Prairie Central (Illinois) district will build a $52 million elementary school

The new campus in Fairbury will replace 3 district schools.

April 30, 2025

Prairie Central Primary East School will be one of three campuses closed after the Prairie Central district opens a new elementary campus in 2028.

The Prairie Central (Illinois) District plans to open a $52 million elementary school in 2028 in Fairbury.

The Pontiac Leader reports that the school board has begun discussing plans for the campus now that voters have approved a bond referendum that will provide funds for the construction project.

Once the new campus is built, the district will close Prairie Central Primary East in Chatsworth, Prairie Central Primary West in Chenoa and Prairie Central Elementary in Fairbury. The new Prairie Central Elementary will be built near the high school.

The project's timeline will depend on the vetting process to find an architect, Superintendent Paula Crane said.

Bids for construction could go out as soon as March 2026. Construction could then begin as soon as April or May 2026.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.