District 204 Presents Updated 10-Year Life-Safety Survey; Estimated Corrections Total About $2.3 Million

Bridal Stashek presented Lyons Township High School District 204's updated 10-year life-safety survey, required by the state, and said the report lists identified life-safety items for both north and south campuses. The updated list totals roughly $2,300,000 in estimated corrective work; staff explained some items are already addressed and carry a $0 cost on the submission because remediation is complete.

Architect Ed Wright said the survey focuses primarily on fire-rated separations and preventative measures that can delay fire spread in an emergency rather than ongoing active hazards. Wright described typical items such as door assemblies, wall penetrations made when running new data lines, and ceilings that do not completely enclose corridors—typical findings across many districts.

Board members asked about the prioritization rubric for A/B/C items and whether the district would pursue bonds or pay from operating funds. Staff said priorities reflect safety and evacuation risks and agreed to provide a breakout of estimated costs by priority level, and to supply guidelines that explain the prioritization method in time for the November 17 meeting. Stashek and Wright said many life-safety items are addressed opportunistically during larger projects to avoid pulling ceilings or walls twice.

Trustees discussed funding options and a recent legal change that may exclude life-safety bond proceeds from the district's debt service extension base; staff cautioned that, while bonds may accelerate work, they still involve borrowing costs and interest. The board agreed to have administration and facilities staff refine the cost estimates, identify items that can be completed in-house and return with a prioritized dollar breakdown for review and consideration at the next regular meeting.

Why it matters: the survey identifies code-related and preventative work the district should track and address over the coming decade; the board must accept the list formally at a future meeting before reporting to ISBE and deciding on funding strategies.