Evergreen Park task force backs Proposal A for new Central Middle School; architects present $104 million plan

Evergreen Park ESD 124’s community task force recommended putting “Proposal A” before voters as a potential bond referendum after three meetings that identified deficiencies at Central Middle School and space needs across the elementary schools.

The recommendation came as DLA Architects presented conceptual plans Thursday night showing a new three‑story Central Middle School on the south end of the site, phased construction to keep classes operating, and targeted additions or renovations at Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest elementary schools. Architects and task force members said the full program the district is studying would cost roughly $104,000,000; a stand‑alone middle‑school option was estimated at about $77.5 million.

The task force’s recommendation matters because the Evergreen Park Board of Education will decide whether to place a bond referendum before voters; task force members and architects said community surveys will continue before any ballot measure is set. The board later approved a construction manager contract with FH Passion to support pre‑construction planning if the project moves forward.

Julie Kelly, a Central Middle School teacher and task force member, described conditions the task force documented during building tours. “It was embarrassing to me, to see our building through the eyes of our community,” Kelly said, noting smells, mold and accessibility…