls for replacing the existing IPA building with a new school designed to better meet the needs of today’s students.
Some of the challenges can be seen inside the building:
The school does not have a secure vestibule at its main entrance.
Students and staff must travel between buildings for some activities, including physical education and lunch.
The building’s boiler is approaching the end of its useful life and will need to be repaired or replaced by 2029.
Science spaces lack some features expected in modern science classrooms, including adequate gas connections, storage and eyewash stations needed to support hands-on instruction and appropriate safety requirements.
The proposed replacement would provide a modern learning environment designed around the needs of IPA students and staff.
Learn more about the Building Better Schools proposal at champaignschools.org/bbs.
The proposed IPA graphic is a concept drawing and is not a final. Design will be fully developed if voters approve funding.
IPA is an aging facility with major building systems approaching the end of their useful lives. The district also faces required repairs and improvements that must be addressed no later than 2029. Rather than continuing to make significant investments in an aging facility, the proposal calls for replacing the existing IPA building with a new school designed to better meet the needs of today’s students.
Some of the challenges can be seen inside the building:
The school does not have a secure vestibule at its main entrance.
Students and staff must travel between buildings for some activities, including physical education and lunch.
The building’s boiler is approaching the end of its useful life and will need to be repaired or replaced by 2029.
Science spaces lack some features expected in modern science classrooms, including adequate gas connections, storage and eyewash stations needed to support hands-on instruction and appropriate safety requirements.
The proposed replacement would provide a modern learning environment designed around the needs of IPA students and staff.
Learn more about the Building Better Schools proposal at champaignschools.org/bbs.
The proposed IPA graphic is a concept drawing and is not a final. Design will be fully developed if voters approve funding.
🍂 Fall Break is almost here! 🍂
Here is a quick look at our upcoming schedule:
📋 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No school for students).
🏫 Monday, October 12: All school and administrative buildings will be CLOSED for Fall Holiday.
🍁 October 12–16: FALL BREAK! Enjoy a restful and safe week off.
We look forward to connecting with families during conferences and hope everyone has a wonderful break! See you back in class soon.
Here is a quick look at our upcoming schedule:
📋 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No school for students).
🏫 Monday, October 12: All school and administrative buildings will be CLOSED for Fall Holiday.
🍁 October 12–16: FALL BREAK! Enjoy a restful and safe week off.
We look forward to connecting with families during conferences and hope everyone has a wonderful break! See you back in class soon.
Join us at the Teach 4 Tomorrow Conference 📚
Hosted by the Champaign Unit 4 School District, this one-day event is for current and future teachers. This inspirational conference is designed to celebrate, connect, and empower everyone passionate about the greatest profession there is. We are excited to welcome keynote speaker Phil Januszewski, who will share how to truly thrive in education!
Are you a current teacher or know someone thinking of becoming a teacher? Encourage them to attend! Registration is $25 and open until October 30.
Register for the conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesIh2DIkGa-CedBeZbN4euic6SMLBP_xlc1WyNP9gDnuF34A/viewform?pli=1
Hosted by the Champaign Unit 4 School District, this one-day event is for current and future teachers. This inspirational conference is designed to celebrate, connect, and empower everyone passionate about the greatest profession there is. We are excited to welcome keynote speaker Phil Januszewski, who will share how to truly thrive in education!
Are you a current teacher or know someone thinking of becoming a teacher? Encourage them to attend! Registration is $25 and open until October 30.
Register for the conference: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesIh2DIkGa-CedBeZbN4euic6SMLBP_xlc1WyNP9gDnuF34A/viewform?pli=1
Kinda chic to be a One-to-One mentor ✨
Time is running out to grab your spot at the last One-to-One training date this fall! C-U One-to-One is the school-based mentoring program of Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana District #116 schools. Interested in this opportunity? You must apply, pass a background check, attend a training session and agree to consistent mentoring sessions for at least a year.
Upcoming fall & winter training dates:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 28, 2027, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3, 2027, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 11, 2027, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
🔗 Visit the link to apply to be a mentor today: https://www.cu1to1.org/apply
Thank you to all of the community members who joined us today for our middle school tour at International Prep Academy.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to visit IPA, learn more about the building, and ask questions about the proposed improvements.
