An administrator provided an update on ongoing and planned capital projects and bidding activity across district facilities, saying the Morton High School Phase 2 package went out for bid July 31 with a bid opening scheduled for Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.

Why it matters: The outcomes of the upcoming bids and the pace of renovations determine when classrooms and spaces will be available and how much of the FY26 capital budget will be spent in this fiscal year.

The East Gym renovation is moving forward: administrators said contractors began a roughly four‑week process to install a new gym floor, including subfloor work and hardwood surfacing. Renovations at Grundy (related‑services offices) and Lincoln (restrooms and a classroom remodel) are close to completion but some wooden doors remain on backorder; the district said steel doors may arrive sooner.

Capital projects in the draft FY26 plan include the weight‑room/waiting‑room addition (budgeted at $7,000,000 in Kowalski’s draft), junior high STEM labs and continuing work on the high school project. Administrators noted $580,000 in bond money from the high school project will roll into FY26 as carryover because the project did not consume all issued bond proceeds this year.

Morton Academy and the Center for Youth and Family Services: administrators described a planned expansion of leased administrative space adjacent to Morton Academy. They said an additional 1,300 square feet in the CYFS building is being pursued for administrative offices and student support services (speech, OT/PT and a sensory room) and that a conceptual 30,000‑square‑foot plan for an instructional‑side expansion is being prepared; the draft budget contains $1,500,000 to account for that possible project.

Scheduling and supply issues: administrators warned that while many projects are budgeted, actual spending will depend on bid results and construction timelines. They said some finishes and doors could arrive after the school year begins and that they expect to spend down O&M reserves intentionally to cover projects over the next two years.

Ending: The district will evaluate Aug. 27 bid results for the MHS Phase 2 work and update the board; administrators said they will manage carryover and transfers to align cash flow with project timelines.