Libertyville schools to upgrade gym lighting at no cost through ComEd program

The April 2025 Committee Meeting of the D128 School Board in Illinois highlighted significant advancements in lighting upgrades for Libertyville High School, driven by a partnership with ComEd. The meeting, held on April 22, 2025, focused on a new program that allows the school district to replace outdated lighting fixtures at no cost.

Mark, a representative from the district, explained that the initiative was brought to their attention by a concerned parent. After thorough investigation, the district confirmed that ComEd would cover the costs associated with replacing existing lighting in key areas, including the main gym and gymnastics gym. This upgrade is particularly timely, as some of the previously installed LED lights are already failing and are no longer manufactured.

The program allows for the retrofitting of fixtures without any financial burden on the district. ComEd directly pays the contractors involved, ensuring that the school can enhance its facilities while saving on operational costs. The new LED fixtures are expected to provide better lighting and lower energy expenses.

In addition to the gym upgrades, the district is evaluating classroom lighting that has not been remodeled. The challenge lies in the need for sprinkler systems in classrooms, which complicates the installation of new lighting. However, if the program proves successful, the district plans to move forward with these upgrades during the summer.

The committee emphasized the importance of acting quickly, as the program's availability may change in the future. There are no limits on the number of fixtures that can be replaced, with estimates suggesting that around 200,000 fixtures could be upgraded across classrooms.

Overall, this initiative represents a proactive step towards improving the learning environment at Libertyville High School while utilizing resources already contributed by taxpayers through their utility bills. The school board is optimistic about the potential benefits of this program for both students and staff.