Naperville 203 approves Naperville North addition bids after debate over timing and transparency
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Summary
Board approved the Naperville North High School addition bid package, a $23.5 million addition within a previously approved $32.9 million project. Some trustees argued the project is budgeted and addresses structural/safety needs; one trustee asked for more detailed plans and clearer trade‑off analysis given current budget pressures.
The Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Board of Education on Jan. 20 approved construction bids for the Naperville North High School addition, part of a larger project the Board previously authorized in May 2024.
Administration said the addition's post‑bid estimate is close to the previously approved $23.5 million allocation for the addition within a broader $32.9 million project that includes turf, stormwater work and other improvements. Administrators said bids currently fall within budget and that delaying the bid approvals could raise costs and create scheduling problems. Board members stressed the addition addresses structural needs and student safety, including replacing aging mobile classrooms.
One trustee, Melissa Kelly Black, said she supported the project's goals but asked for more detailed plans itemizing what will be built and the potential trade‑offs given current budget discussions and recent health fund pressures. Other trustees said the Board has seen renderings and prior updates and that architectural and engineering work has been completed; they argued that holding the project would risk higher costs and delay critical repairs.
After discussion the Board voted to approve the bid package. The roll call recorded six Aye votes and one Nay (Kelly Black). The Board requested administration continue to provide detailed financial updates and the final post‑bid numbers.