Deerfield SD 109 task force recommends two new elementary schools and two major renovations; plan would ask voters to help pay

A citizen task force and district officials recommended that Deerfield SD 109 ask voters to approve a plan that would build two new elementary schools, renovate two existing elementary campuses and complete targeted renovations at both middle schools.

The recommendation — known in presentations as the 2+2 option — was presented to the Board of Education along with updated cost estimates, funding scenarios and a public engagement plan, and comes after a district facilities study that found aging mechanical systems, limited special‑education and support spaces, and circulation and accessibility challenges at multiple schools.

Why it matters: the district estimates the 2+2 plan would cost roughly $245 million (updated from earlier 2023 estimates), of which the task force modeled about 21% from district fund balance, roughly 30% from alternate bonds paid with operating funds, and 49% from referendum bonds. The district’s consultants said the proposal is intended to avoid higher emergency costs and prolonged disruption that could result from deferred maintenance.

The board heard presentations from the district’s owners‑representative and architecture/engineering consultants about building conditions. “The 4 elementaries were all, pretty much 75 years old and counting,” a facilities consultant said while reviewing square footage and circulation challenges at Walden, Wilmot, Kipling and South park. Consultants showed photos and described plumbing, HVAC and envelope…