Aurora schools narrow facilities proposal to $80 million Essential Plan ahead of possible November bond issue

Aurora City School District is advancing a narrower facilities proposal that would replace Craddock Elementary, build a transportation facility on the current Craddock site and address priority maintenance needs across existing schools.

The district calls the proposal the “Essential Plan.” A July 20, 2026, report on an Aurora city meeting put the estimated cost at approximately $80 million, with the figure potentially rising to $90 million.

The district is engaging residents as it plans for a possible November 2026 bond issue. The proposal could affect school buildings, grade placement, transportation operations and future local tax obligations, but it remains subject to final district action and voter consideration.

What the plan would change

Under the proposed configuration, a new school for grades 1 through 3 would be constructed on the current Craddock Elementary site. Third grade, now at Leighton Elementary, would move to the new building.

The Craddock site would also receive a new transportation facility. District materials list maintenance bays, a wash bay, a bus lift and areas for drivers and staff as components of that facility.

The proposal also focuses on work at existing Aurora school buildings rather than addressing every potential facilities need at once. Listed priorities include HVAC replacements, upgrades to improve accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, parking-lot repairs, paving on Greenmen Way and replacement of exterior doors.

From broader proposal to Essential Plan

The Essential Plan follows a broader facilities proposal that failed amid concerns about its cost and scope, according to coverage of the July 20 city meeting. The revised approach places the Craddock replacement, transportation operations and critical infrastructure work at the center of the district’s planning.

In its superintendent’s message, Aurora City Schools said the plan is intended to address aging infrastructure, capacity needs and critical maintenance. The district has continued community engagement while developing its future facilities plans.

Possible November decision

A bond issue is expected to go before Aurora voters in November 2026 if the district moves forward. The election would be the point at which residents consider the financing proposal, but the district has not finalized the project’s scope, cost, financing structure or ballot language.

Until those decisions are made, the Essential Plan is a proposed direction rather than an approved construction program. The district’s next steps are continued planning, resident engagement and final action on whether to place a bond issue before voters.