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Evergreen Park board agrees to pursue $68 million new Central Middle School on November ballot

Evergreen Park ESD 124 Board of Education · February 18, 2026

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Summary

After facilities committee review, the Evergreen Park ESD 124 board agreed to seek voter approval to fund a proposed new Central Middle School priced at about $68,000,000 and directed staff to prepare tax‑impact messaging and targeted outreach ahead of an August board vote to place the question on the November ballot.

The Evergreen Park ESD 124 board on Feb. 18 agreed in principle to pursue voter approval for a proposed new Central Middle School, directing staff and architects to prepare tax‑impact information and outreach ahead of an August vote to place the measure on the November ballot.

Board members and the facilities committee discussed two architect options and compared renovation scenarios to a full replacement. An unidentified board speaker said architects presented two lower‑cost renovation options but called them inadequate, then described a refined new‑building option priced “about $68,000,000,” which was reported in the meeting as roughly $5,900,000 less than a prior estimate.

"So our action will be to take a vote by August this year to advance it to the ballot for November," the unidentified speaker said, adding, "and I think that we should absolutely proceed down that course and put it in the hands of the voter and let them decide. It's a democracy after all." That statement framed the board’s intent to let voters decide on the financing approach rather than the board unilaterally committing funds.

Committee members emphasized logistical advantages of a new building, including the ability to stage construction so school operations could continue. The board directed follow‑up with the district’s bond counsel and the project architects to produce specific tax‑impact figures and recommended a limited set of community information sessions focused on parents at Central Middle School.

Several trustees also urged community fundraising to reduce the tax impact. One attendee urged the board to solicit business donations and suggested a donor recognition program to broaden support and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Next steps identified at the meeting include a March follow‑up with the architect and bond counsel to refine tax‑impact projections, limited informational sessions at Central to brief affected parents, and a planned August board vote to place the question on the Nov. ballot.