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Deerfield SD 109 outlines summer 2025 Shepherd renovations, low bidder recommended
Summary
The Deerfield SD 109 board heard details of the master facilities plan and summer 2025 projects including Shepherd Middle School renovations, a proposed commercial irrigation program (not to exceed $200,000 for Caruso and Shepherd) and a $2.8 million approximate summer project budget; the administration recommended the low bidder Menusos for the Shepherd work.
The Deerfield SD 109 Board of Education on Jan. 16 received a facilities update that detailed projects planned for summer 2025, including renovations at Shepherd Middle School intended to create a fitness center and a larger band and orchestra room.
Dr. Fillippe, presenting the 20‑year master facility plan, said the district received seven bids for the Shepherd northwest renovation and that the lowest bidder was Menusos, recommended for board approval at the February meeting. He said the summer work follows life‑safety projects and construction of the district's new Buildings & Grounds facility completed in summer 2024.
The proposed scope includes repurposing an existing band room into a fitness center, renovating the vacated Buildings & Grounds space into a larger band and orchestra room, and creating a walk‑up IT tech office in the main hallway to provide device support for students. Dr. Fillippe said the district has preordered some long‑lead HVAC components and expects much of the approximately $2,800,000 cost to be charged to the capital projects fund.
Separately, administrators proposed a commercial irrigation program for Caruso and Shepherd, described as “not to exceed number of 200,000,” to preserve landscaping improvements and address drainage and turf longevity. Officials said similar systems for elementary campuses may follow once a full plan is determined.
Board members asked about HVAC lead times and the presenter explained pandemic supply‑chain impacts and the district’s strategy of ordering equipment in advance to avoid construction delays.
Next steps: administration recommended formal board action on the Shepherd bid and the summer projects at the February meeting, with the projects largely budgeted from capital projects and operations accounts.
