District 128 board approves 2027–28 calendar, awards pool HVAC contracts, rejects VHHS roofing bids

The Community High School District 128 Board of Education approved the district calendar for the 2027–28 school year at its Jan. 27 meeting, moving the start later in August and ending after Memorial Day to align with community preferences.

Board members then heard several facilities and capital project items. Staff said the summer 2027 capital plan includes replacement of the Vernon Hills High School pool HVAC. The board approved base bid package No. 1 to MG Mechanical Contracting LLC for $874,000 and base bid package No. 2 to Ephraim Carlson Construction for $597,000. Staff acknowledged the combined cost was higher than earlier estimates and that this will affect other planned projects.

Because the higher HVAC costs strained available capital funds, the board voted to reject all submitted bids for the Vernon Hills High School roof replacement and said it will re‑evaluate a phased approach in future years. Facilities staff described the roof sections deferred as past their life expectancy but not imminently failing; the district will continue monitoring and prioritize roofs with leaks.

The board also approved a contract with Patriot Paving Maintenance to seal‑coat district parking lots for $200,665.50. Staff said seal‑coating and crack‑filling are part of a 2–3 year maintenance cycle within a 20‑year pavement rotation plan.

Other procedural actions that evening included adoption of updated board policies and the semi‑annual review of closed session minutes. The meeting concluded with a vote to convene an executive session to discuss individual special‑education students under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10).