If you missed our first tour at Franklin STEAM Academy or have additional questions after attending one of our tours, we invite you to join us next Saturday, October 10, from 1–3 p.m. at Franklin STEAM Academy.
We look forward to welcoming you back and providing another opportunity to see the school and learn more about the proposed improvements.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to visit IPA, learn more about the building, and ask questions about the proposed improvements.
If you missed our first tour at Franklin STEAM Academy or have additional questions after attending one of our tours, we invite you to join us next Saturday, October 10, from 1–3 p.m. at Franklin STEAM Academy.
We look forward to welcoming you back and providing another opportunity to see the school and learn more about the proposed improvements.
REMINDER: Information Session and Tour this Sunday at IPA.
On November 3, 2026, Champaign Unit 4 voters will consider a proposed school building referendum designed to address the district's facility needs impacting Middle School and Special Education students with zero annual tax rate increase through strategic financial planning and the use of expiring debt.
The proposal is based on several years of facility studies, enrollment projections, the district's Facilities Committee, and community input.
Referendum Information & Tours at Franklin, Jefferson, and International Prep Academy will allow community members to see our facilities firsthand, learn more about the Building Better Schools proposal, ask questions, and get factual information directly from the district.
Tours are scheduled on weekends beginning September 20 and continuing through November 1, giving residents multiple opportunities to participate as Election Day approaches.
Our role is to make sure our community has clear, accurate, and accessible information so residents can make an informed decision.
Sunday, October 4 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Saturday, October 10 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Saturday, October 17 from 1 - 3 PM at Jefferson
Sunday, October 25 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Sunday, November 1 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Details about the plan can be found at https://www.champaignschools.org/.../building-better-schools
On November 3, 2026, Champaign Unit 4 voters will consider a proposed school building referendum designed to address the district's facility needs impacting Middle School and Special Education students with zero annual tax rate increase through strategic financial planning and the use of expiring debt.
The proposal is based on several years of facility studies, enrollment projections, the district's Facilities Committee, and community input.
Referendum Information & Tours at Franklin, Jefferson, and International Prep Academy will allow community members to see our facilities firsthand, learn more about the Building Better Schools proposal, ask questions, and get factual information directly from the district.
Tours are scheduled on weekends beginning September 20 and continuing through November 1, giving residents multiple opportunities to participate as Election Day approaches.
Our role is to make sure our community has clear, accurate, and accessible information so residents can make an informed decision.
Sunday, October 4 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Saturday, October 10 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Saturday, October 17 from 1 - 3 PM at Jefferson
Sunday, October 25 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Sunday, November 1 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Details about the plan can be found at https://www.champaignschools.org/.../building-better-schools
View the PonSAY newsletter by Clicking Here to view it in full screen.
https://champaignunit4il.edurooms.com/newsletters/champaign-unit-4-school-district/newsletters/ponsay-10-2-2026
https://champaignunit4il.edurooms.com/newsletters/champaign-unit-4-school-district/newsletters/ponsay-10-2-2026
Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day! Huge shoutout to the amazing teams that keep our spaces clean, safe, and welcoming. We couldn't do what we do without you.
Thank you to Mayor Deb Feinen for spending time with our students as part of Illinois Literacy Day!
Mayor Feinen visited Garden Hills Elementary to read with our students and encourage a love of reading on Wednesday. She also joined AVID students at Centennial High School today to share what it’s like to serve as mayor and work with students on what they would do if they were mayor.
We appreciate Mayor Feinen taking the time to connect with our students, answer their questions, and encourage them to think about how they can make a difference in their community.
Mayor Feinen visited Garden Hills Elementary to read with our students and encourage a love of reading on Wednesday. She also joined AVID students at Centennial High School today to share what it’s like to serve as mayor and work with students on what they would do if they were mayor.
We appreciate Mayor Feinen taking the time to connect with our students, answer their questions, and encourage them to think about how they can make a difference in their community.
