The School District U-46 Board of Education heard an update Aug. 18 on construction and facility planning that included completed summer work at several schools and rapid progress on a new middle school adjacent to Hilltop Elementary in Elgin.
The presentation, from Brian Lindholm, chief of staff, and Dr. Anne Williams, deputy superintendent of operations, described finished renovations at Kimball Middle School and a large addition rising at Kenyon Woods, and outlined phased additions and design approvals pending for Century Oaks Elementary and Glenbrook Elementary.
The most detailed portion of the update described site work for the new Elgin middle school. Lindholm said the contractor completed mass grading, excavation of a large stormwater detention system—referred to repeatedly as a “storm trap”—and has poured structural slab work for portions of the foundation. "It is more than 15 feet below grade" and about three times the size of a similar storm trap installed at Kimball, he said, adding the storm trap was required by the city of Elgin to support long-term drainage and site stability.
Why it matters: the stormwater system is intended to prevent runoff impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and to meet Elgin permit requirements; the size and pace of work also affect near-term site access for Hilltop Elementary and the district’s construction schedule.
Details and timeline: Lindholm said masonry is scheduled to begin later in August and that the team expects to continue making rapid progress so the project remains on schedule. He said the district met recently with Hilltop’s principal to discuss educational opportunities — for example, teaching students about geothermal energy using on-site work as part of fall STEM lessons — and to coordinate being “good neighbors” while construction continues.
Naming process: Lindholm said the district will open a 30‑day community nomination period beginning Aug. 19 for the school’s name, with nominations due Sept. 19. The district plans a town‑hall meeting at Hilltop Elementary to collect public comment and expects to bring a recommendation to the board’s Oct. 20 meeting and, potentially, an action item on Nov. 3. Lindholm noted a board policy establishes that the board is responsible for naming schools but permits any U‑46 community member to submit nominations to the superintendent or designee.
Other projects: Williams and Lindholm also reviewed completed and in‑progress work: Kimball’s renovations and an east‑side addition with new parking and defined student drop‑off; Kenyon Woods’ addition and exterior work; Century Oaks’ design nearing completion and a planned site‑development permit submission to the city of Elgin before construction bidding; and Glenbrook’s upcoming special-use amendment request before the Streamwood planning and zoning board.
Board reaction and next steps: Board members thanked operations staff for the summer work. Lindholm said two other active projects not covered in detail—conversion of Illinois Park Elementary and a new elementary at David C. Cook—will be included in next month’s update.