District 65 approves $2.09 million bid package, updates families on Foster School reopening

The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board of Education on May 5 approved bid package No. 4 for flooring and kitchen equipment for the new Foster Elementary School and heard detailed updates on construction progress and family outreach ahead of the school’s planned opening.

Administrators said work is advancing on the building’s structural framing, underground stormwater systems and slab pours, and that the project goal remains to have Foster ready for occupancy by mid‑July 2026. “The final goal is to be in the building ready to go, all set by mid July of 2026,” said a staff presenter during the update.

Why it matters: Foster is the district’s high‑profile school-return project to the Fifth Ward. Board approval of bid package No. 4 allows purchase and installation of flooring and kitchen equipment now being priced by low bidders, while administrators said community engagement and principal selection are proceeding so families can plan their students’ transitions.

Board and staff updates The presenter showed recent photos of roof framing, cafeteria and gym structure and…