Help us show Kenwood Elementary students that their community shows up when they need it most.
Join us for the Kenwood Playground Community Build October 30–November 1. We need volunteers to help build the new playground, coordinate meals and snacks, provide supplies, and more.
Sign up to volunteer or donate and help us build something special for Kenwood students.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmrBQxfMDrX-4N1Y8rp3ylwDzalflHp8CJG4dI4jg9HuslbQ/viewform
Join us for the Kenwood Playground Community Build October 30–November 1. We need volunteers to help build the new playground, coordinate meals and snacks, provide supplies, and more.
Sign up to volunteer or donate and help us build something special for Kenwood students.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmrBQxfMDrX-4N1Y8rp3ylwDzalflHp8CJG4dI4jg9HuslbQ/viewform
Today, Stratton Academy of the Arts held an assembly to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Students representing several countries, including Guatemala, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, El Salvador and Puerto Rico, sang, gave speeches and video presentations. The assembly also featured a performance by Mariachi Libertad! 🎶
#NationalHispanicHeritageMonth
Today, we're taking a closer look at one of the proposed improvements at Jefferson Middle School: a secure entrance.
Jefferson's current main entrance does not include a secure vestibule, and the main office is disconnected from the building's primary entrance. A proposed renovation would create a secure vestibule similar to the one at Central High School, providing a controlled entry point where visitors can be checked in before accessing the rest of the building.
Swipe to see the difference between Jefferson's current entryway and an example of the type of secure vestibule proposed for the school.
For more information, visit: https://www.champaignschools.org/bbs
The proposed Jefferson graphic is a concept drawing and is not a final. Design will be fully developed if voters approve funding.
Jefferson's current main entrance does not include a secure vestibule, and the main office is disconnected from the building's primary entrance. A proposed renovation would create a secure vestibule similar to the one at Central High School, providing a controlled entry point where visitors can be checked in before accessing the rest of the building.
Swipe to see the difference between Jefferson's current entryway and an example of the type of secure vestibule proposed for the school.
For more information, visit: https://www.champaignschools.org/bbs
The proposed Jefferson graphic is a concept drawing and is not a final. Design will be fully developed if voters approve funding.
More than a dozen award-winning authors from across the country stopped by several Unit 4 Schools for Youth Literature Festival 📖
The festival, which is sponsored by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Education celebrates literature in the lives of children. Students enjoyed author presentations, storytelling and other interactive activities throughout the three-day event.
#YouthLiteratureFestival
The November 3, 2026 General Election is approaching. Champaign County voters have several options for casting their ballots, including voting by mail, early voting, and voting in person on Election Day.
Champaign County’s election information includes voting locations, registration information, vote-by-mail details and other resources to help voters prepare for Election Day.
Visit the Champaign County Clerk’s website for the latest election and voting information.
https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections
Champaign County’s election information includes voting locations, registration information, vote-by-mail details and other resources to help voters prepare for Election Day.
Visit the Champaign County Clerk’s website for the latest election and voting information.
https://champaigncountyclerk.com/elections
Thank you to all of the community members who came out today for our middle school tour at Jefferson Middle School.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to visit the school, learn more about the building and ask questions about the proposed improvements.
Our next middle school tour will be Sunday, October 4, from 1–3 p.m. at International Prep Academy (IPA).
We look forward to welcoming more members of our community and providing an opportunity to see the school and learn more about the needs at IPA.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to visit the school, learn more about the building and ask questions about the proposed improvements.
Our next middle school tour will be Sunday, October 4, from 1–3 p.m. at International Prep Academy (IPA).
We look forward to welcoming more members of our community and providing an opportunity to see the school and learn more about the needs at IPA.
Barkstall Elementary hosted a family picnic and walkathon, bringing students, staff, and families together. The afternoon started with lunch on the lawn, followed by everyone lacing up their sneakers to complete the walkathon lap around the block.
Thank you to the parents, teachers, and community members who organized and supported the afternoon for our Barkstall Bears. We appreciate everything you do to build such a strong school community.
