The Naperville Unit 203 Board of Education on Aug. 4 authorized administration to remove an aging trailer transportation building and to proceed with development of a new transportation facility on Fifth Avenue, a capital project administrators said is needed to replace trailers that have exceeded their useful life.
Superintendent and facilities staff recommended the board authorize development work consistent with Board policy 4.20 and state bidding laws; the recommendation included moving the administration office out of a trailer into leased space temporarily because the trailers are in poor condition. Administration said the project would remain subject to policy and required bidding steps as it proceeds.
Board member Melissa Kelly Black urged caution and asked for a side‑by‑side comparison of cheaper alternatives before committing to what she characterized as a $14–$17 million capital project, saying the district should ensure capital spending does not impair staffing and student services. Other board members, including Amanda McMillan, Christine Gerke and Holly Blastic, said the facility is beyond band‑aid repairs and noted operational needs, central location and future electric bus infrastructure as reasons to proceed.
Action: The motion to approve the policy 4.20 update authorizing the transportation project passed by roll call. The vote recorded one “no” (Melissa Kelly Black); the rest of the board voted in favor.
Why it matters: The project addresses health, safety and operational capacity for transportation staff and buses; it will be a multi‑million‑dollar capital investment that board members said could enable future investments in electric buses and reduce operational risk of failing trailers.
Next steps: Administration will continue planning and follow procurement rules and will report back to the board as project design and budgeting progress.