Kaneland board accepts construction update, approves $2.744 million in summer capital projects
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Summary
After a detailed construction briefing, the Kaneland CUSD 302 board approved $1.43 million in capital projects for summer 2026 and up to $1.314 million for summer 2027, moving referendum-related phasing forward and preserving flexibility for alternates and zoning-dependent schedules.
The Kaneland CUSD 302 Board of Education on Tuesday heard a comprehensive construction update and approved capital projects tied to the district's referendum-driven plan.
Administration and the district's design and construction teams described a multi-phase program that includes classroom refreshes and elementary playground and roofing work in 2026, relocation of the transportation facility and a new maintenance building, and larger high-school renovations to follow. The high-school scope presented includes stadium redevelopment, a four-court field house with a six-lane track, a secure new main entrance, classroom and library renovations, and updated locker-room and career‑tech spaces.
Director of Buildings and Grounds Mark Payton told the board the recommended list reflects priorities identified in committee meetings and attempts to minimize disruption by coordinating work with referendum projects. "We really did look at all of that when we arrived at the decision to bring forward those playground safety surfaces," Payton said, noting some items labeled "critical" while other low-dollar repairs remain part of regular maintenance.
Construction manager Dave Torres (Nicholas and Associates) described the phasing and budgeting process, saying bid packages are organized into four issuances. He characterized the estimates as a 95% control estimate for early packages and a 50% design-level estimate for later work, with contingencies in place as the district proceeds toward bidding.
The board approved a motion to "approve capital projects for 2026 in the amount of $1,430,000 and capital projects for 2027 in an amount up to $1,314,000." The motion passed by roll call, Ayes 5, Nays 0 (Doctor Waller, Mister Stalcup, Mister Mankivsky, Missus Simmons and Mister McCauley recorded as Aye).
The administration emphasized that some elements remain under design and subject to zoning and stormwater approvals (including coordination with Sugar Grove and Kane County). Officials also said alternates are included in several bid packages to preserve flexibility should bid results be favorable.
The board paused further questions after the presentation and scheduled more detailed conversations with stakeholders for CTE and other specialized spaces as those designs advance.
The approval advances the district's multi-year referendum work while preserving options for alternates and site-specific adjustments required by jurisdictional review.