Consultants outline master facilities plan options for Oak Park D97; board asks for process map and community engagement

The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Board on Aug. 13 received a proposal to update its master facilities plan—the first comprehensive update since about 2015. Jennifer (STR/SDR) and district facilities staff described a four-component approach that includes a facility condition assessment, safety and security audit, sustainability alignment and educational enhancement analysis.

Scope and cost. The consultant said the new plan expands prior scopes and outlined a cost range of $182,250–$247,250 (up from approximately $152,000 for the prior plan), noting the range depends on parameters for the safety/security audit and the sustainability work. The plan would include building walk-throughs, capacity and space-utilization studies, stakeholder surveys and a prioritization framework for phased capital work.

Board feedback and process requests. Trustees asked for clarity on who will participate in walk-throughs, how students and building leaders will be engaged, and where the plan will document maintenance and outcomes from the referendum-era projects. Board members asked the consultants to return with a visual process map, an engagement timeline, options by cost and a communications plan to solicit meaningful community input (including how to prepare students and parents to give informed feedback).

What’s next: Consultants said they will refine the scope and return with a proposed plan that maps engagement points, cost options and a schedule for FACT and board review.