In 2013, Westside Community Schools developed a 15-year Facilities Master Plan, identifying approximately $240 million dollars in work that needed to be completed throughout District 66 in the coming years. In 2014, voters approved the bond for Phase I of this plan, for $79.9 million dollars worth of work focusing on safety and security throughout all buildings and campuses, including new buildings for Sunset Hills, Oakdale, Swanson and Prairie Lane, and extensive remodeling work at Westside Middle School. All projects were completed on time and on budget.

At the February 21, 2023, Board of Education meeting, members voted unanimously to authorize Westside Community Schools to pursue Phase II of the Facilities Master Plan initially established in 2013. Extensive research and discussion involving the Westside Facilities Task Force identified top needs as part of this phase, with an estimated cost of $121 million dollars. This will be decided by our voters on May 9th through a MAIL-IN election.

Phase II will include:

• new schools for Westgate Elementary, Hillside Elementary and Loveland Elementary;
• repairs and projects at Westside Middle School, Westside High School and Westbrook Elementary;
• new storm shelter, gym and early childhood areas at Paddock Road Elementary and Rockbrook Elementary;
• and handicap accessibility at the ABC Administration Building, as well as needs at Underwood Hills Early Childhood Center.

The Bond for Phase II, if passed by voters, will require Westside Community Schools to increase the tax levy by a maximum of 4.9 cents. It is important to note our current tax levy is 9.9 cents lower than it was in 2018-2019.

• This would add $49 of annual, additional taxes to the owner of a $100,000 home.
• This would add $98 of annual, additional taxes to the owner of a $200,000 home.
• This would add $147 of annual, additional taxes to the owner of a $300,000 home.

Westside Community Schools leaders will hold at least 25 public meetings and tours across the district throughout March, April and May, to offer as much transparency and information as possible regarding this important initiative. Please click the button below for locations, dates and times. You may also email communications@westside66.net with any questions you may have.

The first meeting will take place Thursday, March 2 at Hillside Elementary beginning at 6:30pm; all are welcome to attend.

CONGRATULATIONS to Westgate Elementary and Prairie Lane Elementary, district recipients of our annual awards highlighting excellence in teaching and learning in reading and math. We encourage you to look at the photos above to learn more about their impressive achievements!

Westside continues to celebrate all students and staff showing exceptional success in academic fields. In recent weeks:

• Seven Westside High School students competed in the Regional Science Olympiad, and all placed in at least one event;
• 12 Westside students competed in area Mathletes events, with one student qualifying for the state competition;
• 298 of our WHS seniors, 54% of the entire class, made 1st Semester Honor Roll, with similar numbers reported for freshman, sophomores and juniors.

With the help of our talented, award-winning staff members, we will continue to evaluate our teaching and learning and how we can best support every student succeed in our mission for academic excellence!

The following flyers and information have been provided by community partners not affiliated with Westside Community Schools. We do not endorse any of the following organizations or events, but are providing this information at no cost as a public service to our children, families, staff and community. For questions, please email communications@westside66.net.