District pivots on capital projects: considers partnership with youth residential center to expand Morton Academy; bids due in July

Morton CUSD 709 officials told the board they are exploring a new approach to planned construction after cost estimates for several school projects exceeded earlier budgets.

A district presenter said the district met with executives at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (the agency that operates Guardian Angel Home) to discuss adding or renovating space at that site for Morton Academy students. The presenters said using existing building shell and lower‑level space could substantially lower costs — roughly $260 per square foot versus an estimated $400 per square foot for comparable additions on district school buildings.

District staff said the partnership could reduce project scope and accelerate availability of space for Morton Academy students while protecting the district’s investment through a formal agreement. Officials said they would seek contract terms such as usage protections, cost splits and options (for example, a first…