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District 204 staff report progress on Phase 1 facilities projects; Phase 2 could cost $85M200M
Summary
District staff told the Committee of the Whole that Phase 1 projects are under way (cafeteria, music wing, HVAC and lighting replacements) and that deferred items remain for Phase 2; an earlier facilities study estimated Phase 2 at $85 million to $100 million.
Lyons Township High School District 204 staff presented a Strategic Plan Goal 5 update on facilities, reporting progress on Phase 1 projects and outlining a broad list of potential Phase 2 needs that an updated facilities study estimated at roughly $85 million to $100 million.
Why it matters: The update lays out which Phase 1 items have been completed or are in progress (new South Campus cafeteria addition, music wing renovation, HVAC and lighting work, door replacements, and partial washroom renovations) and which major items were deferred from Phase 1'notably additional turf fields, full classroom modernization and renovation of the Westfield Complex.
What staff reported
Dr. Waterman introduced Goal 5 as "resource efficiency and effectiveness" within the district's strategic plan and said the board had previously discussed the priority-setting process. Brian summarized the district's current facilities portfolio, funding sources and progress on ongoing projects.
Staff described the status of several Phase 1 projects: the new South Campus cafeteria addition (glass now installed and temperature controlled), the new music wing (interior and exterior work under way), pool and field-house lighting replacements (completed and receiving favorable feedback) and ongoing door and roof work scheduled to finish in August 2025. The presenter said that last year's bond proceeds and interest earnings fund much of Phase 1, and that the remaining Phase 1 need would be filled with a mix of fund balance and operating-budget dollars.
Staff also noted that three Phase 1 items were deferred: modernizing a set of classrooms (flooring, furniture and technology that were not included in the latest scope), an additional turf field at South Campus and renovation of the Westfield Complex. Cost estimates provided in the meeting record said the turf fields would be $2.5 million to $3.5 million apiece and that classroom modernization had been estimated at roughly $3 million to $11 million depending on scope.
Looking ahead to Phase 2
The presenter said the Phase 2 facility list includes continued HVAC and air-handler replacements, additional accessibility work (including a potential second elevator at North Campus), roofing replacements, life-safety projects, locker-room and washroom upgrades across campuses, bleacher replacements and other athletic-facility work. Staff estimated that completing the full facility study scope could cost in the $85 million to $100 million range (not updated for current market changes).
A donor-funded project
Staff noted the board previously accepted a $2,000,000 donation from the Stacy Ann Baker Charitable Fund for improvements to the softball complex; that project remains subject to Western Springs village approvals and a forthcoming public hearing before bid specifications are released.
Community engagement and next steps
Trustees and staff agreed it would be appropriate to return to community engagement before moving into Phase 2: to confirm priorities, identify new needs and better define Phase 2 project specificity. Staff said they would continue to update the facilities study as projects are completed and to bring a technology plan update (Strategy 12) back to the board in a future meeting.
Ending
Board members thanked staff for the consolidated update and asked for continued community outreach and updated cost estimates if Phase 2 funding options are pursued.
