Board reviews bids for summer 2025 HVAC, restroom and elevator work; administrators and trustees weigh fund-balance impact

The Lyons Township High School District 204 administration presented bid results and a funding update for a set of summer 2025 facilities projects and the board engaged in a detailed discussion about fund-balance implications and project priorities.

What was bid and the low bidders (presented as low bid totals) - HVAC and classroom air-conditioning and mechanical project (North Campus, phased across 2025 and 2026): low bidder Boris Mechanical, base-plus-alternate combined bid reported at $10,438,000. The contract covers replacing air handlers, adding air conditioning to roughly 60 classrooms in the North Campus main building (two summers: majority in 2025 with some 2026 work), associated ceiling and lighting work and related mechanical upgrades. The district noted this will complete air conditioning for learning and community spaces in that building when both phases are finished. - Restroom renovations (nine washrooms across North Campus stacks and near the Reber Center): low bidder Hat Builders, low bid $1,000,569. Work described includes full gut-and-replace plumbing, finishes, fixtures, ADA compliance updates and new lighting. - Elevator modernization (North Campus single elevator): low bidder All Types Elevator, bid $337,490. The work will replace major lift mechanics, increase elevator speed (present speed reported at ~50 feet per minute, planned to 200 feet per minute), upgrade penthouse components, and replace ceiling/lighting in the car.

Asbestos removal and allowances Administrators said the asbestos-removal bid package had not yet been opened at the time of the presentation; they estimated a consultant and removal contractor allowance of about $260,000 for asbestos work but said final bids would be opened later in the week and staff would return with a complete package at the Feb. 3 committee-of-the-whole meeting.

Estimated total and fiscal impact Administrators presented a preliminary total-cost estimate of roughly $13.66 million (this figure includes the low construction bids, an asbestos estimate and allowances for design/architect fees). Using FY24 audited fund balances and operating revenues, staff said the district27s usable fund balance after the project would equate to about a 48.6% fund-balance-to-revenues ratio (the board had discussed a 452550% target range previously). The staff analysis assumed the FY24 operating-revenue base and noted the number could change with FY25 results or project change orders.

Board discussion and outstanding decisions Board members and administrators debated the desirability of completing all three scope areas now versus phasing or deferring the restroom renovation to preserve fund balance. Some trustees emphasized the economic case for consolidating smaller projects into the larger mechanical contract to reduce unit costs; others urged caution about dipping into reserves and noted that the board had historically sought to remain near a 50% fund-balance target for operating reserves. Administrators noted some small projects were added into the package because they would be needed regardless and were less costly to include in a larger bid package.

Next steps Administrators will open asbestos-removal bids, present the complete bid package and an updated funding recommendation at the Feb. 3 committee-of-the-whole meeting. The board did not take formal action on bids at this meeting; staff cautioned that change orders or new information could affect final costs.