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SD U-46 breaks ground on $28.5 million Century Oaks Elementary renovation
Summary
SD U-46 officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking at Century Oaks Elementary to mark a $28.5 million renovation funded by the district—s 2023 bond; work includes 35,000 square feet of interior renovations, a 19,000-square-foot addition for preschool classrooms and system upgrades, with completion expected August 2027.
Speaker 1, an unidentified speaker, said the district marked the start of renovations at Century Oaks Elementary School, citing the school—s mission "to provide all students a safe, rich learning environment that nurtures the social emotional as well as the academic growth of each and every one of our students." The ceremony framed the work as an extension of that mission.
District presenters said the project is part of a multi-year Educational Facility Master Plan that the community supported through a $179,000,000 bond proposal approved in 2023. Speaker 2 summarized the district—s planning process, saying the bond made the current slate of upgrades possible.
The construction project is budgeted at $28,500,000. Officials described major elements as roughly 35,000 square feet of interior renovations, upgrades to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to improve comfort and energy efficiency, and a 19,000-square-foot addition that will provide dedicated preschool classrooms for the neighborhood and the wider Elgin community.
"After the $28,500,000 construction project is complete, students and employees will enjoy a much improved layout along with natural light and high quality learning spaces," Speaker 4 said. Project leaders said the work also aims to improve circulation inside the building and create spaces designed for collaboration and engagement.
Officials said the project is planned to be completed by August 2027. "In August 2027, we expect that students and employees will be able to enjoy their newly renovated building," Speaker 4 said.
District staff emphasized that they have assembled an experienced construction team with a track record of completing work while students remain in session. "We're very confident that we'll be able to manage this transition, and you are all going to love the results of this project," Speaker 5 said.
Speakers thanked the community, families, teachers and staff who participated in the Educational Facility Master Plan and who supported the bond. Speaker 2 thanked "all of our students, our colleagues, our parents, community members who participated in the Educational Facility Master Plan process" and said the plan provides recommendations to move U46 schools forward.
Organizers closed the ceremony by noting that while the symbolic turning of dirt marks a public milestone, the project reflects years of planning and community support. "So this isn't just construction, this is progress in action," Speaker 4 said.
No formal votes or new district policies were announced at the ceremony. Officials described the event as a ceremonial start to a project funded by the 2023 bond; construction and scheduling details will be managed by district staff and contractors through the project timeline already outlined by the Educational Facility Master Plan.
