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Students seek field house, better bathrooms and HVAC in Kaneland survey; district to share staff and community feedback before referendum
Summary
A student survey and focus groups found repeated complaints about athletic facilities, locker rooms, bathrooms, HVAC and pest management at Kaneland High School; the district said it will present staff and community feedback and carry the input into referendum planning.
Kaneland CUSD 302 officials presented results of a mid‑October student survey and early focus groups on high‑school facility conditions, then invited board discussion about communicating the findings to families ahead of any referendum.
Dr. Rolling said 608 students completed the survey and about 150 agreed to focus groups; students repeatedly identified athletic facilities — particularly a desire for a field house — as the top need. "The number one thing there over and over again is the desire for a field house," Rolling said while summarizing student feedback.
Students and staff raised other recurring issues: outdated and insufficient locker rooms, bathroom cleanliness and capacity problems, HVAC and inconsistent temperatures (including classrooms described as "brutally cold" in winter), pest problems tied to the building’s surrounding fields, leaking ceiling tiles, narrow hallways and desks that do not fit larger students. Miss Slattery, who works extensively in the building, said many of the items were obvious from her daily presence and that repairs could improve school pride and attendance.
The board discussed strategies to amplify student voices to the broader community; a high‑school student told the board that fewer peers expect change and that better parent engagement would help. Administrators said they will return at the next board meeting with staff and community outreach feedback and further synthesis to inform referendum planning.
No formal referendum question or cost estimate was presented Monday; staff said they will share additional staff feedback, community town‑hall findings and more detailed recommendations in upcoming meetings.
