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District 15 reports progress and remaining work on $186 million 'Moving 15 Forward' capital program
Summary
District officials updated the board on facility projects tied to the Moving 15 Forward referendum, reporting major completed work, a projected surplus on additions and renovations, and plans to submit a 10‑year life‑safety list for state approval and future bonding.
District officials gave a detailed update Feb. 18 on the Moving 15 Forward capital program, summarizing completed projects, near‑term work through summer 2027, and the district’s plan to submit a life‑safety list to the Illinois State Board of Education for potential state funding and bond issuance.
Administrators said the district has completed major work on HVAC, libraries, secure vestibules, LED lighting, tracks at three middle schools, playground repairs and other projects since the referendum passed. The district reported purchase orders and accounting closeout work show the 12 additions and renovations portion of the program is projected to come in under budget — an estimated $114.115 million versus the $118 million budgeted — yielding approximately $3 million in surplus for future projects.
The board heard a three‑year near‑term plan that officials described as “aggressive,” with roofing, three HVAC projects, elevator work, flooring and large asphalt projects scheduled for the coming summers; the largest asphalt job noted is the north lot at the district office campus.
Facilities staff described the 10‑year life‑safety walk‑through process, which pairs architects and engineers with facility staff to inventory equipment and systems needing repair or replacement. That inventory will be submitted as a life‑safety list to state reviewers; officials said review can take from one month to three months after submission. If approved, the district plans to sell life‑safety bonds to fund identified projects in fiscal years 2028‑29.
Finance staff reported the district sold $14 million in bonds during the reporting period and maintained its AA2 rating from Moody’s. Administrators discussed an anticipated future need for additional bonding as some debt capacity rolls off around 2030.
Board members asked staff for specifics on the scope and priorities in the life‑safety list; staff said the list focuses on items with end‑of‑life needs (HVAC, asphalt/concrete, delaminated casework) and that the forthcoming submission will identify B‑priority items that must be addressed within five years and some C‑priority items.
Administrators said the facility work has reduced work‑comp claims and that many projects are improving building condition districtwide. No vote occurred on financial items at the Feb. 18 meeting; follow‑up items and the life‑safety list will be processed through the architects’ submission timeline.
