Board Update-Special Meeting
Ballot question approved
School Referendum Approved For April 1 Ballot
The Board of Education approved placing a referendum on the April 1 ballot seeking voter authorization to issue $94.9 million in bonds to fund a comprehensive plan to update the schools.
The plan would significantly improve the safety, accessibility, and infrastructure of all district buildings. It will replace old classrooms and facilities and address critical maintenance upgrades at each school.
“This has been at least a two-year endeavor,” said Board President Jennifer Gallinson. “We went through a thorough process to identify priorities. … We’ve really had the best minds working together on this.”
A community-based Facilitating Team of 15 volunteers convened with district leaders this fall to develop specific priorities based on the Facilities Master Plan. The team helped lead community engagement workshops, school tours, and a community-wide survey. Based on the feedback received in the process, the Building Tomorrow Together Facilitating Team recommended the $94.9 million plan to the board.
Recognizing the high cost of maintaining aging schools (50 to 75 years old), the team recommended a phased replacement approach. The total cost of the plan is estimated at $115 million. The district will fund $20 million in projects from existing funding sources.
This plan includes:
Construction of a new Meadowbrook School.
Additions and renovations at Greenbriar School and Northbrook Junior High to facilitate the gradual replacement of these older buildings.
Infrastructure upgrades at Westmoor School, including building improvements, playground enhancements, and bus lane improvements.
“I feel a great sense of momentum. I feel a great sense of accomplishment,” Ms. Gallinson said. “The process has been highly collaborative, and the focus has been on what’s best for students, the community, and our teachers and staff.”
The district is developing a communications program to provide many opportunities for community members to learn about the plan and answer questions.
Highlights of the Proposed Renovation and Improvement Plan
Meadowbrook School Replacement = $56 million
Replace the existing school with a larger building that meets learning needs today and into the future. If funding is approved, the concept will be developed into a detailed design with input from students, staff and community.
Northbrook Junior High Addition & Renovation = $20.6 million
Renovate office and entrance area to improve security
Update fire alarm system & sprinkler system
Renovate existing bathrooms and create ADA-accessible bathrooms throughout the building
Add a new cafeteria & larger kitchen to support a hot lunch program for all schools
Renovate the existing cafeteria into an expanded STEM lab and other classrooms
Improve the efficiency of drop-off & pick-up traffic on entry drive
Renovate the lobby area into a commons area for student use throughout the day
Greenbriar School Addition & Renovation = $20.3 million
Improve entrance security
Build a classroom wing addition
Update fire alarm, sprinkler and P.A. systems
Renovate existing bathrooms throughout the building for ADA accessibility
Add bathrooms to the lower level
Add classroom/bathroom space by reconfiguring the multipurpose room/cafeteria and adjacent courtyard
Update playgrounds and improve accessibility
Remodel the auditorium into flexible-use space
Replace deteriorating classroom cabinetry
Add parking north and east of the building
Remodel corridors to update lockers, and carpet and create break-out learning spaces
Westmoor School Capital Projects=$13.7 million
Improve entrance security
Update fire alarm, sprinkler, and P.A. systems
Renovate existing bathrooms throughout the building for ADA accessibility
Add classrooms and new ADA-compliant bathrooms
Replace old playground equipment and improve accessibility
Replace deteriorating cabinetry in classrooms
Contingencies = $4 million
FUNDING
$94.9 million in bonds
$20 million in operating funds
Total=$115 million
Want to Know More?
Livestream/Archive Video
The Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the District 28's YouTube Channel. The live streams are also archived for later viewing.
Next Meeting is on January 28th at 7 p.m.
The Board of Education's next regular meeting at 7 p.m. January 28th in the HOH Community Room at the District Office, 1475 Maple Ave., Northbrook. The meeting will be live-streamed on the District 28 YouTube channel.
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