District Council approves $60,500 asbestos abatement for LHS cafeteria project

During the May 2025 Committee Meetings of the D128 School Board, significant discussions centered around ongoing construction projects at Libertyville High School, particularly concerning asbestos abatement and foundation work for the cafeteria renovation. The board approved an additional contract with Nationwide Environmental and Demo LLC for $60,500 to address unexpected asbestos issues discovered during demolition.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of managing older school buildings, which often contain hidden asbestos materials. Asbestos abatement has been a recurring challenge for the district, with regular inspections and removal efforts ongoing. The board noted that the recent discovery of additional asbestos was circumstantial, stemming from unforeseen conditions rather than contractor oversight. This situation necessitated a rebid of the work, as the changes exceeded the allowable 10% of the original bid.

In addition to asbestos concerns, the board discussed the need for reengineering foundation work due to unsuitable soil conditions encountered during excavation. This led to the proposal of using helical piers and push piles to ensure structural integrity for the cafeteria's new ceiling and courtyard encapsulation. The board approved bids for this work while rejecting one package that was deemed excessively priced, indicating a proactive approach to managing project costs.

Board members expressed appreciation for the inclusion of visual aids in project discussions, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public understanding of the work being undertaken. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue providing updates and visual documentation for future projects, reinforcing the board's dedication to community engagement and effective communication.

Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of maintaining and upgrading aging school facilities, as well as the board's commitment to addressing these issues responsibly and transparently. As the projects progress, the board will continue to navigate the complexities of construction and renovation while ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.