Lyons Township District 204 approves $12.54 million in summer 2025 facilities contracts after fund-balance debate

Lyons Township High School District 204's Committee of the Whole voted to approve four contracts totaling $12,537,490 for summer 2025 facilities projects after trustees debated whether using reserves to pay for the work would reduce the district's fund balance below a preferred 50 percent threshold.

The board approved a $10,438,000 contract with Boris Mechanical for North Campus mechanical replacement, a $1,569,000 contract with HAP Builders for North Campus toilet-room remodeling, a $337,490 contract with All Types Elevator for North Campus elevator modernization, and a $193,000 contract with DEM Services (Alsip, Ill.) for asbestos abatement. President Gretch called for motions and the roll calls followed each motion.

Why it matters: The votes move ahead multiple capital projects meant to modernize mechanical systems, accessibility and student spaces at North Campus, but several trustees expressed concern about lowering the district's audited 2024 fund-balance percentage from about 50 percent to roughly 48.6 percent. Trustees who opposed proceeding with particular projects said they wanted to protect the district's reserves against unforeseen capital or operating shocks.

Board discussion and financial context

Brian, the district presenter for the facilities package, told trustees that the asbestos abatement low bid came from DEM Services for $193,000 and that, after consultant fees, the district expected the abatement line to come close to earlier budget estimates. "The lowest bidder was DEM Services out of Alsip, Illinois with a base bid of a hundred and $93,000," Brian said during the presentation.

Trustees repeatedly returned to the question of fund-balance prudence. Several trustees said they were not comfortable dipping below a roughly 50 percent fund-balance threshold; others argued that 48.6 percent would still leave the district with substantial cash reserves and that delaying projects risks higher construction cost increases. One trustee noted that the district's audited 2024 fund-balance figures are a static look-back and not a guarantee for future years. The presenter said the 48.6 percent figure is based on the 2024 audited numbers and that the district retains significant liquidity even if it uses reserves for the approved projects.

Dr. Waterman and district staff recommended that, beyond the projects approved at this meeting, they would not plan to continue dipping into fund balance for future projects unless absolutely necessary. The presenter told trustees, in effect, that operating-budget choices and future surpluses would be used to rebuild reserves over time.

Votes at a glance

- Boris Mechanical (North Campus mechanical replacement): $10,438,000. Roll call: Member Alvarez: Yes; Member Vita Daniels: Yes; Member Dylan: Yes; Member Giannotti Fry: Yes; Member Sterling: Yes; Member Thomas: No; Member Branch: Yes. Outcome: approved.

- HAP Builders (North Campus toilet-room remodeling): $1,569,000. Roll call: Member Vita Daniels: No; Member Dylan: Yes; Member Giannotti Fry: Yes; Member Strewing/Steward (as recorded): Yes; Member Thomas: No; Member Alvarez: Yes; Member Gretch: Yes. Outcome: approved.

- All Types Elevator (North Campus elevator modernization): $337,490. Roll call: Member Dylan: Yes; Member Giannotti Fry: Yes; Member Steward: Yes; Member Thomas: Yes; Member Alvarez: Yes; Member Vita Daniels: Yes; Member Gretch: Yes. Outcome: approved (unanimous among those voting).

- DEM Services (2025 abatement project): $193,000. Roll call: Member Giannotti Fry: Yes; Member Strewing/Steward (as recorded): Yes; Member Thomas: No; Member Alvarez: Yes; Member Vita Daniels: Yes; Member Dylan: Yes; Member Gretch: Yes. Outcome: approved.

Discussion vs. decisions

Trustees debated whether to remove the toilet-room remodeling from the bundle to keep the fund balance closer to 50 percent; several trustees said the elevator and asbestos abatement are higher priorities for safety and accessibility. The board ultimately voted on each contract separately, approving all four. The presenter noted contract allowances and the potential for change orders but said historically the district's project estimates have generally tracked close to final costs.

What happens next

District staff said they will provide the board with a fund-balance history this week to address requests for historical comparisons. The approved contracts will proceed as presented, with asbestos abatement work separated into mechanical-system and toilet-room components that could adjust contracting details if the board modifies scope for the restroom work.

Ending

Trustees moved into other agenda items after the votes and later adjourned into closed session. Several trustees said they expect the board and staff to monitor the operating budget and capital needs closely and to limit further use of fund balance except for capital emergencies or where operating-budget dollars can be reallocated.