KUSD authorizes up to $333,000 to finish controlled‑entrance designs, board hears less‑disruptive option for Lance Middle

The Kenosha Unified School District board on a voice vote authorized up to $333,000 to resume and complete construction design work for controlled entrances at seven district schools, directing administrators to reengage Riley Construction to finish the remaining design work.

Administrators said the 80 percent design previously completed requires detailed HVAC, plumbing and electrical work before the district can settle on a final project cost and choose a funding strategy. "We need authorization from the board to go ahead and authorize the company Riley Construction to finish the real detailed design work," staff member Mr. Hamden told the board at 00:16:33.

The safety committee reviewed sketches and recommended adjustments, and the board discussed alternatives for particularly difficult sites. At Lance Middle School the safety committee and school principal recommended an added vestibule and a monitored security checkpoint rather than a disruptive full remodel that would relocate the main office, a change staff said would cause extensive interruptions to building circulation.

Board member Todd Tierney moved to authorize Riley Construction to proceed with the design work up to $333,000; the motion was seconded by Board Member Sabrina Landry and passed by voice vote. Board members asked staff to return with the full project cost once designs are completed.

Board members framed the action as the next step toward choosing a funding path. Administrators emphasized that the $333,000 is for design completion only; construction costs will be presented to the board later.

What’s next: staff will complete the detailed designs and return to the board with a full project estimate and recommended funding options.