Health and life-safety survey flags $32.5M of prioritized maintenance and upgrades for District 15
Summary
Wold Architects reported a 10-year health and life-safety survey identifying roughly $32.5 million in recommended work (A: $491,000; B: $27.8 million; C: $4.2 million) including electrical fixes, HVAC and roofing, delaminating cabinets and ADA door clearances; district staff discussed funding timing and planned ISBE life-safety application.
Wold Architects presented the district's 10‑year health and life‑safety survey and identified prioritized corrective actions grouped into three categories: A (urgent, 1 year), B (within 5 years) and C (recommended improvements). The cost estimates presented: A about $491,000; B about $27,800,000; and C about $4,200,000, for a combined total of approximately $32,500,000.
Consultants stressed that the findings do not indicate the buildings are unsafe today but identify items to address over the coming years. Examples shown included missing or required emergency lighting and exit signs (A), delaminating cabinets and interior finishes (B), cracked exterior pavement and ADA door‑clearance issues (C), and several HVAC and roof projects reaching end of life.
District staff and consultants discussed financing options, including life‑safety bond applications through ISBE and use of capital plan bond sales. Staff noted a plan to submit the life‑safety package for ISBE review at the December board meeting. Consultants also described a multi‑summer work plan and the district's prior referendum work that reduced earlier projected needs.
Board members asked about prioritization and the difference between life‑safety (ISBE eligible) work and other capital maintenance. Consultants said many A items are low-cost fixes the district can address, while larger B projects will require bonded funding and coordinating with the district's multi-year capital plan.