Thank you to the parents, teachers, and community members who organized and supported the afternoon for our Barkstall Bears. We appreciate everything you do to build such a strong school community.
This week the annual C-U Marching Band Showcase took place featuring Champaign Central Marching Maroons, the Centennial Marching Chargers and the Urbana Tiger Marching Band! Students performed in front of family, friends and community supporters.
Donations collected during the event will go towards supporting fine arts at each school. We thank everyone for coming out to see our talented band programs!
REMINDER: Information Session and Tour this Saturday at Jefferson.
On November 3, 2026, Champaign Unit 4 voters will consider a proposed school building referendum designed to address the district's facility needs impacting Middle School and Special Education students with zero annual tax rate increase through strategic financial planning and the use of expiring debt.
The proposal is based on several years of facility studies, enrollment projections, the district's Facilities Committee, and community input.
Referendum Information & Tours at Franklin, Jefferson, and International Prep Academy will allow community members to see our facilities firsthand, learn more about the Building Better Schools proposal, ask questions, and get factual information directly from the district.
Tours are scheduled on weekends beginning September 20 and continuing through November 1, giving residents multiple opportunities to participate as Election Day approaches.
Our role is to make sure our community has clear, accurate, and accessible information so residents can make an informed decision.
Saturday, September 26 from 1 - 3 PM at Jefferson
Sunday, October 4 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Saturday, October 10 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Saturday, October 17 from 1 - 3 PM at Jefferson
Sunday, October 25 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Sunday, November 1 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Details about the plan can be found at https://www.champaignschools.org/.../building-better-schools
On November 3, 2026, Champaign Unit 4 voters will consider a proposed school building referendum designed to address the district's facility needs impacting Middle School and Special Education students with zero annual tax rate increase through strategic financial planning and the use of expiring debt.
The proposal is based on several years of facility studies, enrollment projections, the district's Facilities Committee, and community input.
Referendum Information & Tours at Franklin, Jefferson, and International Prep Academy will allow community members to see our facilities firsthand, learn more about the Building Better Schools proposal, ask questions, and get factual information directly from the district.
Tours are scheduled on weekends beginning September 20 and continuing through November 1, giving residents multiple opportunities to participate as Election Day approaches.
Our role is to make sure our community has clear, accurate, and accessible information so residents can make an informed decision.
Saturday, September 26 from 1 - 3 PM at Jefferson
Sunday, October 4 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Saturday, October 10 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Saturday, October 17 from 1 - 3 PM at Jefferson
Sunday, October 25 from 1 - 3 PM at International Prep Academy
Sunday, November 1 from 1 - 3 PM at Franklin
Details about the plan can be found at https://www.champaignschools.org/.../building-better-schools
Our middle schools are over capacity and rely on trailer classrooms, especially at Franklin STEAM Academy. The proposed Unit 4 building referendum, Building Better Schools, would replace Franklin STEAM Academy.
The existing Franklin STEAM Academy building would be torn down, and a new school building constructed on the same site. This replaces the 1953-built facility with a more modern learning environment, eliminates modular trailer classrooms, and upgrades ADA compliance and overall building safety.
For more information, visit: https://www.champaignschools.org/bbs
The proposed Franklin graphic is a concept drawing and is not a final. Design will be fully developed if voters approve funding.
The existing Franklin STEAM Academy building would be torn down, and a new school building constructed on the same site. This replaces the 1953-built facility with a more modern learning environment, eliminates modular trailer classrooms, and upgrades ADA compliance and overall building safety.
For more information, visit: https://www.champaignschools.org/bbs
The proposed Franklin graphic is a concept drawing and is not a final. Design will be fully developed if voters approve funding.
Parents & Families, You’re Invited!
Join us for the College/Career and Life Readiness Parent Academy on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center.
This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, learn more about the college and career readiness opportunities available to our students, and explore ways you can continue supporting your child’s growth and success.
8:00 AM–1:00 PM
5:30–7:30 PM
Registration ends September 25, 2026.
All families are welcome to attend these informational sessions!
Click here to register today and join us as we work together to support our students’ futures!
