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CART and facilities staff report progress on referendum projects; pond land conveyance remains unsettled
Summary
District facilities staff and the Citizens Advisory Review Team reported progress on 68 active referendum and maintenance projects on June 23, but CART warned that land conveyance for a major site (the ponds/Yerby elementary) remains unresolved and could raise costs and delay openings.
The Citizens Advisory Review Team (CART) and district facilities staff updated trustees on the status of referendum projects and other capital work at the June 23 meeting, saying dozens of projects are active but that at least one major site — the ponds/Yerby elementary conveyance — remains incomplete and could increase costs or affect schedules.
Jane Lombardo, chair of the CART, told the board the master project list shows safety and security projects advancing: radios are largely operational, cameras are active at all schools, weapon-detection and vestibule renovations are in progress, and shatter-resistant film and other items are expected to be completed before the school year. Lombardo said the CART had identified 68 active projects totaling roughly $19.3 million in work at various stages.
"Ponds, as you all know, is still behind for an August 2026 opening. And with the land conveyance still between the county and the developer, it is questionable that the cost will not rise," Lombardo said, recommending that the community raise concerns with county officials if cost increases threaten schedules.
Facilities director staff Jeff Smith and Tony Soules outlined summer construction at several sites, including HVAC, flooring and asbestos abatement at Knightsville and Flower Town, unit replacements at Oak Brook Middle and an Oakbrook addition funded by TIF. They reported milestones such as poured slabs at Sand Hill and phased construction at Ashley Ridge High School (band room and classroom consolidations). Facilities staff said many projects remain on schedule and noted heavy summer activity on paving and HVAC work.
During the update the district said referendum spending to date totals about $19 million and that the referendum projects list still includes two elementary schools as a priority contingent on land conveyance and permitting. Staff listed a number of projects in design or early construction phases and said the board’s referendum timeline requires completion by 2030.
The board also voted to approve a bid award for Summerville High School restroom renovations that is part of the referendum program. The motion to award the Summerville High restroom renovations contract was made by Board Member Guthrie, seconded by Board Member Bates, and carried 6 in favor, 1 absent.
Facilities staff and CART representatives encouraged public engagement on the ponds and land‑conveyance items and said they will continue weekly project management meetings to monitor schedules and contracts.
"A big thanks to Tony and Jeff and Kenny, Rhonda and their team," Superintendent Doherty said. "We meet every Monday and go over all these projects to make sure we have all the right documents signed to make sure we're continuing to move through this."
