OPRF board authorizes $365,000 schematic-design contract for 'Imagine Act 3'; members debate referendum timing

The Oak Park–River Forest School District 200 board on the evening of the special meeting approved a project authorization with FGM Architects to produce schematic design and a project cost estimate for the district’s "Imagine Act 3" project at a cost of $365,000.

Administrators said the schematic-design phase and an accompanying cost estimate are necessary steps before any funding decisions or a referendum could be brought to voters. One administrator argued the timeline in the board packet—showing a potential April referendum—was intended to communicate a first possible date, not a commitment, saying the date represented an early achievable milestone if subsequent steps proceed on a fast schedule. "I do not see as possible for us to move through schematic design, a cost estimate and then go through a capital campaign for a referendum any earlier than this," one staff member said, explaining the timeline was aspirational.

Several board members urged caution. Two members asked that the "potential referendum" milestone be removed or reworded because the district will not have the cost estimate or a funding recommendation until early summer, and they worried publishing a specific month would telegraph a premature expectation to the community. "We're getting way ahead of ourselves," one board member said, asking that the board be allowed to contribute more to materials before they are published.

Supporters of keeping the milestone said retaining a "potential" date signals to the community that a referendum may be necessary and helps frame future public conversations—so long as communications make clear the date is tentative.

The board voted to authorize the schematic-design contract with FGM Architects for $365,000. The approval was recorded by roll call (see "Votes at a glance"). The administration said the cost estimate will be available in late spring or early summer and that the board will take additional votes before any referendum placement on the ballot.

Votes at a glance: authorization for schematic design with FGM Architects for Imagine Act 3 — motion approved by roll call.

What’s next: District staff said schematics and the cost estimate will be developed over the coming months; the board will revisit funding strategy and any decision about pursuing a referendum after receiving the cost estimate and related materials.