Naperville CUSD 203 approves one‑year lease for temporary transportation facility after board raises notice concerns

Naperville Community Unit School District 203’s Board of Education on May 5 approved a one‑year lease for a temporary transportation facility to address deteriorating conditions at the district’s bus barn, despite objections from at least one trustee who said the board had insufficient time to review the contract.

Trustee Melissa Kelly Black urged the board to postpone approval, saying members — especially newly seated trustees — had only received lease documents late in the week and had less than an hour to review them. “The practice of presenting contracts and significant decisions at the last minute limits our capacity to engage in meaningful discussion and exploration of alternative solutions,” Kelly Black said during the consent‑agenda discussion.

Superintendent Dan Bridges told the board the district had been monitoring aging infrastructure at the bus facility and that new operational needs emerged that require immediate action. He said a property “immediately across the street” became available under terms the district found agreeable. Bridges said the lease term was one year, the space required minimal build‑out and that existing furniture was largely usable. To assist drivers crossing the street, the district plans to run a shuttle using one of its buses.

Board members debated the timeline and whether a more comprehensive facilities assessment should precede any lease; Bridges said the district had approved a comprehensive facilities assessment on Oct. 21, 2024 and that the new need arose after that work. Trustees voted by roll call: six voted in favor, and Kelly Black voted no.

The motion to approve the lease passed. Trustees asked administration to provide more detailed background on facilities planning and timing in future meetings so board members can assess long‑term options for transportation and facilities.