Schools

District 113 Renovation Price Tag: $168 Million

Long-Range Capital Facility Plan draws mixed reviews from community members.

District 113 informed community members Tuesday night how much its Long-Range Capital Facility Plan is estimated to cost if approved by voters; that $168 million figure got mixed reviews from the audience. 

Since September the school district has been working with Wight, an architecture and engineering firm to create a plan of action for and High Schools.

That strategy was presented at a community engagement session Tuesday night that focused on three phases:

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1.  Infrastructure and technology

2.  Academic core improvements

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3.  Learning spaces for the future

"Roofing needs to be constantly updated," said Leanne Myers-Smith, Wight's project team leader. "Both schools need windows improved."

That construction would fall under phase one which is estimated to cost $118.8 million; among other things this includes addressing the facilities' air conditioning issues, moisture problems, plumbing needs and wireless Internet capabilities. Plus building field houses for both schools as well as new pools. 

Phase two is budgeted at $27 million and focuses on removing some of the high school's facilities that date back to 1914.

Another $23 million is slotted for phase three which looks to create "technology-infused learning environments."

One example provided by Kevin Havens, Wight's director of design, was a large commons/hub for functions. "It becomes the living room for the school," he said.

For months, the district has been asking the community to provide feedback on the high schools' needs. About 50 percent of those in attendance Tuesday night had participated in previous information sessions but some remained unsatisfied.

The majority of those opposed to the strategy had economic concerns but others found issues with the plan's structure. 

"I applaud architects for their designs but the follow-through stinks," commented a retired Highland Park teacher who spoke up after the presentation.  "Why are you putting athletics before academics?"

Several high school students in attendance disagreed, stating that participating in a sport had taught them lessons they would have never been able to learn in the classroom.

"What we put together tonight, is what we had heard [from the community]," responded District 113 Supt. George Fornero. The next engagement session is Dec. 7 at Deerfield High School.

During that final meeting, the district's financial adviser, Tammie Schallmo, will provide a more detailed report on exactly how the potential $168 million facility plan will affect taxpayers.

However, school officials say these changes can be financed without an increase to the school tax-rate because of current economic conditions like low interest rates and the school system's AAA bond rating. Additionally the district is scheduled to retire debt and plans to refinance it at lower interest rate costs. 

"This is a convergence of factors that will allow us to stretch precious resources while making the most of current financial conditions," said Barry Bolek, Assistant Supt. for finance for the district. "We would be foolish not to make the most out of this opportunity to improve our aging facilities.

"This kind of financing opportunity with a no tax-rate increase won't always be around, but our needs remain. It appears this is the best time to make this important investment in our schools."  

But will the community agree? "The only way to fund something like this is by voter approval," Smith said.

Before the referendum makes it onto the ballot, the board of education needs to approve the measure first. The district plans to present its master plan to the board on Dec. 13 and a decision is expected in January.


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