Board authorizes eminent-domain option for early-learning site, approves summer construction bids and budget transfers

Wheeling CCSD 21’s Board of Education on Thursday approved a resolution authorizing the pursuit of eminent domain if needed to acquire a roughly five-acre parcel at 2814 E. Hintz Road for a proposed early learning center, and adopted several financial and construction items tied to summer 2025 work.

Board members said the eminent-domain authorization is intended to move negotiations forward and avoid prolonged delay; the district’s staff said it is the next procedural step if a negotiated purchase cannot be reached. The same meeting also approved publication of a permanent budget-transfer notice, a $2.75 million transfer from the district’s internal service fund to the education fund, the award of summer construction bids, and the construction manager fee structure for the summer projects.

Supporters said the package will allow the district to complete promised projects — including removal of modular classrooms and campus safety upgrades — in a timely way. Opponents on the dais said they were concerned about the optics of adopting an eminent-domain authorization before exhausting additional direct negotiation and asked for more time or for the full board to be present for the vote.

The board also appointed Jillian Dorn as principal of Booth Tarkington Elementary School and approved the consent agenda items and travel/expense requests listed on the agenda.

Votes at a glance - Resolution authorizing acquisition by eminent domain (2814 E. Hintz Road): outcome — approved; tally: yes 3, no 2; notes: board members who voted yes said the authorization is intended as a tool to encourage a negotiated settlement and to keep the project on schedule. - Appointment of Jillian Dorn, principal, Booth Tarkington Elementary School: outcome — approved; tally: yes 4, no 1; notes: Dorn previously served as assistant principal at Tarkington and spoke briefly to accept the role. - Publication of notice for a permanent budget transfer: outcome — approved; tally: unanimous (board roll-call recorded yes votes); notes: action continues the district’s multi-year capital planning. - Transfer from internal service fund to education fund, $2,750,000: outcome — approved; tally: unanimous (recorded as approved); notes: this is part of the district’s planned funding moves for capital and operational needs. - Approval of summer 2025 construction bids: outcome — approved; tally: unanimous (recorded as approved); notes: bids came in below construction manager estimates, allowing additional work within budget. - Approval of construction manager fee structure for summer 2025 projects: outcome — approved; tally: unanimous (recorded as approved); notes: district staff said the fixed-cost and reimbursable components reduce the effective percent of fee compared with prior years. - Consent agenda (routine items): outcome — approved; tally: consent minus items A and B approved; items A and B later approved (one board member abstained on A & B).

Why it matters The board’s votes clear the path for the district to complete a slate of capital projects this summer, and establishes the district’s legal posture toward acquisition of property for the early learning center. District officials said a successful purchase (by negotiated sale or eminent domain) is necessary to meet timelines for removing modular classrooms and building the early-learning facility.

Board and staff comments District administrators said the eminent-domain resolution is not intended to initiate immediate litigation but to provide leverage and certainty so the project can move forward without repeated delays. One board member said she would vote against the authorization to preserve “optics” and give the seller another final window to negotiate. Superintendent-level staff framed the authorization as a standard legal step when talks have stalled.

What’s next District staff will continue negotiations with the parcel’s owners; if talks fail, the district has board authorization to begin an eminent-domain proceeding. Separately, contractors selected for the summer projects will begin pre-construction activities once formal contracts are completed.

Ending note Board members said they expect to publish the detailed summer construction schedule and the district’s longer-term facilities outlook after final bid paperwork is complete.